Wednesday, June 5, 2002

Offshoot going strong on Southside

Offshoot Productions, the Southside's longest running professional theater, is the brainchild and dream of Susan Steadman and friend Susan Dolan, who no longer lives in the area.

The theater group officially came into being in the fall of 1993. The two Susans wanted to offer an alternative to community theater.

"We wanted to offer plays not typically done by the community theaters such as classics, cutting-edge and plays that might take a political position," said Steadman.

Another difference between community theater and the type theater offered by Offshoot is their use of professional actors from outside the community as well as local apprentice actors. The balance of professional and local actors allows students of the theater to gain experience and knowledge from seasoned actors.

Steadman has directed some four dozen productions for professional, alternative, community, and educational theatres from New Jersey to Texas, and has taught theatre at numerous universities, colleges and private schools. With a specialty in improvisation, she has conducted acting and directing workshops in Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia.

She is a produced playwright and member of the Dramatists Guild and has authored many articles on theatrical practice and dramatic literature and criticism. Her articles have appeared in such publications as Dramatics and Women & Performance. Her scholarly book on theatre and feminism, "Dramatic Re-Visions," published in late 1991 by the American Library Association, received glowing reviews.

Offshoot also offers a wide assortment of classes for students of all ages. They host free and low-cost workshops, teaching students all aspects of theater. Classes include such topics as "Shakespeare for Young Actors," "Creating a Play" and "Creative Dramatics."

The group is busy getting ready for its next production, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The show will run weekends at Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville July 12-28. Tickets will be sold at the Peachtree City Library, the Fayette County Library, Omega Bookstore in Peachtree City and all three Gold's Gym locations.

Seniors interested in theater will find numerous opportunities to volunteer throughout the year to help Offshoot. Set design, ushering and ticket collection, help with after-show photography are just a few of the volunteer areas open for assistance.

Additionally, donations are always helpful ­ with the downturn in the economy, some of the larger supporters of numerous theater groups have pulled back, leaving a gap in finances for the non-profit groups.

Those with past experience in theater, or who are strong supporters of the arts, may also be interested in becoming a member of the Board of Directors.

Contact Susan Steadman at 770-631-2362 or visit the Web site, www.OffshootProductions.org, for more information.

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