Major Changes for Tater Patch productions

CHANGES OF VENUE AND DATES FOR ALMOST,  MAINE
by Nan Nawrocki

Tater Patch Players has changed the dates and location for the next show.  It will still be the delightful and witty Almost, Maine. The show will  be presented at the Pickens Chamber of Commerce, in Lee Newton Park, on Highway 53.  The number of performances and dates have been changed:  The shows will be February 18, 19, 20 at 7:30 PM and February 21 at 2 PM — one week only.  The change of dates and location has caused a little delay in ticket availability, but tickets will be available soon.  The ticket prices will remain the same as previously announced.   Prices in advance at the in-town outlets of Jasper Drug and both Community Bank of Pickens County branches will be $8 for students and $10 for adults.  Tickets will also be available online through the website (www.taterpatchplayers.org).  Tickets at the door will be $2 more per show.  Pat Jewell’s series of articles, co-authored by the directors involved in this show, will resume next week.
As previously announced, the troupe will have a “Pay What You CAN” performance but it will be at the February 18 show.   This will directly benefit the CARES food pantry and also assist members of the community who might not be able to afford to attend live theater shows to do so.  The items the Food Pantry needs are canned and non-perishable food items,  rice, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter and toiletries such as shampoo or cleaning products such as laundry detergent.   At the box office there will be information available and representatives to answer questions about becoming a part of Tater Patch.  Being a part of the troupe  is always a good way to see a show.  The Pay What You CAN admission is only good at the door, not for advance ticket sales.  Other patrons who pay regular ticket prices are welcomed and encouraged to bring items for the food pantry as well.The Tater Patch Players will no longer be performing at Pickens High School. The Players wished to rent the PHS small auditorium as they have past years, however the  new User Fee rates  enacted by the Board  of Education make this too expensive for the troupe. The hourly fees apply to all hours the Players would need the facility.   As many of you know, the cast and crew not  only need to use the stage for the performances, but also to set up scenery and set lights and for the actors and crew to have at least a few rehearsals on the set.  While the troupe is disappointed, they are determined that the show must go on.  During their meeting where this decision was made, members of the Tater Patch Board expressed thanks to the high school for all the years they have been able to perform in their auditorium.Tater Patch is working very hard to secure a performance venue for the rest of the shows that are scheduled for the season.  Announcements will be made as soon as anything is finalized.  Because they cannot yet predict the dates they may be able to perform for the rest of the year, season tickets and season advertising packages will not yet be sold.  However, anyone interested in advertising in the playbills on a show-by-show basis, or sponsoring a show,  is encouraged to contact the troupe through their website.Tater Patch President Bob Countryman said “We are determined to continue Tater Patch’s tradition of bringing live theater to this community.  We will work very hard to solve this venue situation.”  As many of you know, times are financially a little tough right now, but if you would be interested in donating to the troupe’s future you may send an email through the website or send postal mail to Tater Patch Players, PO Box 267, Jasper, GA 30143.  Remember their slogan “If it’s entertaining, it’s Tater Patch”.  And keep watching for more information to come out soon.