Would you like to lend a helping hand to Mac-Haydn projects?

Even though we're not in the offices there, winter and spring are just as busy as summer around the theatre. Besides picking the shows and getting ready for the coming season, there is always work to be done on all of our buildings and in our costume storage.

Anyone who would like to be part of the many MHT Behind-the-Scenes projects is more than welcome to join in!

Did you know we make all of our own costumes and that there are thousands of them stored in three different places in and around the theatre? One great big project this winter is to organize the acres of fabric in storage. There is a lot of gorgeous stuff there, but it has gotten into such a mess the designers can't find it. Plus, we just received a donation of three carloads of wonderful fabric, thanks to Karen. There will be several Saturday work days, starting with one on January 10, as well as times during the week, to sort, measure, fold and stack all of this between now and May (watch the website for details).

We are also trying to rearrange the storage space and costumes need to be moved, folded, re-hung, and so on -- basically we are trying to create room and better organize the costumes to make it easier for designers to find things to use.

There are also costumes that need mending, and we would love to get a Mac-Haydn label sewn into every piece. If you'd like to do some sewing, we have projects for you!

Our Cast Houses always need attention. The Cast House committee is great, but there's more to do than three people can deal with. The houses will need some repair, sprucing up, and cleaning before people start to arrive in mid-May.

There are some things that need done at the theatre itself. One big one, thanks to the ice storm, is clearing downed trees and branches. There was, thankfully, no damage to the building, but there are now trees down in parking areas that will need to be cut and disposed of. Anybody have a chain saw that needs a workout?

Also, a shed space created last summer needs painting, the back deck where the actors hang out always needs a few boards replaced and painted, and there are bound to be other repairs and painting to spiffy us up for the 2009 season.

The last Saturday in April is usually our open-the-theatre party . We vaccum seats, clean bathrooms and backstage, clear out the lobby, and get as much possible ready for the start of the season. There are also last minute things that need to be done to finish this up in the last week before opening.

If you would like to help with any of these, or join our volunteers during the season ushering, coffee house or food booth, or lend a hand in the set, prop or costume shops, please let us know at machaydn@fairpoint.net, along with the times available and what you'd like to work on. We always have a good time, and you're bound to pick up some behind-the-scenes MHT stories.

Thanks so much!