FULTON, NY – CNY Arts Center is excited to announce recruiting efforts are paying off with the addition of John Gamble as technical director for theatre productions at the Arts Center, 357 State St.
As technical director, Gamble will oversee set building, painting, and prop design for productions currently in rehearsal including Searching for Eden: The Diaries of Adam and Eve, and Willy Wonka Jr.
Other productions are planned throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to add John to our artistic staff,” said Nancy Fox, executive director. “This is a hugely important role in theatre and demands close attention to safe and cost effective construction techniques. John not only has training and experience in set and prop construction, he also has a deep passion for the challenge of finding creative solutions. A tree made of cardboard and burlap comes to life in John’s hands, a hefty looking rock is actually soft and spongy when applying techniques for building safe but realistic looking everyday items.”
Gamble, an alum of SUNY Oswego theatre department, quickly moved into professional theatre after graduation.
He has theatre credits with New York Stage and Film in Poughkeepsie, Mac-Hayden Theater in Chatham, NY, and in Dubai helping set a world record for the largest fireworks display for Grucci Family Fireworks.
After returning to Oswego to be near family, John was recommended to CNY Arts Center through a mutual acquaintance.
“We found his skills and dedication to his craft to be a great asset and a perfect fit for our needs,” Fox said. “He immediately took on both productions scheduled back to back and has Eden almost performance ready with the show opening February 14. He will jump right in to Willy Wonka Jr and lead teams of parent volunteers in a huge set build involving painted backdrops, waterfalls, factory machinery with moving parts, and all the demands of the familiar story.”
“For his part, John has expressed excitement for the prospects of a professional theatre in Oswego County where he can work and continue to live close to family. It is the desire of many artists who must choose between sacrificing artistic pursuits in favor of employment to stay in the area near family or move away and sacrifice family connections to pursue employment and artistic outlets in more urban areas,” Fox added. “With a healthy arts culture in the region, there are more options to consider. CNY Arts Center’s mission is dedicated to creating those options.”
Searching for Eden: The Diaries of Adam and Eve runs three performances only, February 14-16 at the Arts Center location, 357 State St. (Park Street entrance).
With dinner, dessert and the show on February 14, doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The show continues with Dessert Theatre February 15 at 8 p.m. and February 16 at 3 p.m. with special theme desserts available.
For more information, visit www.CNYArtsCenter.com or call 592-3373.
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