An affinity group comprised of local volunteers has formed recently to explore the feasibility of launching a community theater company in Merrill.
The next organizational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at United Methodist Church, 300 N. Mill Street in Merrill. The public is invited to give input and ideas related to the future organization’s name, business structure, possible venues and potential future projects and productions. Volunteers are being sought to hold positions on a formal steering committee, as well as future seats on a probable community theater board of directors.
Similar meetings will likely be held frequently during the early planning phases. This project is the brainchild of area resident Ed Kemery, who says he started the group because he thought local theater would be a good way to help increase Merrill’s visibility in a positive way.
“This idea came to me as I was reading various opinions on what might be done to increase Merrill’s visibility,” Kemery said in a Facebook post when he launched the online group. “I thought a dinner theater might be one thing to explore. Of course to have theater, you need a dedicated and talented group of actors, a great deal of behind-the-scenes help, and community sponsorship.”
The idea was well-received online, and membership requests poured in immediately. In its first two days, more than 60 interested members joined. Within three weeks, membership has reached 130.