MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS
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My wife and I met Hazel Robinson not long after we moved here in 1996 and were immensely impressed by her imagination, her selflessness, and her dedication to the devlopment of the Montford Park Players which she had founded some twenty years before. Over the past dozen years and more, I have taught several summer courses (UNC Asheville's College for Seniors, Center for Creative Retirement) tied to MPP productions and included attendance at a performance and discussions with director and actors as part of the course. The people involved in the MPP are absolutely remarkable, not only for their commitment to Shakespeare -- evident even on the few occasions when my wife and I thought the production was unsuccessful -- but also for their commitment to Asheville. Hazel Robinson as the founder of MPP has done an enormous, enduring service to this community. I look forward to many more summer courses in connection with the MPP.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Many many ways, as I indicated above in my review.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
After moving to the area and having worked in the theatre industry in the past, I was so happy to find a theatre providing professional, no cost Shakespeare Performances to people in the community. I was able to get involved with the theatre, meet the volunteers, board members and managing director, what wonderful people to go along with such a wonderful organization. This nonprofit truly stands behind its mission, giving the community great live theatre that works towards education, togetherness, and affordable entertainment.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching audience members enjoy live productions produced by this theatre.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Getting to know the dedication of the volunteers.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and hard-working.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
provide theatre to a more wide range group of people.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
Shows by MMP at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater are one of my great Summer joys. Truly, we are blessed to have such talented individuals working on their shows and the incredible, accessible, pass-the-hat price? Unheard of in this day & age! How special to have great theatre at a price that literally everyone can afford. What a gift.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the wonderful performances they put on each Summer.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The level of talent is incredible and the atmosphere created is amazing.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very kind, very helpful, very talented. I remember one occasion in which one of their star actors helped a woman who had slipped and hurt her ankle after the show. Still in full costume he stayed with her comforted her until medical help arrived.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
I can only imagine...Perhaps renovate the theater grounds for ease of use, update/add equipment, compensate it's talent, branch out & offer more opportunities to see their work in the community, maybe start an acting camp for at-risk youth, who knows!
Ways to make it better...
Sometimes it is hard to hear all the lines delivered. It's possible that more/better (any?) sound equipment would help this...but to an extent the lack of mic.s enhances the experience and adds to the real, outdoor theater feel.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The lack of funding for the Arts in this country. An erosion in appreciation for/ understanding of the works of great playwrights (Shakespeare, Marlowe), though in my opinion they are doing much to combat the problem in Asheville.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I had the pleasure of seeing the Montford Park Players in October 2008 during my first visit to Asheville. I saw the "Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged" with my best friend, Coral, and we LOVED it. We were staying at a local hotel and they had a package deal that weekend where we got tickets to see the Montford Park Players. We almost didn't get to see the show, but they added another performance for a Sunday night and we got tickets. If I lived in or around Asheville, I would love to see more shows.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
one of their performances and they were great. I would recommend everyone see at least one show!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
most helpful. I was impressed by how friendly everyone was.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
come to Mississippi to share their performances with us. I guess I could share them with the rest of the world, if I have to.
Ways to make it better...
I would have been able to see more than one performance. I live out of state and don't have the opportunity to travel to Asheville as much as I would like.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
On a trip to Asheville in the fall of 2008, our hotel was running a weekend special that included tickets to see the Montford Park Players. Their performance of "The Complete Works of Williams Shakespeare, Unabridged" was absolutely hilarious. I keep trying to get back to Asheville - just so I can go see the Montford Park Players again! If only I lived closer......
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
2008 and it was the best thing about my trip to Asheville!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their prompt response to me wanting to buy promotional t-shirts!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Super, super nice. Asked where I was from, if they would recommend anything else to do in Asheville, etc.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
travel and let others see how awesome they are!
Ways to make it better...
I had bought more hot chocolate! It was cold!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
One time
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
"Hamlet" in July 2009 was also our first experience. We recently moved here from Miami and can say that Miami has NOTHING on Asheville in terms of culture. This was one of the most wonderful ways to enjoy Shakespeare, laying on a blanket under a blanket of stars, sipping wine and watching a phenomenal performace of a Shakespearean classic. Out 13-year-old daughter came to truly love and appreciate Shakespeare that night. We also saw the Dickens performance this past December. Minimalist staging highlighted the talent of the thespians -- no props needed if the acting is brilliant. We love the Montford Park Players and will catch every play we can.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The personal connection the players bring to their material.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Dedicated and passionate about what they do. They obviously don't do it for the money. This community is lucky they share their passion with us.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
insure that millions of school-age children would come to appreciate classical theatre.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I first saw "Hamlet" - it was a date with my husband - picnic dinner in July in the amphitheater. Very romantic, watching the play as the stars came out. I've also brought my children up to see "MacBeth" last season. A little chillier, but still good fun (loved the Young Witch! Well, actually, loved all the Witches!) What a treat to be able to bring two jaded teenagers to something like that! "Wow, Mom, Shakespeare's pretty cool! And we could understand what was going on, even without understanding all the language." Thank you, MPP! We'll keep returning whenever we can trek up the mountain from little Lenoir.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
watching Shakespeare come alive for my children - bawdy jokes and all! For them to be able to see the passion, the intrigue, the humanness of the plays - rather than a dry reading in class - is such a gift!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
When we first moved to Asheville, we discovered the Montford Park Players through a local entertainment publication. We thought this free, outdoor performance would be an amateur endeavor ... but something fun to do in our new community. Imagine our surprise to find professional productions of Shakespeare plays in a lovely amphitheater, complete with fabulous sets. We've been to several shows and each one has been marvelous. Everyone involved with the Montford Park Players puts their heart into each performance ... and we, the audience, benefit from their dedication to their craft. We feel fortunate to have found them!
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
their performances. I've been a member of the audience on several occasions and have totally enjoyed the productions.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how much fun we have ... evenings with the Montford Park Players is always enjoyable.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
friendly and helpful.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Even though it's "Amateur Theatre", this is consistently a professional grade theatre troupe. I enjoy every performance I see. 2009's A Midsummer Night's Dream was spectacular. My wife, daughter and I saw it at least 4 times and every performance was amazing! Asheville has a treasure with the Montford Park Players.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My 12-year-old daughter's love of Shakespeare has grown with each performance she sees.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
They are accessible, educational, entertaining, professional and put on a great show every time.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
I have interacted with all levels of the Montford Park Players, from founder Hazel Robinson all the way through the actors, costumers, tech people and cleaning crew. All are wonderful people with a love of what they do.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
remodel the costume department, improve lighting and sound, start a foundation...
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Asheville is an amazing blend of natural beauty, interesting people and cultural riches. Since it's a place where I'd like to retire someday, I spent an entire month there during the summer of 2008. I rented an apartment in Montford to be within walking distance of downtown and the theatre. I had heard of the Montford Park Players and contacted them to offer my services behind the scenes. It was great fun being involved in two productions and I was able to witness the huge amount of time and dedication that these unpaid artists devote to their craft. The warm welcome that I received reinforced my desire to live in such an open-hearted place and to become a part of the arts community there.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the generosity and friendliness of the members.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
tireless. Anyone who has worked in theatre knows the long hours that go into putting on a quality production, especially on a tight budget.
Ways to make it better...
they had more space with better lighting and ventilation. The costume shop is cramped and difficult for more than one person to work in.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
funding and attracting patrons who may be only visiting Asheville.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
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