PLAY has been the THING now THE PLAY is the THING

by Harry Coffey Superintendent of Recreation

Michael Lucchessi, director, demonstrates simple use of props, use of costuming, and facial expression to create a story without words� pantomine.

In recent years the concept and scope of recreational activities offered by Park Districts have matured and broadened. The typical Park District program has expanded beyond competitive sports and similar "physical activity" offerings, into areas of cultural enrichment.

Recently, cultural pursuits have found their way into the Park Districts with surprisingly keen acceptance. A striking example of a cultural program which has met with enthusiastic support from the community is the Adult Drama Program instituted by the Franklin Park Park District.

Early in 1970 the district came up with the idea of adding an adult drama program to their activities. The primary goals of the program were to offer the residents an outlet for their dramatic talents which could be enjoyed in their leisure time, and, thereby, to provide the entire community with an easily accessible exposure to high quality live theatre.

A prerequisite to the implementation of an Adult Drama program is gaining a supportive attitude from your Board of Commissioners. This type of program can grow into a financial and space demanding activity. The park board must be aware of these aspects and support the circumstances when it becomes a reality.

The second prerequisite is finding an individual who is qualified to administer the program. Such a person must be experienced in acting, directing, stage design, lighting and sound. Michael Lucchesi was the districts choice and his success has had a great deal to do with the not so ordinary method he uses to direct the Park District plays.

There is no Board of Directors that theatre groups normally use for guidance. There are no playreading committees, director selection committee or casting committees. Mr. Lucchesi runs a benevolent dictatorship type of program. The Park District board of commissioners feels that this is the ingredient that has made the program successful.

The first meeting of the Franklin Park Players, as the group came to be called, was held on June 16, 1970. The first plays were produced in August of that same year. By April, 1974, the group had staged 25 full length plays including Greek Tragedy, Shakespeare, and contemporary dramas. The Franklin Park Players has no membership as such and is totally sponsored by the Park District. It is open to anybody interested in participating.

Mr. Lucchesi, who soon became a full time employee of the district, is the resident director of the group. He is allowed to spend up to 40% of his time on the Players. Excluding Mr. Lucchesi, all participation in the program is on a voluntary basis. The many hours of effort spent in rehearsing, designing, and building of the set for each play are freely donated by participants in the program.

To date, the total worth of the Franklin Park Players in lighting equipment, materials, costumes, furniture and theatrical scenery is over $7,000 and growing. Even more indicative of the

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 March/April, 1975

Franklin Park residents perform in "view from the Bridge."

success of the program is that well over 200 persons, from students to businessmen, have auditioned for parts in the plays staged by the group. And attendance has grown from an average of 35 people a night to nearly 100 people a night. Recently, later arriving theatre goers have seen a "Sold Out" sign at the box office.

The Players use a gymnasium belonging to the Park District as their theatre. Program participants, under the directors guidance, convert the gym into a theatre a week before each play. The stage is built, scenery is erected, and the lighting and sound equipment is put in place. Total gym time per show is one week, from Sunday to Sunday. Plays are produced between other Park District programs. The group performs seven times each year. There are two plays in August, one in September, December, January, March and June.

The annual budget is $2,500 for the players. In 1974 the group produced an income of $2,100 or over 80% of the total budgeted. All 25 shows have been produced under their anticipated individual budget. These figures show that the Franklin Park citizens are getting a minimum tax dollar usage for a maximum quality program.

In the future, the Franklin Park Players are looking forward to a permanent theatre and the establishment of a Drama School providing instruction in acting, directing, and technical aspects of theatre.

The Adult Drama Program has been an unqualified success because, from its inception, the program has provided for three basic factors:

1. A fully qualified person to head the program.

2. The financial backing necessary to succeed.

3. A facility that can be adapted for use as a theatre.

Other Park Districts considering a drama program can profit from the Franklin Park Park District's experience in this area of recreational activity.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 7 March/April, 1975