THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994                    TAG: 9406240198 
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST                     PAGE: 41    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: 940626                                 LENGTH: HERTFORD 

FINAL ACT FOR PLAYHOUSE IS OPENING FOR NEW ACT

The goodbye-hello event took place at a meeting held recently at the Holiday Island Clubhouse.

{REST} The Playhouse, formed in February of 1989 garnered its initial reputation performing melodrama dinner theater productions at Angler's Cove.

Two years later there was a split, resulting from a difference of opinion among some of the members about playdates and managerial practices.

Those who left the Perquimans Playhouse organized the Bootstrap Theater and continued performing at Angler's Cove, concentrating on romantic comedies.

The Playhouse, meanwhile, remained intact, but mostly inactive.

Some of its officers decided to do what they could to get back to work, this time as part of a new group with a new name.

Several names were suggested but Albemarle Community Theater was selected, for one reason because of the acronym - ACT.

The new group inherited the Playhouse assets - sets, costumes, props, lighting and other equipment plus more than $1,200 in cash.

A lot of the profits made by the first group was donated to area civic organizations.

``We've done good things with the money,'' said Becky Carson, secretary of both groups.

One good thing the Playhouse attempted was working with Perquimans County schools.

``We tried to offer them drama,'' Carson said, ``but the schools didn't provide any kids.''

Many ACT members are teenagers, most of whom have had some experience on stage.

One goal of their newly formed drama group is a home of its own.

``Eventually, we hope to get a playhouse,'' Carson said. ``It could also be used by dance groups, and for art shows - not just for the county but the entire region.''

ACT's first order of business is a drive for charter members.

``The fee will be $1 a person for the first year,'' said Pat Phillips, president. ``Later, we'll have a family rate.''

Another task ACT is expected to undertake is a summer workshop culminating in a musical production involving adults and children.

Phillips suggested Gilbert and Sullivan's ``HMS Pinafore.''

In the fall, ACT hopes to perform for Perquimans County's annual Indian Summer Festival. The aim is a 15 or 20-minute presentation involving audience participation.

``We're a legitimate, non-profit organization,'' Phillips said. ``We're ready to go.''

by CNB