Behind the Scenes: Public Theatre’s Production of Steel Magnolias

Description

This course is open to members of the Lewiston-Auburn Senior College and other Maine Senior Colleges. To become a member, click HERE.

INSTRUCTOR: Janet Mitchko
COST: $25
WHEN: Session 1 October 7, 11 AM – 1 PM
Session 2 October 14, 3:30-5:00 PM
Session 3 October 25 2:00 PM
 **Please note that each session is at different times.
WHERE: Session 1: LA Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 415 Lisbon street, Lewiston Sessions 2 and 3: Public Theatre

Registration for this course will end on Friday, October 9th. 

COURSE DESCRIPTION Lewiston-Auburn Senior College is partnering with The Public Theatre to offer a unique opportunity for you to get a behind-the scenes look at Steel Magnolias, the first play in The Public Theatre’s 2026-27 season, The Theatre will be offering us a sneak peek into the preparation and rehearsal process, including the chance to ask behind the scene questions about the experience of how much work it takes to produce a professional play. The course will meet October 7 - 25 (three sessions). You may have seen the much-loved film with its all-star cast, but did you know that Steel Magnolias was originally an award-winning Off-Broadway play? Filled to the brim with humor, heart and hairdos, laughter flows as freely as shampoo in this beloved comedy celebrating the lives and friendship of six sassy, southern women who gather weekly at their local hair salon to navigate the joys and challenges of life together. 

Session One: (At the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room (415 Lisbon Street, a short walk from the Public Theatre) October 7 from 11-1. A two-hour discussion with the director/Artistic Director of The Public Theatre about the themes and content of the play including behind the scene stories about the production process as well as a sneak peek look at set and costume designs for the play. After the discussion, we will travel over to the Public Theatre to see the set “in progress” and experience up close the amazing craftsmanship of the designers and carpenters. 

Session Two: Wed, October 14 (at the Public Theatre, 3:30-5:00 PM) A Rehearsal Sneak Peek: Attend a short piece of rehearsal to watch the script transition from page to stage. See the Director work with the actors to make the story come to life. 

Session Three: Sun, October 25 at the Public Theatre, 2pm. Attend a matinee performance of Steel Magnolias, followed by a post-show discussion with cast members, led by The Public Theatre’s Artistic Director, Janet Mitchko.

NOTE: Participants will be asked to read the play’s script prior to the first session. It is available in one of three ways:
1.You may purchase the script at Concordtheatricals.com for $15.
2. You can sign out a free copy at the Public Theatre for 3 days. Please call ahead to reserve the copy for pickup at 782-2211.
3. The Lewiston Library will have a copy of the script for borrowing.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: JANET MITCHKO is the artistic director of the Public Theatre. A native New Yorker and graduate of the esteemed theatre program at Carnegie - Mellon University, Janet has earned her living as a professional director, actress, acting teacher and voiceover talent for the past 45 years. The Public Theatre has been her artistic home since 1993.