[NEohioPAL] Berko feature: Welcome to Blank Canvas: The evolution of a new theatre

[Roy Berko]

*Welcome to BLANK CANVAS:  The evolution of a new theatre*

The story sounds right out of a 1930s Andy Hardy movie:  with the cry,
“Let’s put on a play,” Patrick Ciamacco and his merry band of henchman,
decided, about 6 years ago to create a new theatre.  At first they thought
of the title Ghostlight Theatre, but since the name was already taken, and
not wanting to tempt a lawsuit, the decision was made to call it Blank
Canvas.  Yes, a space void of substance, opening up the possibility to
design and formulate what they wanted, with no restrictions.

After making a splash as the Laughter League, housed in Medina, Blank
Canvas was offered a space in The 78th Street Studios.  The owner wanted a
permanent theatre tenant, the group wanted a space to do what they wanted
without having restrictions placed on them such as union requirements.  It
was a match made in heaven.  Well, almost.  The owner cut a great deal, but
the creative team had to invent on the run as they needed to quickly mount
a show.

Their opening production, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MUSICAL, an adult rock musical
coming of age story about a 1970s handsome serial killer, played to
half-filled houses through the first weekend, then, as the word spread, the
85 seat theatre was sold out for the rest of the run.

The writers of CHAINSAW came, loved it, and incorporated the changes that
director Ciamacco made into their Las Vegas edition of the show.

Their second production, OF MICE AND MEN, based on John Steinbeck’s epic
tale of two farmhand drifters, received rave reviews, and also did well at
the box office.

Ciamacco indicates that “a lot of people responded favorably to the
differences in the types of the first two shows, as well as the theatre
space which is an intimate, right there space, with no audience member more
than 15 feet from the stage.”

How is it financed?  Ciamacco and some friends donated the start up costs.  The
income from the Laughter League helps.   The Near West Theatre donated the
BLANK CANVAS’s seats.  Relationships with other theatres helped get a
lighting board, and sound instruments were borrowed or rented at low costs.
Some of the area’s best technicians volunteered their time free, and the
actors were cooperative and helpful, building and painting scenery.   Yes,
it’s Andy Rooney comes to Cleveland.

What should audiences expect from Blank Canvas?  Ciamacco admits the
philosophy is evolving, changes have already been made in the description
of who the audience is and what will be the final production, but right
now, he wants low tickets prices for a quality show, a season with
something for everyone, possibly some Ohio premiers, and a place where
non-traditional theatre-goers will feel welcome.

Their next production is Will Kern’s HELL CAB.  It consists of 70 minutes
of vignettes about modern city life and the people we meet for a brief
moment but who touch us long afterwards.  Six actors play 25 roles, while a
cabbie, seated in a real yellow cab on stage, acts as the audience’s guide.
The show runs May 4-20.

Ciamacco, who is young, creative, idealistic, and probably a little naïve,
has great plans for the Blank Canvas.  Based on the first two productions,
this dynamo may be on the path to developing another fine area venue.

The theatre is located in the 78th Street Studios, 1301 West 78th Street,
Suite 211.  For tickets, which are $15,  or other information call
440-941-0458 or go to www.blankcanvastheatre.com
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