Shock and Awesome

Springfield 2nd Stage is bringing a bold new style of entertainment to downtown.

Do not go to Springfield’s 2nd Stage, downtown’s newest live action theatre, if you are easily offended, do not like vulgarity, or are sensitive in any way.

Of course, you will know this as soon as you sit down to watch any production, because announcements at the beginning of the show tell you the same thing. The website proclaims, “Warning, our shows are XXX” in big bold red letters. XXX may be a stretch but, says Jared Lee, founder and artistic director, “This theatre will probably get a reputation as the ‘bad boy’ theatre in town, you know, that other theatre… we have edgy, raw material that a lot of other people would be afraid to do because it might offend someone.”

The 2nd Stage will feature sketch comedy, The Blackout Sketch Show, twice per month, but isn’t in competition with The Skinny Improv—Springfield’s comedy staple—particularly since there’s no plan for improv at the moment. In fact, the two outfits have a rather amiable relationship; several actors perform in both locations and Jeff Jenkins, Skinny founder, is slated to direct The Santaland Diaries at 2nd Stage in December.

A unique, open forum gives audiences a chance to provide input via 2nd Stage’s website or stage box, and anyone who desires an opportunity to showcase their talent. There is literally not one genre of performance art Lee says he’s not willing to showcase—just ask him. In his theatre utopia, directors, performers and writers are equal-opportunity players.

The Blackout Sketch Show will be an every-other-Tuesday event. It consists of a fixed team of eight, including Lee, who collaborate in creating original work. Their first show went so well, he said, they sold out and will be holding an encore presentation on October 30; Lee also promises a “Christmas spectacular” from the group December.

Lee has a motivating, if not somewhat communistic, business model: The comedy team takes 50 percent of the door and splits it among one another, with the option to reinvest the money back into the show or keep the profits. A similar model exists for anyone else willing to produce or perform.

Another regular event, P.O.E.T. Revolution (People Outwardly Expressing Themselves), is similar to an open-mic night. The every-other-Wednesday affairs will feature musicians, local art, slam poetry, free verse, and anyone “willing to grace the stage with their work,” Lee says. And yes, they get a part of the profit, too.

With four theatre venues downtown, over-saturation would seem to pose a problem, but Beth Domann, creative director for Springfield Little Theatre says The 2nd Stage is a welcome addition. “I think it’s great. They offer something different than what we could or would do. We have our niche and we fill that.”

Upcoming events at Springfield 2nd Stage

Dog Sees God, Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, by Bert Royal
The Charlie Brown gang are teenagers and young adults, dealing with decidedly non-Charlie Brown themes likes sexuality, drugs and eating disorders.
November 1-3, 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.
November 11 at 2:30 p.m.

Wrecks, and Other Plays, by Neil Labute
This will be performed in two parts due to the intensity of the subject matter.
November 29-30, December 1 , 6-8 at 7:30 p.m.
January 24-26, 31, February 1, 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The Santaland Diaries
The Skinny Improv's Jeff Jenkins will be directing this play slated for December. Based on the hilarious essay by David Sedaris, he recalls his short stint as Santa’s elf in a Macy’s department store.
December 13-15 at 7:30

Check out opportunities for auditions or submit ideas and criticism at the2ndStage.com.

UGO

Springfield 2nd Stage
440 S. Campbell Ave.
417-880-9003
the2ndstage.com
Blackout Sketch Comedy (next show October 30) and P.O.E.T. night (November 7): $5. All other shows: $10
Beer, wine and premixed drinks will be available once they get a license, as well as standard theatre fare.