Stepping Out Press Release

BASIC THEATRE COMPANY
PRESENTS STEPPING OUT

FEBRUARY 10, 1996, SOMERVILLE, MA -- The Basic Theatre Company at the Boston Baked Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville, presents Stepping Out , written by Richard Harris and directed by MaryLee Vitale. This ensemble piece is the perfect vehicle for the BTC's unique philosophy of acting.

Unlike some productions, which can be carried by one or two outstanding performances, this ensemble show requires that all its members pull their artistic weight. Only during the actual dance sequences do all ten actors participate in full-cast actions. The rest of the time, during the exchanges, quips and quarrels that are the real focus of the play, the script shifts between small groups of characters, highlighting each for a few well-chosen lines. According to the director, MaryLee Vitale, all the different conversations are ongoing; rather than ending where the script does, they simply take turns being overheard as the volume decreases or increases.

The theatre's owner-producer, Ms. Dodie Domino, has developed an unique take on running a theatre company. Rather than seeking talent on a purely show-by-show basis, she tries to find performers who can work closely together throughout several productions.

In Ms. Domino's opinion, a show is not made by one or two "shining stars" but rather is the culmination of the work of all the actors in harmony with the director's vision. Of course an actor must have enough talent to perform his or her individual role well, but it is more important that he or she be able to complement the work of his or her fellow actors. The trick, Ms. Domino feels, is to cast actors that care more about the end product, the show that the audience sees, than their own fifteen minutes of fame.

In an interview with the Somerville Journal -- conducted in November 1994, shortly after her purchase of the BBT -- she explained her desire to form a small yet tightly knit group of actors: "I am slowly working toward finding members for a stable ensemble. What I want is a group that works together on a regular basis. I want the members to know when the other is going to breathe."

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