The for-profit theatre group has plans to create their own venue this summer in the Century Center (across from GoodLife Brewing and Volcano Vineyards) and hopes to raise funds to help cover start-up costs.
Volcanic Theatre is hosting a free fundraising party from 7-10pm on Friday, June 29 at the Century Center Event Center.
Professional Actor and Volcanic founder Derek Sitter has partnered with architect and fellow actor Don Tompos to launch the Volcanic Theatre Pub. The partners intend to renovate 2,500 square feet of old warehouse space in Bend’s Century Center and dedicate it to bringing Central Oregon a high standard of theatre, movies, and music with an intimate approach that gives audiences a thrilling experience right along the edge of their comfort zone.
The venue will be furnished with sofas, comfy chairs, and coffee tables to compliment regular tables and high tops, and will offer beer and wine. Sitter states “Our vision is to create an intimate environment where you can sit comfortably, as if in your own living room, and watch the best of theatre, movies, and music. We plan to limit the venue to seventy-five seats.”
Sitter founded Volcanic Theatre in 2010 and has produced Bobby Gould in Hell by David Mamet and Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story (along with partner Tompos) in local pubs including Silver Moon’s Taproom. This work garnered them a “Significant Contribution To The Arts” Award by Bend’s Arts, Beautification and Culture Commission.
Sitter also founded and operates the weekly acting studio, The Actors Realm. Local writer, photographer and former Mayor Bob Woodward states, “There’s theatre and there’s theatre. Derek Sitter brings the same professional focus and creativity to the stage that I experienced in my years of theatre-going in New York and London. It’s so inspiring to see a true actor at work and doing material that, while may seem difficult, is searing in its intensity and message. He brings the true theatrical experience to local audiences with thought provoking performances, ensemble casting and unmatched intensity and passion.”
This Fundraising Party will include live music from Avery James and The Hillandales, and Jared Nelson Smith, as well as a revival performance of Bobby Gould in Hell. Scene performers include Sitter, Tompos, Sitter’s wife Jeanne, Summit drama teacher Mandy Peoples and other students who train at The Actors Realm. There will be hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, limited Volcanic swag and a silent auction of local services that include massages, acupuncture, haircuts, teeth-whitening, acting classes, eye-exams and yoga.
Sitter and Tompos are looking to raise $20,000 to cover initial costs for equipment, furnishings, building improvements, permits and other start-up costs. Community members unable to attend the event who want to help, can send contributions to Volcanic Theatre, PO Box 1500, Bend, OR 97709. Local businesses interested in donating an item or service can contact derek@actorsrealm.com and 541-215-0516 or dtompos@bendbroadband.com and 541-678-3006.