The idea for the Borderline Theatre Group began as a series of late-night discussions among theatre friends several years ago. These discussions were the types most actors have at one time or another, especially if you can’t get enough of being on stage. “Why don’t we do more shows like….” “I really would like to do [insert name of dream production], but who’s going to put that one on?” And so on.
I enjoy working on musicals, but I prefer doing dramas and comedies with smaller casts, preferably somewhat offbeat and unexpected. I understand, though, that our local community theatre groups – which I’ve worked with happily over the past fifteen years – aren’t exactly in sync with those interests. And for good reason: it’s tough to make any money doing dramas or productions in the venues where they usually perform. But not impossible in a smaller venue dedicated to those types of productions… at least that’s my hope.
I served four years on the board of the St. Clair Theatre Guild, including three as president. I’m proud of that time, as I am the work I’ve done with Port Huron Civic Theatre and Theatre Sarnia. In 2008, I began directing the student productions at St. Clair County Community College, and teaching acting and improvisation credit courses. While I get to select the plays that we present at SC4 each season, there are still a lot of plays that I can’t (or won’t) do there, for various reasons. So The Borderline Theatre Group is a place to stage some of those plays that don’t fit anywhere else. It’s indulgent, I admit, but if you want to do something, I believe you have to go out and do it instead of waiting for someone else to give you the opportunity – or permission.
My hope is to provide an alternative that compliments the other local non-profit theatre groups, by producing plays that wouldn’t otherwise be presented in the Blue Water area, as well as provide educational opportunities for theatrical artists of all ages. That said, I believe that we need to have more, not less, live theatre in the area, so that it becomes a regular destination for our audiences instead of just an occasional entertainment option. I’m not looking to compete; I’m looking to add more options to the mix for everyone: actors, backstage crew, and playgoers in the Blue Water Area of Michigan and Ontario.
I’m beginning to talk to people who might want to be part of a “theatre tribe,” based on discussions that have been ongoing online for over a year among professionals and amateurs. If you’re interested, let me know. And you can also look us up on Facebook.
What I hope to do is put outstanding plays together with the most talented theatre people in the Blue Water area and offer the results to you, our supporters, our critics — our audience.
This is just the beginning. I’m excited to get started, and hope you will be as excited with the results.
Tom Kephart
Founder & Artistic Director
The Borderline Theatre Group