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Article
By
Ken Smouse
Where we've been and where we're going...
PM&L Theatre has entertained audiences and offered opportunities to local actors and actresses for over four decades.
P for Palette, symbol of the artist; M for Masque, symbol of the actor and L for Lyre, symbol of the musician, were put together to form the name of the group of people who were interested at that time primarily in producing (overseeing the executive and financial aspects) of plays, art works and concerts. Some one dozen individuals (actors, business people, artists and musicians) banded together and donated $10 each. With $120 burning a hole in their pockets the group set out to bring culture to Antioch.
Shows and art exhibits were given for the benefit of the Antioch Women's Club, Lake County Mental Health Group, and various P.T.A.s. In 1963 the group was offered the opportunity to rent the Lakes Theatre (originally named the Crystal Theatre, constructed circa 1914*) on Main Street. With the added responsibility of maintaining a theatre and putting something on the stage with some regularity, it was decided that membership should be broadened to include general members. The response was gratifying. P.M. & L. moved into the theatre, which is its home today, and with few exceptions has not looked back since. In fact, in 1982, the group (with some trepidation) purchased the building.
Notices for auditions are announced in several local newspapers and radio outlets (as well as on the web) and are open to all. Persons interested in working in the theatre, either on stage or off, need not hold a membership in the group, but are certainly welcome to do so. Membership meetings are held on the second Sunday of every other month, beginning in September.
A play reading committee makes tentative play selections prior to each new season. The slate is then reviewed, approved or changed by the board of directors.
There are approximately eight weeks between auditions and opening night and then the show runs for three consecutive weekends. If you asked anyone who has been involved in any aspect of a P.M. & L. show to describe their experience, most would probably say it had been a lot of work but, also, a lot of fun.
Over the years P.M. & L.'s financial support has come from ticket sales and advertising revenues; a relatively small percentage had been realized from donations. Suddenly, P.M. & L. finds itself the beneficiary of well over a million dollars and who can guess what will happen now?