RhinoLeap takes next step in its evolution

ASHEBORO — RhinoLeap Productions is taking “found spaces” to a new level. The Asheboro-based professional theater company will be presenting “Sense & Sensibility” and “Constellations” as a repertory company during the month of October at Starworks in the Montgomery County town of Star.

Jeremy Skidmore, executive director of RhinoLeap, explained that a repertory company presents more than one show in rotation. A troop of actors normally is hired to perform in the shows. In this way, Skidmore said, the public and the actors establish a relationship.

An advantage for the actors is that they receive full-time salaries during the life of the production. But that makes it more expensive for the company. Skidmore said there are “few repertory theaters left.”

The RhinoLeap repertory production at Starworks will be a minor version, running just one month. But it’s another step in finding out what the public wants.

RhinoLeap has experimented with “found spaces.” Patrick Osteen, interim artistic director, said, “The pandemic caused us to take this form — in a mill, in the mayor’s space (Asheboro Mayor David Smith’s building on North Street), at Four Saints (Brewing Co.) and on a tennis court. It’s a unique experience. The space changes the perception for (the audience).”

Skidmore added that the production on the tennis court was “The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged.” “It has been done all over the world but folks remember ours for where it took place.

“At Starworks, we think about how to satisfy the locals and how to draw people to Asheboro — how to make it new. Two shows at once brings synergy.”

The repertory theater is also something new for Starworks, 

“Starworks is probably more well-known internationally than locally. It’s an incredible resource nearby,” Skidmore said. “They bring visual artists from all over the world. And it’s the largest supplier of potter's clay. That allows them to do riskier things. We’re the first live (theater) organization they have invited.”

RhinoLeap began setting up for Starworks the first week in September and will begin presenting “Sense & Sensibility” on Oct. 5. “Constellations” will begin the next week and the two productions will alternate days through Oct. 27.

Skidmore said a challenge for RhinoLeap is that “local people want to see things they’ve heard of. People from other cities want something they haven’t seen before. At Starworks, they will have a unique experience, a found spaces show.”

Osteen, himself an actor who will perform in both productions, said, “This is a fun thing for actors to do. This could be something to continue, to see the agility of actors (playing different parts in more than one play), if the audience is willing to take advantage of more plays.”

It comes down to what the people want to see, according to Skidmore. “If we’re trying to feed demand, we need to know what the demand is. We’re trying different things.”

He said next year RhinoLeap plans to put on four plays, but only one at the Sunset Theatre. “We’ll pursue what people get excited by. Also, we’ll draw people where they haven’t been before. And what Starworks gains is people who haven’t been there.

“We’re thinking about how to connect with as many stakeholders as possible,” he said, “entry points for other organizations.”

Osteen agreed, saying, “We can bring together organizations that don’t normally work together, taking different organizations and exposing them to more of the public.”

RhinoLeap tickets can be purchased at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth Street, Asheboro, or online at rhinoleap.com/live.

Showtimes:

Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 6, 2:30 p.m. —  Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 9, 7 p.m. —  Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 10, 7 p.m. —  Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 13, 2:30 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 13, 7 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 15, 7 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 16, 7 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 17, 7 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 20, 2:30 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 20, 7 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 23, 7 p.m.— Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m. — Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. — Constellations

Oct. 27, 2:30 p.m. —Sense & Sensibility

Oct. 27, 7 p.m. — Constellations

- All at Starworks, 100 Russell Dr., Star; Approx. 25 min. drive from Asheboro 

- Tickets are $30 for either show.

- Purchase tickets at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro, or online at rhinoleap.com/live.

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A brief look at  Starworks, its cafe 

STAR— Located at 100 Russell Drive, Starworks is a 501(c)(3) not for profit arts organization that includes Starworks Café & Taproom, Starworks Ceramic Supply Shop, multiple galleries, artist studios, and a growing Artist Residency program. 

It also houses the Starworks Café & Tap-room, a full-service coffee shop, taproom, and live music venue, offering specialty coffees, smoothies, an array of craft beers, wines, and ciders, along with locally prepared soups, sandwiches, and snacks. 

The café provides a spacious and comfortable setting for gatherings of all sizes, welcoming both families and artists. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are also invited to join the fun. 

Starworks Café & Taproom’s hours are Monday, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed on Sundays and federal holidays. 

Below is its lineup of community events and weekly drink specials: 

- Dollar Off Days: Enjoy $1 off select drinks — cans and bottles on Monday, drafts on Tuesday, and wine on Wednesday. 

- Weekly Yoga: Gather at Starworks every Tuesday at 5:30pm for a yoga session ($5 per person), followed by a relaxing drink at the café.

- Game Night & Run Club: Every Wednesday enjoy Game Night until 9pm, with the Run Club meeting at 5:30pm. 

- Arts & Drafts: Unwind creatively every Friday from 5-8 pm with Arts & Drafts. Grab a pencil or paintbrush and pair your creativity with Friday special: $8 draft beer flights. 

- Cosmic Karaoke: Now on the first Friday of every month, Cosmic Karaoke keeps the café open late, from 7 pm until at least 10 pm. 

- Open Mic Night: Hosted by Rod Brady, this event takes place every third Thursday at 7 pm. 

- Old-Time Jam: Bring your string instrument and join the jam, or simply enjoy the music, every fourth Thursday at 7 pm. 

- Trivia Night: Test your knowledge every third Saturday at 7 pm and compete for drink tickets and bragging rights. 

Check StarworksNC.org for a complete monthly events calendar.