Computer software engineer by day. Actor, director and theater buff by night. That's Walter Niejadlik's life, as he directs his cast for Las Vegas Little Theatre's newest production of the off-Broadway hit, "Bat Boy: The Musical."
He moved to Las Vegas from San Francisco less than three years ago, armed with a theatre degree and a desire to get involved with community drama.
"When I came here, I auditioned for their production of "Run for Your Wife," and I've been involved with them ever since," he said.
So much so, in fact, that he is now Vice President of the theatre's board.
Las Vegas Little Theatre (LVLT) started in 1978, founded by Jack Bell and Jack Nickolson, producing its first productions in a 48-seat storefront with a big structural pole running through the middle of the stage. Their first home is long-gone, replaced by the Fashion Show Mall.
The theatre moved around until settling in its home on Schiff Dr, a small industrial outlet road about a quarter-mile from the Strip. It's a simple, 160-seat venue set on risers. But many changes have taken place, especially in the last few years.
Las Vegas Little Theatre not only produces a full season of shows, but they are also subletting their space to other start-up theatres such as Dramatists and Actors Meeting Now (DAMN) and Cockroach Theatre. They are also increasing working to diversify, both their audience and the performing community's involvement.
"The goal is now, as it has always been, to increase the awareness of theater arts in Southern Nevada, provide quality productions, and to offer educational, hands-on opportunities in all facts of theatre production," Niejadlik said.
About 80 percent of their base audience is comprised of people over age 50, he said. Last year they had about 650 subscribers. Niejadlik hopes to bring that number up to 1,000 in the next year. They are looking to move to a space twice its current size within the same complex by December.
INSOMNIAC'S UNITE
As much as they appreciate their loyal subscribers, Niejadlik said "The theatre definitely hopes to get people who may have never seen a play before come in the door and see our shows."
In an effort to draw 20 and 30-somethings to the theatre, they've established the Insomniac Project, late-night productions of edgier, sometimes original material that attracts younger crowds seeking more provocative theater.
It started when LVLT treasurer Paul Thorton mentioned to Niejadlik that he'd been to North Carolina and seen a theatre that did late-night, edgy experimental theatre. Niejadlik approached the board and they have since produced several short plays for the project, including works by playwrights like Christopher Durang and David Ives.
"It actually started as an attempt to get performers on the Strip to come to the theatre, as midnight would be the best time to get them to see a show after they're done working," Niejadlik said.
Insomniac Project performs the second two weekends of their main stage production's typical 3-week runs, with midnight performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. shows on Sundays.
"Our ultimate goal would be to get a separate black box theatre for the Insomniac Project," he said.
TIS' THE SEASON
As for the regular season, LVLT has moved towards producing a well-rounded selection of the shows including: comedy, drama, musicals and classics. They try to do a Tony Award or Pulitzer Prize winning show each year. (More than a year ago they did a superb production of Terrance McNally's "Master Class.")
The shows are chosen by a selection committee, which is usually not made up of board members, Niejadlik said. Participants have to be willing to read between 30 and 60 plays in a short period of time before paring them down to a comprehensive season. The head of this year's selection committee, Jayce Stoddard, became involved with LVLT after auditioning for and being cast in an Insomniac Project last year.
Their main stage shows for 2003-2004 are "Lettice & Lovage,: "Something's Afoot," "What the Butler Saw," "A Few Good Men," "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," and "The Philadelphia Story."
THEY'VE GOT CLASS
In September, LVLT is starting a 6 week acting class, which will be offered on Saturday mornings, with separate classes for children and adults. Prices will range from $10 per class($60/6 week session) to $20-25 per class (1 weekend session for $40-$50).
"We're trying to keep the classes affordable because we want people to come in," Niejadlik said.
The plan is to eventually have classes for varying skill levels, including a cold reading weekend class.
GETTING INVOLVED
"All you have to do to get involved with LVLT is call the theater (at (702) 362-7996) and leave your name and address and express an interest in volunteering. Another good way is just to show up to one of our shows and talk to people at the box office. They will try to get you to work as quickly as possible," he said.
There is no resident company and all shows hold open call auditions.
As a non-profit volunteer organization, it's not always easy to get the word out, so LVLT reaches out to the community any place they can. Even though they've been around for many years, the ever transient and increasing Vegas population is often unaware of the theatre's existence.
Niejadlik said, "Word of mouth is our best tool for getting new people in here. We're Las Vegas' best kept secret and we're trying to change that."
For more information about Las Vegas Little Theatre, go to www.lvlt.org