2009 Welcome to Wise.indd - Wise County Messenger

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WISE COUNTY Off 380 Players
MESSENGER PHOTO BY JOE DUTY
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Those seeking entertaining theater should look no further than the Bridgeport Stage, home
to the Off 380 Players. The Players wrapped up its eighth season with “Suburb” and are
looking to start the 2009-2010 season
with auditions in August.
“We’re looking at seven productions
a season,” said Stan Baker,
former president of the board of
directors. “We’re very excited.”
The Off 380 Players formed in early
2000 and has enjoyed growth in
numbers and productions since that
time.
“We are a small and enthusiastic
group,” Baker said, saying that the
membership fluctuates from 150
to 200 members who do everything
from acting to handing out tickets.
“Every year we grow.”
For the last three seasons, the
organization has called the Bridgeport
Stage home, which has helped
the organization develop roots in the
community, but although they are
based in Bridgeport, they draw members
from around the county.
“We have people from Decatur,
Runaway Bay, Bowie, Boyd, Chico,
Paradise — all over Wise County,”
said Judi Conger of Runaway Bay.
The organization offers community
members a chance to see their family
doctor or favorite teacher in the
spotlight.
“We’re very eclectic — we have
doctors, teachers, business profes-