Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you get that crazy name? Are you really a bunch of "renegades"?A: For the first several years of our existence, the Renegade Garage Players really did rehearse in a garage in Wyoming, Ohio. In fact, the 1994 production of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler was performed in this same garage for an audience of 25. The use of "garage" in our name as well as the use of "renegade" should convey the message that our theater group is informal, open to everyone, and trying to do something a little different than other non-profit groups. Q: How do I get involved? Do I have to be an actor to be involved?A: The Renegade Garage Players is always seeking new participants - both with and without disabilities. Acting is just one of the activities we engage, so, no, you would not have be an "actor" to join the group. We welcome help with our theater productions, community service events or educational workshops. With our plays, we love technical, behind-the-scenes help although we generally insist that everyone involved take at least a small acting part in our play productions. With our service and education activities, we are confident we can find a meaningful way for everyone - regardless of skill level - to participate. To get involved, request a participant application from Joe Link at (513) 328-6300 or by e-mail at info@rgplayers.org. Q: Is your group just for people with disabilities?A: No, this truly is a group aimed at bringing people with and without disabilities together. Over the last 13 years, we have had more than 100 participants, at least 30 of whom have had no visible disability. Q: I don't have any prior acting experience. Can I get involved?A: Yes. In fact, our group prides itself on being many people's first exposure to acting. We like to have a few experienced faces among each of our casts, but we are happy to involve anyone of any acting level. Q: How do you select your plays? Do you do any musicals?A: Generally, our plays have been intellectually-oriented rather than being "crowd-pleasers". Many people with disabilities have had opportunities in elementary school or high school to be involved in plays, but often people with disabilities have not been invited to participate in more cognitively-challenging plays by authors like Ionesco, Wilder and Ibsen. We want to expose people with disabilities to something they have not done before. We have performed two musicals in 2003 and 2004, and look forward to producing more in the future. If you are a musician/arranger/choreographer and would like to help us produce a musical, by all means, contact us. Q: What types of disabilities are represented in your group?A: People with physical, mental and emotional disabilities have all been involved in our group. Q: I live in the Cincinnati area and would like to join up, but I cannot drive. Can anyone drive me to activities?A: We always ask that participants first check to see if they are eligible to use ACCESS, the local paratransit system. However, if someone is really interested in joining the group, and does not have transportation, than we will make every effort to assist with transportation. We have some wonderful participants who have big hearts when it comes to driving other participants to and from rehearsal. Please contact Joe Link at (513) 328-6300 or by e-mail at info@rgplayers.org if you anticipate that transportation will be a barrier to participation. Q: How much do tickets to your plays cost? What do your other programs cost?A: Admission to our plays is by donation. We cheerfully accept donations of any amount, and all donations are tax-deductible. At our current performances at the Cincinnati Museum Center, parking does cost $4.50. There often is a fee associated with participating in our programs. If an individual cannot afford our fees, we do have a financial assistance programs for which anyone can apply. Q: Where do you get your funding?A: Scores of generous donors give time and money to the Renegade Garage Players each year. Our work is also supported by the Purdy Foundation, the Fine Arts Fund, Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Junior Women's Club of Wyoming, the Miller-Valentine Group, American Council of the Blind - Cincinnati Chapter and Rogers Jewelers. If you are interested in making a donation at any level, please contact us at (513) 328-6300. All donations are tax deductible. We also numerous fundraisers including the Ides of March Dinner, the Couch Potato Walk in Montgomery, the Spring Crime Mystery, the RGP MusicFest, a car wash, and the RGP Game Night. If you would be willing to help behind the scenes, contact Joe Link at (513) 328-6300 or by e-mail at info@rgplayers.org. |
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