We’re having a few lovely spring days before winter returns. And so I took a stroll through our community park. The tennis courts were full as were the pickleball courts. Toddlers meandered through the play structures and rolled around the grass watched carefully by their attendants. It was picture perfect in every way.
Curious, I climbed up to the open air theater to see if the Starlight Village Players had begun to prepare for their upcoming season.

I was not disappointed. The fun thing about outdoor theater is that you can generally observe the “behind the scenes” preparations. I assume the arched door leads back stage but we shall see.

To the left of the arched door, a city skyline seems to be taking shape.

To the right, another city skyline. Is that the Tower of London and Big Ben?
There are two panels in front of the skyline also in process. Red foxes, blue owls, a full moon – and is that a bear approaching? We’ll have to wait and see.
The Starlight Village Players are putting on three plays this season (in alphabetical order):
- As You Like It by William Shakespeare
- Carmilla by LeFanu
- The Spider’s Web by Agatha Christie
Which one do you think they’re working on now? Ah, let’s see. The skyline of London?

The Spider’s Web, of course. Given the synopsis of this play, I don’t know how a nocturnal, forest scene fits in. Well, as I said, we’ll have to wait and see.
I can’t wait until the end of September. That’s when the Players plan to present Carmilla which I wrote about back in 2021. Is my small town ready for a play about erotic, lesbian vampires? We shall see!

Check out other – probably more interesting doors – at Dan’s place.


Very cool doors, Jan. It must be fun to see the plays take shape. It sounds like an ambitious schedule.
It is. I’m going to wait a few days and then check out their progress. Definitely getting season passes this year.
I like this door. When I was in college I worked on [volunteer] set design one summer for the local theater guild. It was fun, but getting the scale right was beyond me. I was merely a helper.
I’ve worked behind the scenes on plays and it is fun. A lot of work – especially as these folks are volunteers, many of whom have day jobs. You’ve got to really love it with a passion!.
The wounds on your hands never seen to heal. All is wrought and betrayed. Been up since 2:30 am. Laid with her on the floor, rubbed her belly. She ate well this morning. Lamb, steak, eggs and drank a ton. So far so good. She will soon go through her door to the” otro lado”. It is a funny sort of door and we talk about it. Love. Duke
You’re a good doggie daddy! I’m glad she can enjoy at least a few pleasures on her last days. Much love back at you and Missa (and Tres, of course).
what interesting doors 💜💜
There’s really just one door so I kind of cheated!
and why not 💜💜🎶🎶
As You Like It is my favorite Shakespeare play! Lucky you to live so close to a playhouse.
Indeed – it is a real treasure.
This sounds lovely, Jan. WE don’t have anything like this here in South Africa.
An interesting selection. Carmila is mild by today’s standards… S
Depends on the director I guess.
I doubt most people today could read Le Fanu. His writing is too archaic. It will be interesting to see!
I read it in French a long time ago. Don’t remember much I must confess.
There’s sth about the doors…
So true!
Love this post peeking into “Behind the scenes”.
The backdrops look fab.
Wonderful post, Jan!
Thanks! If I wasn’t such an early morning person I would love to volunteer with this group!
I know what you mean! You’d be forced to become a night owl!
Still, they need people to attend and enjoy. You can do that!