As if closing down to the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t bad enough, the Sandy
Actors Theatre (SAT) lost its sign after it took a beating during the high wind
event from last year.

Now, that sign is repaired and back in its proper place by Ace Hardware and
the theater also has its first performance in more than a year with

“Relationships at Play,” a collection of monologues and two person scenes that
can be watched online.

“It’s just a way for us to say we’re still around,” explained Joni Tabler, a SAT
board member who helped spearhead the virtual show.

Tabler, who also acts and directs at SAT, noted that all the scenes for the
online show have to do with relationships, such as family and friends, and
feature a number of familiar actors who have performed with SAT in the past.
There is also footage of readings and viewing the show is free, with viewers
encouraged to offer a donation instead.

A link to the show is available at the theater’s website,
https://sandyactorstheatre.org.

Meanwhile, Tabler added that the theater is preparing for a 2021-22 season
with live performances, hopefully opening by the end of September and likely
featuring four plays (instead of the usual five). She noted that the first
priority, however, is ensuring that the audience is safe.

“We’re not going to do anything that’s going to put anybody in a bad
situation,” Tabler said. “That’s why we’ve taken our time to come back.”
Tabler couldn’t divulge specific plays the theater has selected since the order
of shows is unknown, but noted they have small casts and are all comedies.
“We need something that’s a lot lighter for how it is right now,” she said.
Tabler added that the closure of the theater due to the pandemic has been a
challenge, but they got help from a grant to pay rent and bills. She also
reflected on how the silver lining was that those involved with the theater
were able to make some improvements to the theater while also cleaning
things.

Meanwhile, Tabler also noted that SAT patrons have reached out to express
their support and to inquire what the status of the theater was, especially
when the sign was missing.

“They were all saying, ‘We wish you were back,’” Tabler said. “People are
anxious for us to open our doors again.”

For more information call 503-668-6834 or visit sandyactorstheatre.org.