A blank canvas, a blank screen, a blank sheet of paper, and an empty room — a handful of things of which I'm inherently terrified. I think all creative people feel that way about the blank space, Here's a picture of a recently-blank room. It is the room where an original melodrama will be performed for the first time. Even the posters advertising the event proclaim "world premier." And, it is.

My partner Donald Mellen has written another original melodrama — three of which have been published. Every year for the past four years, his original melodramas have been performed in the community room on the grounds of the Wayne County Historical Museum, to raise money for the Richmond Civic Theatre (RCT). (Many years before that, these plays were performed in a tent on the grounds of the museum.)

And every year, it all starts with a blank page. It's as daunting as it is terrifying. (Not the show, but the preparation for the show.) Actually, this year, the preparation has been much more enjoyable because we've had lots of amazing help from, not only the cast members (who have have been rehearsing), but also from spouses and partners of cast members, a highly experienced co-director, Jane Turner, an irreplaceable costumer, a talented accompanist, and close friends.

Last Saturday, many of these dedicated volunteers appeared at RCT's shop to help load a large truck to the gills—just to move and unload the same truck a mere four blocks away at the museum grounds. We built a stage and proscenium from scratch and hung the historic sponsor curtain (an artifact that is nearly 40 years old and needs special attention and care). Our day started at 9 a.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m.

After that, Don and I continued doing as much as we could to get as far ahead as we could. Sunday and Labor Day were spent painting sets and prepping stage pieces, collecting more materials, and packing both our cars. We're feeling pretty good about our progress.

Tomorrow, we'll be at the museum, and will be there every day this week from 9:30 a.m. until around 10 p.m. finishing up the performance space (including a lighting "bar" because there is obviously no fly space), setting up signage, seating and a popcorn machine, designing a program, and continuing rehearsals.

Someone at the theatre (I don't know who) reportedly said, "Why all the fuss about the melodrama -- it only raises $2,000 for the theatre?" I don't know who said this, but I would invite that person to see original theater in action, right here in little ol' Richmond, Indiana. Come by and see how we transform a blank room into something special. The empty room, once terrifying, is a unique and wonderful live performance space. And, Don will tell you, it started out with a blank piece of paper.

The 2016 World Premier Melodrama Fundraiser:

"The Clock Runs Out for Isabelle Tyme, or, Ask Not for Whom the Belle Strolls"
Opens Friday, Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Other performances, Saturday, Sept. 10 & 11, 2 p.m.
Wayne County Historical Museum, Richmond, Indiana
Tickets available at door - no reservations needed

Money raised supports Richmond Civic Theatre - now in it's 76th Season