Sullivan County Council on the Arts Roving Historical Theatre

Roving to Fox and Elkland Townships

NOTE: The complete scripts to the plays for 2007, 208, 2009, and 2010, as well as the Renaissance Feast plays given in 2005 and 2006, can be accessed from our archives.

"Northwest Passage," the 2010 Roving Historical Theater play, was performed May 28, May 30, and June 5 at the Endless Winds Fire Hall in Shunk.

It focused on Fox and Elkland Townships. Much of the historical material came from the Sullivan County Historical Society Museum in Laporte, including their extensive Laurel Leaves collection of some 350 oral histories compiled by Sullivan County High School students in the 1980s. This area of the county is noted for its multi-generational families.

Scenes featured early settlers, the Quaker influence, two murders, the Genesee Road, skunk hunting, the Underground Railroad, and a "skinned woman," all encountered by a Native American making his way on foot to recovered his lost heritage.

We have changed our overall schedule somewhat - not surprising for a work in progress. At this point, future productions will include:

Mildred/Bernice - The early 20th century coal mining industry and the glory days of Bernice Baseball.
Forksville - The English influence in the original settlement of Millview in the late 18th century and the establishment of the rural electric coop in the 1930
Lopez/Ricketts - Railroads, World War I and the Depression.
Sonestown/Muncy Valley - The CCC camps of the 1930s, World War II and the 1950s.

The Roving Historical Theater is a work-in-progress, its realization depending on the musicians, actors, writers and others who become involved. Many of the topics outlined above may change as the productions evolve.

Casting is open to anyone in Sullivan County and the immediately surrounding area, regardless of age or acting experience - all will be accepted; no one will be turned away.

The Arts Council is also looking for musicians familiar with the types of music and instrumentation that were popular locally in various periods.

Finally, writers are needed to help craft the skits that will form the backbone of each heritage production. Playwriting experience is not necessary, just a feeling for the spoken words of the region.

To keep up with all Sullivan County Council on the Arts doings, email and ask to be added to the weekly email update.

Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the Roving Historical Theater can email us or phone 570-928-8927.