MANLIUS, N.Y. (NCC News) – A new program at Manlius Library is providing an opportunity for local writers and actors. On Tuesday, performers attended the second meeting of “Words on Stage,” an event designed for artists to gain experience and meet others in the writing and acting community.
Attendees of the program can choose to either share original work, perform a piece of popular literature, or simply watch others perform. Peter Spartano, the organizer and producer of Words on Stage, wanted to create a space where writers and actors are able to bring pieces to life.
Tim Fox, a Words on Stage participant who performed “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe, has known Spartano for the past 40 years and hopes this program inspires artists to get out of their shell and work on their craft.
“I think this hopefully encourages people to bring their work out, let people hear it, see what it sounds like, and work on it, and then try it again next month,” Fox said.
The library has been working to get the word out about this program – publicizing through its social media, hanging flyers around town and posting about the event on websites such as Facebook and Eventbrite.
Laura Major, the Programming Librarian for Adults, helps Spartano with the event. Performers must share their work with her to be approved before each meeting. However, Major said that performers shouldn’t be intimated by this requirement because she is only looking at the length of each piece – ensuring that a performance is not too long and having actors perform a segment of a play if they submit a full-length performance. Words on Stage is designed to have an open-door and inviting environment for its participants.
“It’s not just ‘we’re going to select this person,’ ” Major said about the review process. “Everyone who submits can come and participate. So that’s the cool thing about it.”
Fox is also excited about the comradery of the program and has encouraged the community to attend the next event if they have a piece they have been wanting to share.
“Be brave! You know, you’ve probably been writing for years and never bothered to show anybody and you didn’t think anybody would pay any attention,” Fox said. “Well, people pay attention. You put a lot of effort into it [your work].”
Words on Stage plans to meet again in the Story Time Room at Manlius Library on Nov. 8 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
