The following article was printed in The (Glens Falls) Chronicle on September 17, 2009 in Jason Irwin’s Column “Rock…around the clock.”

“Jason’s discovery: Little Theater rocks the farm”

“If you don’t know what you were walking into, you’d be pretty surprised when entering the big red barn at 27 Plum Road in Fort Edward. I was, even with some preparation.

Over the last several years, the 1840’s post-and-beam structure has been - somewhat magically, it seems - transformed into “the Little Theater on the Farm,” a fully-functional theater and production company. It’s the brainchild of Fort Edward resident Linda Hermans, who began the project in 2005, and opened for business in April 2007 with a production of the Hudson River Shakespeare Company’s Greater Tuna.

Since then, she has hosted events of all kinds: Theater, talent shows, auctions, craft fairs, contests and dances…even rock concerts. (Now we’re talking.)

I met Linda and got connected with the theater while doing excavation work on her farm’s pond last year. And I just said something in one of my columns about not being able to connect my day job and the entertainment scene….

The theater is cozy, with inside seating for 70. The large back doors open for additional outside seating.

“The acoustics are incredible” Ms. Hermans says, “We don’t even use the sound system for most productions, only concerts.

Most of the sound system was purchased at the garage sale of a neighbor whose son has a studio. Lighting was partially donated by Glens Falls Electric, and the seating came from a lucky break - a farmer on Black House Road, who just happened to have some spare seating in his barn, donated them when he heard about the project. Labor is by volunteers, friends, family and even youths in Washington County’s Alternative Sentencing community service plan. The results of all the hard work and dedicated support are impressive.

As a non-profit, the theater relies heavily on donations, grants (from arts associations including LARAC) and fund-raising events, which are scheduled often.

One such benefit is a “50’s-60’s Variety Show” coming up on Saturday, Sept. 26. The show’s organizer, Sandy Wheeler of Hudson Falls, says it’s the first of its kind here, and adds that the pre-show response has been enormous.

Scheduled live performers include Jack Benedetti, Ed Comeau, Bob Marcotte, Ronald Sturges, Darlene and Rick LaLonde, and many more. Songs will be hits from the era: Tributes to The Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash - you get the idea.

Mrs. Wheeler, who is also the Little Theater board’s secretary, is on the bill as well. “My two granddaughters and I will be singing ‘Mister Sandman,’ she says. And, - how cute is this? Seven-year-old Autumn Williams of Fort Edward will be singing “How Much is That Doggie in the Window?” (We’ll already call her the star of the show, in anticipation.) Little Theater treasurer Tom DuFore has also evolved into the Master of Ceremonies for most events, including this one. “I usually end up on stage make the announcements,” he joked.

As to why she does it, Ms. Hermans, a retired teacher, says, “I love to organize events and am delighted when people enjoy our presentations or have a positive response when they rent the theater for an event or production.” She says, “I guess you would call me an enabler. I am especially delighted when working with young talent.”

The sentiment is supported by the theater’s regular schedule of student talent shows - the fourth and last of the season is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19.

For family fun on the spooky side, check out the “Haunted Barn,” coming October 23 to 25.

More info: www.littletheater27.com.

-30-