At 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes sits The Main Street Playhouse, the town’s cultural gem. Open through various incarnations and locations for over 40 years, the playhouse has long been a familiar sight for the locals and visitors alike but under the direction of Clara and Dennis Lyzniak, the theatre grew to take on amazing talent and screenplays. After decades of work billed as a community theatre, the Main Street Players has decided to move forward and become officially recognized as a professional non-equity theatre.
“We try to bring culturally relevant stories to the stage because it creates dialogue to discuss heavier topics, important topics,” said Clara Lyzniak. “We have already created an expectation of quality work, but by going professional, we’ll finally have the title to match that reputation.”
In going professional, the theatre will now compensate actors and actresses for their work on the stage, experience more exposure through reviews, expect larger groups at auditions, and they are also eligible for Carbonell awards which recognize excellent theatre work in South Florida.
“It was time for our actors, directors, and designers to get recognition for the great work they do. Going professional will lead to our shows being reviewed by the local press and getting greater exposure,” said Robert Coppel, vice president and artistic director, who has been with the theatre since the 1980’s.
The Graham Companies assisted with the transition by creating an advisory committee for fundraisers for the theatre to cover the additional expenses that come with the new title.
“We are so grateful to the Grahams for encouraging us and helping us continue the work we do here with the creation of a committee for fundraising,” said Clara Lyzniak. “We are more than ready to take this step and we want to compete with the big boys of theatre in South Florida.”
The Main Street Players group is putting on one more show for the season, The Passion of Antigona Perez, which will be their first all Spanish play. They will kick off their first season as professionals in 2017-2018 with the play Real Women Have Curves, followed by Marjorie Prime, Bad Jews, and The Underpants.
The Board of Directors have poured in their time and effort as volunteers for the growth and success of the theatre and Clara Lyzniak is quick to point out that the board is more akin to a family.
“It took a long time to get the perfect fit but I really feel we have found it with the Board of Directors,” said Clara. “They are all so hard working and really understand that in order for things to run smoothly, there is responsibility that must be handled by every person.”
The Board of Directors includes Clara Lyzniak as president and executive director, Robert Coppel as vice president and artistic director, Dennis Lyzniak as treasurer and Playhouse manager, Melissa Gonzalez as secretary, Cindy Castillo as assistant Playhouse manager, Larry Chidsey for graphic design and social media, Patty Fernandez for publicity, Charles James as Concessions manager, Daniel Nieves as Box Office assistant and publicity, John Olivera as Box Office manager, and Isaac Polanco for social media.
Those interested in sponsoring or donating to the playhouse can email president@mainstreetplayers.com. All donations are tax-deductible.