“We’ve had kind of a slow but steady walk-through — we were hoping for some more but there are not a lot of people in the mall because of the (nice) weather,” said Bill Gordon, an MSU alumnus and founder of the theater.

“We’re hoping to get more people on, but we’re starting to make some headway. I think the people who came in went away with a pretty good feeling.”

The all-volunteer theater was founded in late March and consists of about 30 people, Gordon said. It has operated out of its mall store since June.

Though there were few visitors at the open house, Gordon said there was no real monetary loss, since the refreshments were donated and the makeup for face painting can be used in the future.

Gordon said the volunteers who came in to help run the open house were able to work on some small projects like set design and stage lighting for the upcoming show, which runs from Aug. 14-24.

“This is my first production with (Gordon), so I’m new to it too,” said Alex Winn, an English and theater senior and behind-the-scenes volunteer. “I’m just here to make the set.”

Winn, who met Gordon through their mutual involvement in MSU’s Summer Circle Theatre, said his concentration in theater is on scenic design, and when Gordon asked for his help with set design, he agreed.

The play has about six different scenes, so the set is primarily made up of 1.5-foot painted wooden cubes, Winn said. Each of the six faces of the cubes depict one of the six different scenes, he said.

Gordon said the purpose of the open house was to try to get more people in the door to see what they’re doing.

“My daughter is very involved in theater, so that’s why I stopped,” said Jennifer Myers, who passed by the store on Saturday. “Her school eliminated the play last year, (for) lack of somebody wanting to (direct it).”

The volunteers and cast members range in age from 5 years old to retired people, said Mike Sobocinski, a sociology graduate student who plays Willy Wonka. It’s common for multiple members of families to audition together, he said.

“I really like performing,” said Ania Piecuch, a 12-year-old play narrator whose mother also volunteers for the theater.

“When the audience claps at the end, the curtain call, you just feel so great for a job well done.”

Because of the community’s overwhelming interest, Gordon said the upcoming play has two casts, for a total of about 30 people. Most cast members will participate in about half of the 10 performances, he said.

“Theater geared toward a general audience has a different flavor to it. I think it will be a new thing for youngsters to see live theater as it’s being offered here,” Sobocinski said.

“There are other groups that are family oriented but they specialize in children’s theater. They’ve done some good shows but people may consider that, if it’s all kids, (to be) a little bit limited — the extra experience that the older actors can bring can enhance the drama.”

The theater’s upcoming shows for the fall season include: “Snow White and Friends,” “Happily Never After,” “Big Riding Hood” and “A Christmas Carol.”

Winn, who met Gordon through their mutual involvement in MSU’s Summer Circle Theatre, said his concentration in theater is on scenic design, and when Gordon asked for his help with set design, he agreed.

The play has about six different scenes, so the set is primarily made up of 1.5-foot painted wooden cubes, Winn said. Each of the six faces of the cubes depict one of the six different scenes, he said.

Gordon said the purpose of the open house was to try to get more people in the door to see what they’re doing.

“My daughter is very involved in theater, so that’s why I stopped,” said Jennifer Myers, who passed by the store on Saturday. “Her school eliminated the play last year, (for) lack of somebody wanting to (direct it).”

The volunteers and cast members range in age from 5 years old to retired people, said Mike Sobocinski, a sociology graduate student who plays Willy Wonka. It’s common for multiple members of families to audition together, he said.

“I really like performing,” said Ania Piecuch, a 12-year-old play narrator whose mother also volunteers for the theater.

“When the audience claps at the end, the curtain call, you just feel so great for a job well done.”

Because of the community’s overwhelming interest, Gordon said the upcoming play has two casts, for a total of about 30 people. Most cast members will participate in about half of the 10 performances, he said.

“Theater geared toward a general audience has a different flavor to it. I think it will be a new thing for youngsters to see live theater as it’s being offered here,” Sobocinski said.

“There are other groups that are family oriented but they specialize in children’s theater. They’ve done some good shows but people may consider that, if it’s all kids, (to be) a little bit limited — the extra experience that the older actors can bring can enhance the drama.”

The theater’s upcoming shows for the fall season include: “Snow White and Friends,” “Happily Never After,” “Big Riding Hood” and “A Christmas Carol.”