serving as co-directors for the PTMS
musical.
“Lorra and I worked so well together
from the start that it was kind of
serendipitous,” says Tafe. “At the time, I
would handle the stage direction, musical
direction and te ch, and Lorra would handle
the choreography and costumes. Our love
for the theater, along with the fact that
our strengths supplemented each other’s
not-so-strong points, made for a beautiful
union.”
Based upon their experience at PTMS,
the two wanted to create a group to provide
additional opportunities for students in the
Peters Township area. They approached
Fr. Sam Esposito, the former pastor of St.
Benedict’s, Tafe’s longtime church.
“We presented the idea of starting a
church theater troupe that would not
only act as a type of ministry for the
church, but also would be a community
opportunity for kids to become involved
in a fun, healthy environment and promote
charity, prayer and reflection, confidence,
friendship and good citizenship,” Tafe says.
“Father Sam gave us the go-ahead, and the
Abbey Players were born.”
The group was named by Esposito.
“He loved the idea of having a church
theater troupe and was very supportive of
the entire endeavor,” Tafe says.
The group’s first performance was
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat,” and both Fr. Esposito and
Fr. Michael Ruffalo, the parish’s former
parochial vicar, acted in the show as
Egyptian guards. Since then, the program
has produced numerous shows, including
“Godspell,” “Once on this Island,” “Guys
and Dolls,” and “Into the Woods.” The
group typically performs one show a year,
but this season, the directors decided
to produce three. They began the 20152016 season with the children’s theater
production of “Cinderella” and then, in
January, performed the three-act comedy
“The Man Who Came to Dinner.” This May,
they’ll present “Pirates of Penzance, Jr.”
In addition to Brannen and Tafe, Lisa
Rothhaar often steps in to “help out” with
the group wherever necessary. Rothhaar
has done little bits of everything—from
program editing and paperwork to sitting
in on auditions, to even suggesting that the
group choose Relay For Life as one of the
charities to support. The proceeds from
each performance’s bake sale benefit Relay
For Life and each year the Abbey Players
try to donate more to charity than the
previous year.
The group has about 40 active members,
and even though it’s church sponsored,
students do not have to be of the Roman
Catholic faith to join. While no one is ever
cut from the program, auditions are held
before every performance to determine
suitable roles for students.
“We try our best to keep our auditions
fun and as low-stress as possible, and to
cater to the different kids we have as part
of this group,” explains Tafe. “If someone
adamantly does not want to sing, for
example, we do not force them to – although
we encourage them to give it a try! Instead,
we try to cast them based upon what their
strengths are and where they will feel
comfortable.”
The group offers opportunities for
students to help out behind the scenes as
well. Numerous current and former students
have worked with the group as vocal coaches
and choreographers.
“Abbey Players not only gives students
the opportunity to perform, but also gives
them chances to step into leadership roles.
I love the fact that young people can use
Abbey Players for building their confidence,”
Brannen says.
Tafe says that many of the students are
shy or nervous at first, but learn to overcome
their fears.
“It’s quite amazing to see kids believe
in themselves for the first time. To see the
transformation and confidence that kids
gain from being part of a great community
group like this is truly awesome,” she says.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, the
group offers periodic field trips and master
classes or workshops in which students can
refine their talents. The group also takes field
trips to local schools or other performance
venues for inspiration.
“Viewing theater is just as important
as being a part of theater,” says Tafe.
“Supporting local groups in our community
is very important, and it gives kids a chance
to gain perspective and learn from older,
more experienced performers.”
She adds, “There are so many people
who make this troupe and our opportunities
possible. The talented students, of course,
but also St. Benedict the Abbot Church
Pastor, Fr. Bob, Parochial Vicar, Fr. Will,
the church staff and fellow ministries,
members of the community and the
parents/family members of our troupe
participants who continually support the
group in MANY ways.” n
Peters Township | April/May 2016 | icmags.com 93