The Saluda Historic Depot Theater Group is being formed to provide a forum for a variety of theatrical performances reflecting the creative spirit of our community.

The Theater Group will begin with a core group of players, stage hands, and set and costume designers to be chosen after an interview or audition. The group will be expanded upon over time to create a foundation for the production of a series of theatrical performances.

“Our goal is to produce plays that will include those from legitimate theater, historic depictions of Saluda’s rich history, and literary and poetic readings; all demonstrating local artistry and talent,” says organizer Corinne Gerwe.

The Saluda Historic Depot will provide the setting for presentations suitable for its locale and will partner with other venues for settings suitable for each production. For example, the proprietors of the Orchard Inn will provide the setting for our first Pulitzer Prize-winning play, planned for the autumn season.

Our players will include all ages, including children and adolescents interested in the performing arts. The Chair of the Tryon Little Theater, Sandie Bright, will also act as an advisor, and has extended an invitation to our youth participants to apply for their summer acting workshops.

Player auditions for the core player group will be held at the Saluda Historic Depot on Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. Readings will be provided for those who do not wish to bring a reading, recitation or example demonstrating talent. Audition time will be limited to 15 minutes per person. Stage assistance interviews will also be held.

We encourage those without acting or stage assistance experience who would like to participate to come and give it a try. Our goal is to be inclusive and provide an atmosphere for learning and being involved in a collective theatrical effort. 

For more information, contact Corinne Gerwe at 828-749-4803, 828-817-1060 or cgerwe@rsnet.org. Other members of the theater group are: Director, William Jameson, Drama Coordinator, Cappy Hall Rearick, Marketing Director, Cathy Jackson, Children’s Coordinator, Mary Mason Meyland, Stage Manager, Jack Milhaupt.

The museum is open Friday-Sunday throughout February and will open its regular season in March, Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 4 p.m. In the museum you will experience seasonal exhibits, Saluda Grade “O Grade” Diorama and “G Grade” train dioramas of the different railroad eras in Saluda.  There are also running videos of trains that came up the Saluda Grade and a gift station. Admission is free and voluntary donations are always appreciated. The Saluda Historic Depot is located at 32 W Main Street, Saluda, NC 28773.   Memberships and donations to the Saluda Historic Depot in 2018 will enable us to receive incentive grant funds from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– submitted by Cathy Jackson