Jewish Theater Workshop, by Eddie Applefeld

There are so many talented people living in our area that very often we don't realize how many there actually are. And there are also theater groups that no one, or very few, know about. This article will introduce you to one of them.

The Jewish Theatre Workshop, founded in 2005 by Dee Dee Jacobs Komisar and Chana Englander, performs at the Park Heights Jewish Community Center, 5700 Park Heights Ave.

The group consists of local actors and writers who get together on occasion to present their work. It was basically formed to create a theater-accessible to Baltimore's Orthodox Jewish community. It is hoped that community will both participate and partake in the productions. It is of course open to all to enjoy.

All theater members love to perform. For them this is an outlet, a break from the norm. It also gives them a chance to express themselves via written word.  They can put their own interpretation into those words.

It's also a way to reach the Orthodox community and of course those who are not so affiliated. By the way, one does not have to be Jewish to be a part of this theater workshop or to be in the audience. Most of the members, and there are about 15, have performed. Anyone can audition.

Currently there are four board members, Etan Weintraub, the director; Isaac Kotlicky, marketing; Brad Norris, artistic director and Susan Vick, steering committee. They work hard to keep the workshop in operation and to be sure all aspects of any production are met.

For rehearsals they use a room at the Park Heights JCC, and as I mentioned  do the actual shows in the Strauss Auditorium. They are officially a program within the JCC. 

At 7 p.m. Feb. 18 there will be a free reading of 13 Dead Husbands, but it will be held at the Performa at the Owings Mills JCC. For this, the performers sit around a table and read the script. Refreshments are offered.

A full-stage production of 'The Curious Savage' will be presented Feb. 14, 16 and 17. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for students and seniors.

Future productions include 'Red', June 13-23 and 'Cyrano' in August, dates to be determined.

In short, this is a group well worth your attention. They work hard at what they truly love, namely live theatre.

For more information, or tickets, or showtimes go to the workshop website. Get news from the workshop Facebook page.