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The stage is calling Karrie Szatek.
Acting. Voiceovers. Commercial work. The Fairhaven resident is interested in just about anything associated with community theater.
That enthusiasm led her to a recent open house at the Shepherd Center to learn more about its new theater programs. She had briefly served on Shepherd Center’s board, and, as a retired English professor, she also led a reader’s theater group at the Marion Art Center.
Her husband, Matt Tudor, is a retired English professor and chef. He now develops and shares his work as a traveling playwright.
“My husband and I came to see what they’re going to be offering,” she said. “I’d like to find a way to get involved again.”
The Fairhaven-based Shepherd Center is a nonprofit organization that supports and presents four forms of performing arts: music, dance, theater and cinema. Education remains central to its mission.
“Our first point is education,” said Bryon Knight, founder and president, who has more than 30 years of experience as a business owner. “We provide clinics, rehearsal space, and opportunities for people to get involved.”
Earlier this spring, the center introduced Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company as its resident theater group. Watermelon Alligator’s work focuses on performance, training and accessibility. Its education mission also aligns with the Shepherd Center’s priorities.
“Watermelon Alligator is like a theater in a box for us,” Knight said.
The residency encompasses classes, performances, and community programming. Early offerings include improv and stage combat workshops.
Szatek met Jess Wilson, managing and artistic director, and Garrett Olson, associate artist and tech director of Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company when they attended her husband’s playwright group. She told Knight about the ensemble and he reached out to the creative team directly.
“We want anyone with the desire to be part of the performing arts to have that opportunity,” said Olson. Organizers describe the Shepherd Center as an educational space. Programs support both performers and behind-the-scenes roles.
Cindy Locker of Fairhaven has been involved with the organization for about two years. She serves as a board member, coordinator of volunteers and lead for the theater group, after previously overseeing music programming. Locker is married to local musician Eddie Dillon.
She said the organization continues to build its audience.
“It takes a while for a new organization to take root in the community,” she said. “But we’ve been working hard to make it happen.”
Locker said the addition of the Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company will help expand offerings.
“I’m very pleased to have them here,” she said. “It’s going to be wonderful to work with them to plan our programming.”
Knight said performances help support the center’s educational work. Most acts are local or regional.
“Our ticket prices are community-friendly, $20 to $25,” he said.
Knight also plans to collaborate with other South Coast arts organizations.
“We’re an educational facility supporting performance spaces,” Knight said. “I want this to succeed. I want it to be here after me.”
Email Toni Delgado-Green at tdgreen@newbedfordlight.org.