Black Creek Arts Council is pleased to honor Ms. Elayne Mahn with the Artist’s Spotlight for August. Mahn is being recognized for her enthusiasm and commitment to the Hartsville Community Players. Mahn has been a part of the Players since the group’s founding in 1971. Mahn’s personal mission in being a part of the organization is to foster the interest of live theater throughout the community.
Mahn’s interest in theater began during her high school days in Manning, SC, where she was a leader in school performances. She graduated from Coker College in 1977 with a degree in theater. Currently, Mahn serves as the College as its assistant director of admission for evening and extended studies.
The first theater production that Mahn performed in was titled, Don’t Drink the Water. Now with numerous performances and over thirty directed plays under her belt, there is no end in sight for this community-minded Thespian.
This past May, Mahn directed Deathtrap, which is a mystery play in which a jealous Broadway playwright plans to murder one of his writing students in order to take credit for the student's outstanding script. Mahn stated that though the process of directing a play is tedious, the best moments are when it all comes together on the opening night.
Recently, Mahn and other members of the Hartsville Community Players have started a building fund to raise money to have a smaller venue for theatrical performances in the community. Currently, the organization holds its theatrical performances in Center Theater. Mahn also strongly encourages community members to voice their input on what shows should be performed in the future. She also encourages for community members to audition for a future performance, even those who have never been in a theater production.
Currently, Mahn is preparing to direct The Dixie Swim Club, which is a comedy similar to the movie, Steel Magnolias. The story is focused on five southern women who rekindle their college friendship by vacationing on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The production is scheduled to premiere in Hartsville in September.
Elayne Mahn’s Favorites:
Of the many theatrical performance she has performed in, Mahn’s favorite role has been Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. Her favorite character in a musical theater production has been Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun. When it comes to her favorite theater production she has directed, Godspell is at the top of her list. Ms. Mahn has directed this particular play twice, once in 1988 and just recently in 2008.
The Artist’s Spotlight is a monthly honor presented by Black Creek Arts Council that recognizes artists and supporters of the arts in the Darlington County area. If you would like to nominate a Darlington County artist or supporter of the arts for The Artist’s Spotlight, please send your nominations to Jessica Barnes at blackcreekarts@gmail.com.
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