Reading Theater Project Unveils 2025 In Nature’s Studio [Spotlight]

Outdoor Theater Experience at Reading Public Museum

The Reading Theater Project has announced the 2025 edition of In Nature’s Studio, an innovative outdoor performance event taking place at the Reading Public Museum Arboretum. This unique experience will be held next Sunday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is free for all attendees, made possible through grant support from various organizations.

In Nature’s Studio offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience theater by combining art, nature, and community engagement. The event takes place in an accessible park with a walking route that lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Rather than sitting in a traditional setting, audience members walk along the path, stopping at micro performances that last about five minutes each. These performances are inspired by the “Toytopia” exhibit inside the museum and are designed to appeal to all ages.

Participants can choose to explore on their own or follow a guided path, ensuring they see every performance. According to Vicki Haller Graff, artistic director of the Reading Theater Project and director of In Nature’s Studio, the event brings theater outdoors and transforms it into public art. She noted that this production originated during the pandemic but has since become a beloved annual tradition.

In addition to performing arts such as theater, music, dance, and large-scale puppetry, visual arts will also play a role in the event. Plein air painters affiliated with Art Plus Gallery in West Reading will be stationed throughout the park, adding to the immersive experience.

Before the show, Henry Patterson’s Rally Rousers band will perform, and Jessica Warchal-King’s JCWK Dance Lab continues as a partner in the project. The Reading Theater Project is a professional theater company based in Greater Reading and Berks County, dedicated to collaboration, creative challenges, and making theater an inclusive experience that highlights shared human experiences.

Community Music Events

The Borough of Wyomissing is hosting the fourth performance in its 2025 Summer Concert Series on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Wyomissing High School auditorium. The event features the Reading Pops Orchestra, a 55-piece professional orchestra composed of musicians from Berks County and the surrounding region. Known for its long-standing cultural presence, the orchestra was founded in 1969 by conductor Wes Fisher and has since been led by notable figures such as J. Carl Borelli, Henry Gass, Frank Siekman, Lewis “Skip” Norcott, and Paul Cusano.

For this year’s concert, the orchestra will be conducted by guest conductor Brian Mishler, who serves as director of orchestral studies at Parkland High School in Lehigh County and has a history of working with the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Mishler, a talented cellist, has performed with several regional symphonies and brings a fresh energy to the stage with a program featuring beloved selections from Broadway, film, and television.

Randy McKinley, director of recreation and communications for Wyomissing, praised the Reading Pops Orchestra as a true treasure in the region. He emphasized the high-quality performances the group brings to the community and expressed pride in hosting them as part of the Summer Concert Series.

Upcoming Performing Arts Events

The Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading has announced two upcoming events:

• Angela Aguilar, October 26 at 7 p.m.
• Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Touring), December 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for these events can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

New Children’s Book Explores Life and Death

Dr. John C. Morgan has released his ninth book, Mr. Tux Finds a Home, published by Resource Publications in 2025. This children’s book tells the story of a feral cat that taught Morgan valuable lessons about living and dying. He wrote the book to help children cope with loss and understand the concept of death in a more meaningful way.

Morgan, who previously taught philosophy and ethics, also writes a weekly column on ethics for the Reading Eagle. His work continues to inspire and educate readers of all ages.