Former ISU student Phillip Marten is trying to start something new. Marten wants to bring a professional theatre company to Iowa, and he’s starting in Ames.

Marten, along with ISU students William Schneider and Zac J. Campbell, have formed the StormFront Theatre Workshop.

The company’s first production, William Mastrosimone’s “The Woolgatherer,” will run August 7 through 9 at ACTORS in Ames.

Marten feels that aside from large traveling shows (like Miss Saigon) there is a lack of theatre available in Des Moines. He feels a StormFront Theatre Workshop could fill this need.

“[I’m] interested in starting a professional company in Des Moines,” Marten said. “It’s high time they had one. Des Moines has a lot of capital and no place for them to spend in terms of entertainment value.”

Marten knows there are many challenges ahead. “The difficulty will be providing a sense of security for a prospective audience,” Marten said. “We need to assure them a good product, [one that is] challenging, fresh, and entertaining.”

Marten said it would be a long process. Currently the group has developed one-, three- and five-year plans for growth. After three years Marten’s goal is to have a permanent building recognizable with StormFront Theatre.

To get the process started, Marten needed to get a show produced in the area. In order to do that he turned to Ames Community Theatre (ACTORS) for funds.

There was an open spot on the ACTORS schedule and, after making a projected budget, it was agreed that the production would be feasible.

“The Woolgatherer” was selected for more than just financial reasons. Marten feels it is a show that will entertain people.

“The idea is entertainment,” Marten said, “This show is particularly entertaining simply because of good writing. It’s a witty play. It’s fun.”

The play focuses on the relationship between a truck driver, Cliff, and a reclusive young woman, Rose.

Zac J. Campbell, a non-traditional junior majoring in Performing Arts, plays the role of Cliff. Campbell has previously performed in the ACTORS production of “South Pacific” as Lieutenant Joseph Cable, as well as the Stars Over Veisha production of “The Music Man.”

Marten suggested the role to Campbell after he auditioned for another show in the spring.

“[Marten] gave the script to me after ‘South Pacific,'” Campbell said. “I loved it and I wanted to get on stage again. I loved the sense of humor of Cliff. I saw a lot of myself in Cliff.”

Margaret Lloyd, a native of Ames, plays the role of Rose. Lloyd has a bachelor’s degree in music from Northwestern University, as well as a certificate of musical theatre.

For the last three years, Lloyd has been singing professional opera in Santa Fe, New York City, Omaha, and Chicago. Friends at ACTORS helped Lloyd to find out about the role.

“I’m in Ames for the summer between opera jobs,” Lloyd said. “I’ve been involved in ACTORS for a long time, and some of ACTORS’ members mentioned it was going on, and it just fell into place.”

After reading the script, it was not difficult for Lloyd to decide to get involved.

“I read the role of Rose and knew it would be a huge challenge,” she said, “[and] a great opportunity to expand my abilities. I love the sort of raw humanity displayed [in the play].

“It’s very in your face,” she added. “It’s like nothing else I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down.”

Marten is directing the show as well as doing set design. The lighting design is being done by Chris Mannes, a senior in Performing Arts.

Marten is no stranger to directing. He most recently directed David Mamet’s “The Woods” for ISU Second Stage. Marten has also directed several productions for Maintenance Shop Theater.

Marten thinks everyone will take something away from “The Woolgatherer.”

“The best part about the relationship [between Cliff and Rose] is that they are so far apart in the spectrum,” Marten said, “but their problem is essentially the same. It has to relate to everyone’s experience in some extent.

“I’m thankful to Ames Community Theatre Studio for giving us this opportunity,” he continued. “This is a tough business to begin with, but to start new is very difficult.”

“The Woolgatherer,” by William Mastrosimone, will perform Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 9 at 2 p.m. at ACTORS Theater in Ames.

Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for ACTORS members and can be bought at John Huber Clothier or at the door. The play contains adult language and situations.