After a run of virtual shows last year, the theater is returning with outdoor live performances. This first show is part of the NY PopsUp event, a statewide event organized through a collaboration of state Council on the Arts and Empire State Development with New York Arts Revival.

The stage will be set for performances of “Guys on Ice,” “Scotto the Balloon Wizard” and “Diaries of Adam and Eve,” fittingly, in the garden area of the theater’s parking lot.

Pendragon Theatre board President Chris Leifheit said everyone involved is excited to perform for a live audience again.

He said they’ve been cautious about when to start live shows again, but also that they’ve been itching to get out there.

Scott Eichholz gets his COVID-19 swab test in preparation for his clowning performance this Sunday at Pendragon Theatre’s parking lot. (Provided photo — Scott Eichholz)

“It’s an epidemic type itch,” he said. “A lot of people have been cooped up for a long time. It’s going to be great. It’s huge.”

He said this show will be a “real pick-me-up” for the performers. He hopes it is for the audience, too.

It’s been many months since they’ve acted in front of an audience.

“It’s scary,” Leifheit said. “It’s like going on the high board for the first time.”

But like on a high dive, he also said it brings an adrenaline rush.

Fran Yardley gets her COVID-19 swab test in preparation for her performance of “Diaries of Adam and Eve” this Sunday at Pendragon Theatre’s parking lot. (Provided photo — Chris Leifheit)

The show will be free. Leifheit said no one is in it for the money.

“People want to do this,” he said. “It’s just local people who say, ‘Let’s keep it going. Let’s go out and have some laughs, make people cry, whatever we do.'”

Theater box office operator, designer and director Kent Streed said it will be nice to reconnect with friends new and old.

Performing outdoors comes with its challenges, though.

“When we were doing the sound check with songs from “Guys on Ice,” of course a big truck went blasting by,” Streed said with a laugh.

They’ll have to compete with traffic noise and the loud sounds of children playing in the nearby neighborhood.

The show will require social distancing and mask wearing from the audience. Performers will also be masked. They also have all gotten COVID-19 tests this week.

The theater’s bathrooms will be open to public before and after the show, but not during.

Though the show is free, Streed said attendees should call ahead to make a reservation because seating is limited. He also suggests getting there a little early because parking will be difficult as the show will take up a portion of the parking lot. He said people can park elsewhere and walk over if they want to.

Lawn chairs will be a must-bring item and, depending on the weather, maybe an umbrella, too.

Leifheit said Pendragon has many more plans now that vaccines are available and COVID-19 restrictions on live events are being lifted. He wants people to know the theater is not “belly-up somewhere in a ditch.”

He said they’ll be focusing on simple shows with small casts and production.

–

What: Outdoor performances of “Guys on Ice,” “Diaries of Adam and Eve” and “Scotto the Balloon Wizard”

–

When: Sunday, May, 23 at 2 p.m.

–

Where: Pendragon Theatre parking lot, 15 Brandy Brook Ave., Saranac Lake

–

Cost: Free, but reserve a spot by calling 518-891-1854

–

What to bring: Lawn chair, mask and umbrella