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A lot of theaters have actors who are windbags. But the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (the Gamm) in Pawtucket is using theater wind for an entirely prudent reason.

The Gamm has partnered with People's Power & Light to invest in Rhode Island's sustainable future.

In a first-of-its-kind arrangement for both non-profit organizations, PP&L is donating an upgrade of The Gamm's electricity to 100 percent wind power during the nearly five-week run of the theater's upcoming show, Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew."

Gamm artistic director Tony Estrella said he hopes this innovative partnership will have a long-term effect on people's perceptions about and investment in clean, plentiful, renewable energy sources.

"The Gamm's mission of social, political and cultural relevance has always been reflected in its programming on stage. Our current partnership with People's Power & Light is a natural outgrowth of that mission," Estrella said. "Our loyal audiences expect to be challenged and engaged within the confines of the theater. Now, they are being reminded to think about the world at large. The environment and renewable energies are everyone's concern, and New England GreenStart offers forward-thinking people a simple, effective, and practical way to make a difference." To that end, PP&L is offering two free tickets to any show of The Gamm's 2008-09 season to Rhode Island residents who sign up for their green power program, New England GreenStart, through June 15 via the backside of their "Taming of the Shrew"ticket or on the web at www.ripower.org/ gamm.

New England GreenStart customers purchase green power through their current National Grid electric bill. The "transfer of power" adds 2.4 cents more per kWh to customers' bill, or around 40 cents more per day, explained People's Power & Light Deputy Director Omay Elphick. "And it's 100 percent tax-deductible for Rhode Islanders. Best of all, the extra charge supports producers of renewable energy right here in New England, such as the wind turbine at Portsmouth Abbey and the solar panels on Scituate High School."

Elphick added, "Our green power program, New England GreenStart, enables Rhode Islanders to power their homes, schools and theaters with renewable energy. Our partnership with The Gamm is a unique opportunity to demonstrate how everyone, from arts organizations to farms to houses of faith, can power their buildings with renewable energy."

"The Taming of the Shrew" runs through Sunday, June 15 at The Gamm Theatre, 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. For tickets or for more information, call 401-723-4266 or go to www.arttixri.com.

Well done!In a related note, The Boston Theatre Critics Association honored The Gamm with its first Elliot Norton Award this month at a ceremony at Harvard University's Sanders Theater.

Paul Grellong's "Radio Free Emerson," The Gamm's first-ever commission, won in the category of "Outstanding New Script," a year after its world premiere last May. This was also The Gamm's first Norton Award nomination.

"We are honored to have developed and premiered Paul's brilliant 'Radio Free Emerson' and are incredibly grateful that his work has been recognized with The Gamm's first-ever nomination and win at the Elliot Norton Awards. We are hopeful that this recognition by a group of preeminent theater critics will help expand The Gamm's artistic reach and reputation into Boston and the rest of New England," said Estrella.

Set in Rhode Island and inspired by Henrik Ibsen's "The Wild Duck," "Radio Free Emerson" is a raw, funny and complex examination of the naked truth and its consequences. Grellong, a Brown University graduate, works as a playwright and screenwriter in Los Angeles. His TV writing credits include the hit NBC series "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit."

"I'm honored that the Boston Theatre Critics Association selected 'Radio Free Emerson' for this award," Grellong said. "I share the recognition with everyone at The Gamm who provided me with a supportive environment in which to develop this work over the course of a year. Without their commitment and vision, the play would never have taken its current shape."