The Civic Theatre Show

How does a director decide where the actors need to be on stage in each scene? How does a choreographer design each dance move? How does a music director make difficult sheet music approachable in community theater? And how do they prioritize each actors’ skills when casting a musical? Tom Robson, Chloe Groce, and Josh DeJarlais, the director, choreographer, and music director of “Evil Dead the Musical,” take us behind the scenes. And Tom tells us about his journey from being a professional actor at age 11 to directing in community and college theater—and writing a book about “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”!

While it’s easy to see how literature, music and song, choreography and dance, costumes and sets, and lights and sound are all present in theater, consider this: an upbringing in athletics can also make you uniquely qualified for roles on stage or behind the scenes. Christy Carr, Civic’s director of operations and assistant director of “The Mousetrap,” tells us how sports and art are both good for defying gravity. Carol Smith tells us why she’s said yes to Civic so often. And we catch up with John Collier, who’s back to direct another third edition of a show on our stage.

“Fun Home,” the graphic novel that became a Tony-winning Broadway musical, was controversial upon its release 20 years ago and banned from some libraries after allegations that it was too explicit and out of alignment with religious values. But TJ Rosa and Liam Kelley, director and assistant director of this gorgeous musical at Civic Theatre, say that lots of people in Generation Z have no problem at all with the author’s coming-out story. Was the controversy merely generational?

Theater begins with living room performances for family, continues in high school/college, and peaks on Broadway. Where does community theater fit? Kristine Holtvedt, who has acted and directed at every level, knows why Civic Theater is important. And Caty Natt hopes we all recognize that “Birthday Candles” is about every family—including yours.

Part 2 from the Civic Youth Theatre production of Disney’s Jungle Book Kids. You can almost see in real time our cast, 6 to 13 years old, develop the confidence to express themselves, despite some of them usually being quiet or shy. They’re figuring out for themselves why being in a play can be so much more than just something different to do for a couple of months. And, for working adults, why take on a few more hours of responsibility during evenings and weekends to help with theater for children? What’s in it for you?

Parents, listen up. Do any of your kids struggle to find belonging on a sports team or even in the lunchroom? Maybe they need to try community theater … because, as Julie Baumann says, it’s a magical place where kids (and adults, too) can build confidence, self-esteem, empathy, pride, and humility. Theater teaches hard work, dedication, and flexibility … and it’s where all of us can experience success, find belonging, and discover who we are at the core. Also in this episode: Griffin Valiant takes his first turn as stage manager for Disney’s Jungle Book Kids.

Part 2 of a conversation with the cast & director of “The Revolutionists” is a case study in how theater can bring us together and make us think about issues we face living our daily lives in today’s world, when having a difference of opinion with family and close friends can feel like a crime. “The Revolutionists,” though, reminds us that what’s most important is building community and finding empathy—and that’s exactly what this impactful play did for our cast.

What can the late 18th century teach us about the civil unrest, inequality, and political uncertainty of the 21st century? Meet the cast and director of “The Revolutionists,” a comedy filled with sharp, modern dialogue. Our characters are a playwright, an activist, an assassin, and a former queen during the French Revolution. Discover insights about these characters and ourselves as we live in the eerily parallel worlds of 1793 and 2026.

Actors, what’s the downside of pouring too much of yourself into a role? Neil Radtke found out on our stage, and you can learn from his experience. Clem Kollman and Neil share how participating in community theater can be transformative for kids and adults alike.

If you think the Ebenezer Scrooge story offers no surprises after all these years, travel back with us to a 1945 radio studio for “A Christmas Carol, the Live Radio Play” at Civic Theatre. And are you so into science that you don’t think there’s a place for you in the creative arts? In fact, people with analytical minds can be perfect not only on stage but in behind-the-scenes roles too. See yourself here! Featuring a conversation with Trey Gordon and Em Miller.