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September 13, 2021
From left: John Faas, Bonnie Miller and Ryan Shaw

Could you name another small town with an active theatre?  It may be difficult and that is what makes Richmond Civic Theatre so unique.  Not only has it been a part of the community since the 1940’s, it has a vital role in bringing the arts to our little town in a very big way.

According to the theatres own mission statement, they strive to create “live community theatre experiences that engage, entertain, educate, and enlighten.”  And that they do and have done for decades.  From the Stage One youth theatre to the Main Stage productions, RCT has reached out and included the community with many seasoned actors as well as new young thespians entertaining us.  They’ve involved people in all aspects of the theatre experience from lighting to makeup, costuming to stage set design and creation.

Most recently, the very dingy dressing room areas, where many feet have travelled and been transformed, were updated with the help of volunteers and under the supervision of Aaron Clarke.

Live theatre can transform us to magical places, challenge our notions of cultures and norms, and best of all give us a respite from our lives for a bit.  I remember my first theatre experience so vividly at RCT enjoying No No Nannette in the late 70’s and Madam Butterfly, in which my sister played a Madam so well my mother was a bit unnerved.  That is the beauty of community theatre- touching our lives with players who we may know, live next to, or may be ourselves.

And those whose work makes it possible for us all to enjoy this experience are many.  Volunteers, actors, the costuming department, lighting techs, set design artists, ticket sales, sponsors- so many people are involved in RCT.

A few of the very special people are shown above and include: John Faas who is the Executive Director for Richmond Civic Theatre, and comes to RCT with many impressive credentials including a BFA in musical theatre and years of theatre experience on stage and off.  Bonnie Miller is also an important part of RCT as office manager and the first point of contact for the many calls and visitors to the theatre. Bonnie also brings years of experience on the stage as well as in stage production, taking the stage at the ripe old age of three.  And another important figure at the theatre is Ryan Shaw.  Ryan is Managing Director of the Stage One Youth Theatre program and beloved for many of his roles in musicals at RCT as well as his encouraging direction of budding actors.

This season promises the same quality shows as in the past beginning with the Stage One production The Lion King Jr., opening September 24 and running two weekends.

To see the full selection of shows this season and to get tickets you can visit RCT online here.

Be sure to look out for RCT in the community as you never know when characters or performances might spill into the streets or onto an outdoor stage.

 

About the Author KPass

Karole Passmore is a freelance writer who enjoys writing articles and short stories, interviewing local people, and researching non-fiction subject matter– preferably historical. Graduate of RHS, Ivy Tech Richmond, and Earlham College– with a major in History, Karole has spent most of her life in Wayne County and enjoys the quaint atmosphere of a small town.

Be seen by thousands of Wayne County residents and tourists every month!

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  1. Beautifully written! Thank you for spotlighting one of Richmond’s treasures! RCT draws the gifts and talents of so many to collaborate in created beautiful Art! It is truly a joy to be part of this community!

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