Opposite page: Beauty and the Beast 2011, This page (l-r), Guys and Dolls, 1961, and Raisin in the Sun, 1997.
It began in 1951 with a dedicated group of
performers who each chipped in ten dollars to perform a one-weekend play. Today, a profes- sional staff and 400 volunteers are still “chip- ping in” to make this theatre a success. Nearly 40,000 see RCT productions yearly. “We are thankful for the solid foundation of
the Civic which has made the expansion of pro- grams and opportunities possible,” says Sine’ad Chick, office manager. “Our year-round sched- ule opens the door to visitors and locals alike.”
MORE THAN THEATRE Theatre goers are impressed with the
changing face of this playhouse. “I think we have raised the bar for community theatre by offering excellent quality performances,” says Gregory Stavrou, executive director. “In addition to the main stage solid season
of six shows, we offer three additional venues: Friday Night Bistro, where you can enjoy din- ner and a play or some form of entertainment for under $100; Artist Happy Hour and Open Mic, where we invite poets, musicians and dancers to perform on the patio stage in nice weather and in the lobby when it’s not; and
our popular Civic Live Series of new and pro- fessional performers including Grammy award winning and world class musicians.”
BEYOND THE STAGE RCT acts as a theatre lab for the develop-
ment of new plays as well. “We cherish our relationship with Vertigo Theatre Factory and are pleased that we can host several of their performances as well as other performers and theatrical groups,” says Stavrou. Youth programs and educational opportu-
nities include theatre classes, camps and per- formance troupes. “We take our civic respon- sibility very seriously,” says Stavrou. “We are a welcoming environment for people of all ages.” A performing art workshop called “The
Journey of Life” melds art and health care. It concentrates on breast cancer survivors and those struggling with the disease. “Focusing on the poem Ithaca, which is a metaphor for the journey of life, we address the changes in the body, move through the anxiety and ex- plore re-enjoyment of movement and self,” says Stavrou of this “incredible reconnection through art.”
Partnership with the Diversity Council finds
RCT busy in January with the annual Celebra- tion of Diversity and Inclusivity. The focus turns to multi-generational, multi-cultural and cross- disciplinary performances, exhibits, workshops and discussions. Fifty-nine years of community support has
shaped Rochester Civic Theatre into the area’s most active community theatre. Whether you frequent the theatre or are a novice, you are enthusiastically invited to spend some time at the Civic. While you are there, wish her a happy 60th
birthday. h ROCHESTER’S THEATRES
Charles E. Hill Theatre at RCTC Rochester Civic Theatre Rochester Repertory Theatre Minnesota Theatre Company Theatre du Jour Vertigo Theatre Factory Words Players Theatre
Experience Rochester 2012 37
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