it’s our MISSION
to enrich the cultural life of the residents and visitors through the performance, productions and education in all aspects of contemporary and classic theater and concerts.
Our Community
The Blue Ridge Community Theater is an active part of the rich tapestry of the region, and we are proud to be a member of the Blue Ridge community.
Local volunteers are our life’s blood. Without these committed individuals we could not create theater. And the local business communities support BRCT through service donations, barters, the purchase of advertising in the Playbills, and sponsorships.
BRCT is a valued participant in the community and supports it through active involvement in community activities, social welfare contributions, festivals, and public performances. Anyone who has ever been involved with community theater knows that the key to the experience is “community”.
From the casts of actors that are assembled from everyday people (who may or may not have experienced the stage before), to crews of active, retired and semi-retired carpenters, painters, seamstresses and publicists, it is truly a community that comes together to create what is often described as a little bit of magic.
As we reflect on and celebrate our history, we look forward to an even more vibrant and successful future. Come out and play! The magic of theater awaits!
Our History
The Blue Ridge Community Theater was founded in 2000 as a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization. Originally called the Gateway Mountain Players, the Blue Ridge Community Theater is now known locally as BRCT. BRCT had its humble beginning as a traveling theater that performed anywhere there was space from public school “cafetoriums” to open air parks to empty buildings. It was our adventurous volunteers who continuously brought theater to appreciative audiences. Despite the challenges posed by not having a permanent “home”, our dedicated volunteers not only made due, they built a strong foundation focused on both the art and the business of theater.
By 2003, the Blue Ridge Community Theater had a rented space, and was continuing to grow and increase the quality and the number of shows, actors, board members, stakeholders and other volunteers. In May of 2009, our passionate volunteers were able to purchase the present theater at 2591 East First Street. The first performance was held that July.
In the fall of 2009, two sets of theater benefactors, Corrie and John Grado and Angela and Steve Oyer generously donated to lead a matching capital campaign. Their generosity fueled a fire storm of support. Donations were contributed in the form of funds from as little as $1 to the donation of services and skills and state-of-the-art theater seating.
The Blue Ridge Community Theater is now a theater proudly designed, built and paid for by the generous contributions of volunteers, community businesses, a dedicated Board of Directors and the loyal support of enthusiastic theater audiences.
From its humble beginnings, the Blue Ridge Community Theater now produces 6 or more Main Stage productions annually as well as additional Black Box Theater productions. It also supports educational programming for youth ages 5-18 through Sunny D Children’s Theater Summer Camps and productions.
Board of Directors
President
Patricia Webb
VP, Main Stage
Michael Lacy
VP Sunny D Children’s Theater
Debbi Hamm
Treasurer
Vic Mullins
Secretary
Teresa Ariail
Volunteer Coordinator
Cathy Thomas
Concessions
Brynn Walker
At Large
Michael Keefe
EMERITUS
Meyer Birnbaum
Randy Brown
Mike Fleeman
Kelly Hornsby Dyer
Sandy Jaffie
Jerry Locke
Wanda Jefferson
Bill Marsh
Helen McMahon
Joe Webb
Hinky Wilcher
Staff
Executive Director
Todd Olson
Production Manager
Sarah Griffith-Garcia
Office Manager
David Podowski
Box Office
Anne Record
Publicity
Debbi Friend
Accounting
Linda McHugh
ADVISORS
United Community Bank
Becky Cruse
Blue Ridge Law
G. William Little III, PC
SCORE Strategic
Chipley McKnight