19 09.07.17
Muncie Civic Theatre in its 87th year of shows while under construction
DNLife
Students can get involved by volunteering, auditioning for shows such as ‘Charlotte’s Web’ Justice Amick Daily News Reporter
Top: Muncie Civic Theatre is located in downtown Muncie. There have been 86 seasons of Muncie Civic Theatre performances. MUNCIE CIVIC THEATRE, PHOTO PROVIDED
Right: Muncie Civic Theatre will be performing its 87th season of shows. The theatre also has a program called Barrier Free Theatre that allows those with any type of disability to work with a drama therapist. MUNCIE CIVIC
THEATRE, PHOTO PROVIDED
Muncie Civic Thatre is located in a quaint, red brick building in downtown Muncie. The theater has a rich history in Muncie as both the location of the signing of the contract that brought the Ball Brothers' glass company to Muncie and the home of 86 seasons of Muncie Civic Theatre performances. While the building is currently under construction, Muncie Civic Theatre is still putting on its 87th season of shows, musicals and programs. “It’s a wonderful thing to see your friends, neighbors, and teachers being artists in different ways,” Laura Williamson, the executive director of the theater, said. Williamson’s family is heavily involved in the many programs that Muncie Civic Theatre offers and she feels that people of all ages, races and cultures should be able to as well. “I have two kids in the youth program,” Williamson said. “Both my husband and I act. We enjoy doing this as a family and we want others to experience that as well.” Brittany Covert, the marketing coordinator for the theater, also believes that everyone should be welcome at the theater, whether they are enjoying a show or participating. “The theater is where you go to see your other family,” Covert said. “The people there and the theater give each person a sense of belonging. They’re the people who will make sure you’ve eaten on a busy day or bring you food if a loved one has passed away. They’re there for you. They become your core group of people.”
In an effort to give as many people the experience as possible, Muncie Civic Theatre holds a variety of programs and productions for youth and adults in the community. Muncie Civic Theatre also has a program called Barrier Free Theatre, which allows those with any type of disability to work with a drama therapist. During the experience, those involved get to create and produce their own show as well as learn theatre, self-confidence, self-love and worth. “My favorite story to tell about our Barrier Free program is of one of our actors who was non-verbal the whole first six months,” Covert said. “By the end he was speaking in full sentences. The next year
when he came back he came up to the drama therapist and said, ‘show me where the nervous people are and I’ll help them.’” Eventually, the theater also hopes to start a youth portion of the Barrier Free program. For now, however, there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to be involved, even if they don’t know what they want to do. "If you want to do this, if you're willing to try, then this is the place for you," Covert said. Those who want to act will soon be able to audition for the shows that will be featured next season such as "The Little Mermaid," "Charlotte’s Web" and "Rock of Ages."