Introducing our new Executive Director

Columbia, S.C. – Trustus Theatre is excited to announce that their new Executive Director, Jessica Francis Fichter, started on January 4th, 2022. Fichter has a rich theatrical background including a B.A. in theatre education, an M. Ed in divergent learning, and an M.F.A in directing from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University in New York City.

Fichter is extremely invested in the success and growth of the professional theatre community in Columbia. Fichter says “The quality of productions and vision of Trustus has remained unique and clear. Professional theatre is necessary for Columbia’s artistic health, specifically as the city grows.” She is thrilled to be a part of this diverse community of artists and is ready to get to work helping Trustus navigate the changing climate of live theatre. Board President Sumner Bender says “Jessica will be a great addition to the staff at Trustus. Her varied background in theatre gives her a 360-degree view of what is needed to aid in the success of a nonprofit arts organization. We are also interested in ramping up the Trustus education programs and who better to herald that project than a former theatre educator.”

Trustus Theatre’s current Interim Artistic Director, Dewey Scott Wiley, will remain through the end of the current season. Scott-Wiley has put together a full season of shows that have intimate casts and crews to help mitigate COVID concerns. She is working with creative teams to ensure proper COVID protocols are in place and followed. Theatre safety for staff, cast, crew, and audience members is the highest priority this season.

Trustus’ first show of 2022 is Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical rock show, tick, tick… BOOM! on the Thigpen Main Stage. This is followed by two regional premieres: At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen by Terry Guest and the 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist Dance Nation by Clare Barron. The rom-com musical First Date hits the stage in June, followed by the Trustus True Crime Rep featuring two world-premieres by local playwrights, House Calls by Charlie Finesilver and Composure by Trustus Company member Jason Stokes which run in repertory in August. Flex Passes are available and can be used in any combination of shows. Visit trustus.org for more information.

Trustus Theatre is currently in its 37th Season as the Midlands’s contemporary professional theatre. Founded in 1985 by Kay and Jim Thigpen, Trustus Theatre boasts two performing venues with the Thigpen Main Stage and the Trustus Side Door Theatre. The theatre and the Trustus Company endeavor to enrich the lives and deepen the experiences of their artists and patrons by producing works that examine humanity in the 21st Century. The theatre’s goal is to select challenging scripts that will start and nurture dialogues that promote discussion within the community with productions that are brought to life through dynamic storytelling and inventive designs.

Introducing: The Producers’ Circle


JOIN THE PRODUCERS’ CIRCLE TO SUSTAIN YOUR THEATRE HOME WITH A RECURRING DONATION

 

 

We’d usually be starting a brand new season around this time of year, but that’s not possible at present. Now, more than ever, we need your support.

Today, we are launching The Producers’ Circle to sustain the future of Trustus Theatre – and if you have a special place in your heart for this theatre, we hope you’ll join today and become a supporting member of our annual fund!

Thanks to new online giving options, you can make monthly or quarterly recurring donations at www.trustus.org. These recurring donations will give Trustus the ability to support the theatre’s operating expenses during the pandemic, as well as give us the ability to create new streaming events and prepare for our return to live performance.

As ticket buyers and contributors, your support has made it possible for Trustus Theatre to present award-winning contemporary and original works for 35 years right here in Columbia, SC. Truly, we are here BECAUSE OF YOU!

There are benefits to becoming a member of The Producers’ Circle (you won’t mind if we give you preferential treatment, right?), and with recurring donations – your membership will build to new levels over the course of the coming year. [See levels below]

Friends, please support us through this moment. We know that so many are facing a difficult time, but all donations levels are meaningful to our sustainability and essential to our resilience. Join The Producers’ Circle today so that we can gather under the stage lights again once it’s safe.

We miss you. Stay well. Stay safe. We can’t thank you enough.
Chad Henderson

Donate Now

 

THE PRODUCERS’ CIRCLE

Supporter – $25 to $199
• Trustus Membership card good for 10% of all drinks at the bar
• Acknowledgement in playbills and online

Philanthropist – $200 to $349
• Invitation to the Season kickoff party (on hold for Season 36)
• All benefits listed above

Playwright – $350 to $499
• Trustus T Shirt
• All benefits listed above

Director – $500 to $999
• Attend a Company Preview of one of our Main Stage productions (your choice)
• All benefits listed above

 

LEADERSHIP BENEFITS

Producer – $1,000 to $4,999
• Invitation to all Company Previews on the Main Stage
• Membership in the Trustus Encore Club and your name inscribed on a star placed on a seat in the Thigpen Main Stage
• All benefits listed above

Executive Producer – $5,000 and up
• Named as individual sponsor of the Season 36 show of your choice. Invite 132 friends, and treat them to a private performance!
• All benefits listed above

 

Nominated in Three Categories in Free Times Best of Columbia 2020 Awards

We are excited to share that we have once again been nominated in the Free Times Best of Columbia Awards! These awards highlight readers’ favorites from local restaurants and bars to entertainment venues, local politics, and local services. We are honored that our patrons have nominated us for:

  • Best Local Theater Company
  • Best Local Theater Production, A Streetcar Named Desire
  • Best Local Comedy or Improv Group, The Mothers

Voting is now open and we would love to have your vote in these categories!

Congratulations to all of the local theater companies and all of the productions that were nominated alongside us. It’s a great reminder to us all that there is some wonderful theater happening right here in our city.

Voting is open now through the end of the month-get your vote in today for your favorites!

Join us for Midlands Gives on Tuesday, May 5!

Dear Trustus Fans and Supporters,

When Kay and Jim Thigpen founded Trustus Theatre in 1985, they never knew that this organization would grow into an award-winning $600,000 enterprise that is renowned as an essential cultural institution here in South Carolina. When we began our 35th Anniversary Season in September, we never expected that a global pandemic would halt operations and make it necessary to cancel over half of our programming which could eventually result in the loss of over 60% of our projected earned income this season.

While that may sound grim, the underlying strength of Trustus has always been the constant energized efforts of YOU: our fans and supporters. With your help, Trustus will see it through this pandemic and return to bringing you some of the best theatre in South Carolina.

Tuesday May 5th, 2020 is MIDLANDS GIVES — and Trustus is once again participating and in need of your support. This annual event brings philanthropic folks together through a massive day of giving that supports some of your favorite non-profits in the Midlands. We hope you’ll remember all of the great times you’ve had at Trustus in the past years, and help us reach our $10,000 goal on Tuesday.

We’re hoping that 100 fans will donate $100 during Midlands Gives, so that we can reach our $10,000 goal. To donate, please visit www.midlandsgives.com/trustustheatre and click the green “DONATE NOW” button. The process is easy, quick, and deeply meaningful to our Trustus family.

If you’re able to help us beyond your gracious contribution, you can become part of the Trustus Army during Midlands Gives by sharing our social media posts on Tuesday or contacting friends and colleagues directly and asking for their support.

Due to many generous corporate contributions to Midlands Gives, participating organizations are eligible to win bonus funding awards. So when you contribute, you could be the magic donor who helps us unlock a prize.

Also, if any of you would like to provide a matching donation to drum up competitive giving during MIDLANDS GIVES – please contact me directly at [email protected] before 5pm on May 1st.

We’ll keep you updated during the day on our progress, so we hope you’ll keep checking in with us on our social platforms.

In the meantime, we hope you stay well and safe. We remain deeply grateful for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

Chad Henderson

Producing Artistic Director

A Message from Trustus

Dear Patrons and Supporters,

 

Theatre is communal in every way one can imagine. It’s alive, it’s in front of you, and it only exists in the moment. During this quarantine we are unsure when our award-winning programming will return. However, we intend to do everything necessary to support our staff, artists, and audiences’ safety. We at Trustus are not alone as we face this difficult and uncertain time.

 

I’ll be honest: we could really use your support.

 

Currently, you can stop by the Trustus Bar from 3:00-6:00pm Tuesday through Saturday to purchase our beer and wine inventory which is now priced for retail. Most bottles of wine can be purchased for $15, and 6-packs of craft brew can be purchased for $12. Some of higher-end items (like champagne) can be purchased for $20. All items have been disinfected, and our staff will serve you with gloves on. This is a great way to support Trustus, AND have a great week and weekend enjoying our delicious offerings (sorry, you’ll have to get your own popcorn).

 

You can also support Trustus from the comfort of your home by mailing us a donation (520 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201), or by donating here.

 

Let’s talk brass tacks here. With our indefinite hold on performances, Trustus is unable to recoup the $30,000 investment made for “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” due to the inability to generate ticket sales. This lack of cash flow will undoubtedly create more severe issues for the theatre as this quarantine continues.

 

However, we know we have the best fans and supporters that anyone could imagine. We are so thankful to all of our ticket-holders who have been understanding in regards to show cancellations and postponements. To those of you who have already sent us donations, or started fundraisers on Facebook – THANK YOU SO MUCH for being on the front lines with us!

 

We remain dedicated to serving this community that we love, and we can’t wait for the next time we all convene around the warmth of the stage lights to tell you a story.

 

If you need entertainment during this quarantine, I highly recommend “Tiger King” on Netflix. Trust me, it’ll remind you how good your life is. In the meantime, stay safe, stay well, stay healthy. We’ll see you on the other side, and thank you for your continued (and greatly appreciated) support!


Sincerely,
Chad Henderson
Producing Artistic Director

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

‘Entertaining and perceptive political thriller’ comes to Trustus Main Stage

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Trustus Theatre continues their 35th Anniversary Season and their ‘In the Round’ series with the production of Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. This rock musical follows America’s seventh president, Andrew Jackson, from his early childhood days through to his time in the White House, and brings a satirical, hilarious take on history to the stage. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will open up on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage on Friday, March 13, and will run through Saturday, April 4, 2020. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is an unexpected rock musical that follows America’s seventh president from his early days as a child on the wild frontier of the Waxhaws to his controversial reign in the White House. With the country divided into rich and poor (and with continued displacement of Native Americans upsetting pieces of the new world), Jackson begins his steady climb from military strategist to populist rabble-rouser to President of the United States. Along the way, he meets his wife, Rachel, takes on the Founding Fathers—and rocks like no political figure has ever rocked before, with the help of a killer band and an entourage of singing, joking cohorts. Jackson was the original swamp-drainer, the first cabinet-cleaner, the guy who put his family and friends into positions of power after he cleaned those cabinets—and, he was the first president that was going to “Make America Great Again” since the Revolution. All of the ups and downs of Populism are on display in this immersive musical experience in the round.

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, 2010 Drama Desk Award Winner and 2020 Outer Critics Circle Award Winner, was written by Alex Timbers with music and lyrics by Michael Friendman. It will be directed by Producing Artistic Director Chad Henderson. Musical direction will be provided by Chris Cockrell with choreography by Grayson Anthony.

“Andrew Jackson portrayed as a rock star? Though he’s a president with a history that’s storied in contradictions, he certainly got away with many things that presidents before him could not,” said Henderson. “After all, Jackson’s inaugural reception at the White House was basically a raging kegger, so the rock star metaphor works all too well. One shouldn’t expect a history lesson with Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Instead, they should expect to watch the story of a man who came from nothing and became a powerful leader. There will be plenty of laughter along the way, which may surprise some folks. In the end, we get to examine the country in the early 1800s and compare it to contemporary America. We may be surprised by what has changed, and what has not.”

The musical features Trustus Company Members Katie Leitner, Josh Kern, Michael Hazin, Kayla Machado, Jonathan Monk, and Abigail McNeely, and guest actors Rachael Mitchum, Beck Chandler, Gaby Walker, Daniel Machado, Mark Ziegler, Jon Whit McClinton, Abigail Smith, David-Neil Edwards, and Ayden Cobb.

Michael Hazin will be bringing the main character, Andrew Jackson, to life Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

“This is the first time that I’ve ever had to play a real person, regardless of what a heightened version we are portraying of him in this production,” said Hazin. “It’s very interesting to try and capture something about Andrew Jackson that represents him in a way that’s true of his thoughts and beliefs without having to present a completely true to life impersonation of him, and I think we accomplish that. He was said to be a man who would get so angry that he would choke on his own rage. So, we have tried to tap into that rage and I especially enjoy the different levels and colors of anger that we get to play with in this production. This show came out ten years ago, and it’s honestly more relevant now than it was when it premiered. No matter what particular political side one may fall on, the show really takes to task how crazy and ugly a political system can be, and what that does to the people that live within the system. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson does it a very funny and very biting way.”

Playing the part of Martin Van Buren will be Jonathon Monk.

“This cast is hilarious, hardworking, talented, and supportive,” said Monk, who will be playing the character of Martin Van Buren. “Rehearsals with Chad and this group give me a feeling like we are showing up to a playground, getting in the sandbox together, and having grand adventures. I love that Martin Van Buren is this larger than life comedic character, and I enjoy the challenge of making that relatable to an audience. The show has some silly moments as well as dark moments, it has relatable characters in extraordinary circumstances, and it has some truly unexpected moments. It reflects the best and the worst aspects of America’s history—the promise of hope America offers and the ways in which that offer can be twisted into something ugly. No matter where you stand politically, this show asks great questions and lets the audience weigh their own opinions against the choices of the characters. I hope the audience enjoys the way the story unfolds and the fantastic rock score.”

Kayla Machado will portray Rachel Jackson, Andrew Jackson’s wife, in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson.

“Oh man, playing Rachel is so fun,” said Kayla Machado. “Playing with the silliness of the dialogue with Michael while also getting to bring grounding and emotion to a character who also deserves to have her story told is so satisfying. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson is one of those shows that can serve as a nice break from reality while also resonating with today’s current political landscape. Is it a fun, boisterous, irreverent punk rock romp that will make you laugh and potentially head bang? Yes. Does it take a multifaceted look at a controversial president responsible for both the establishment of the Democratic Party and the Trail of Tears who’s been equally admired and reviled throughout history? Also, yes.”

Trustus Theatre has brought a new look to the first three plays of 2020 and they have converted the Thigpen Main Stage into a round orientation. A Streetcar Named Desire was the first one to be presented in this arena-style staging, which allows for audiences to converge on the play from all sides. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will be presented in the same ‘in the round’ format. Audiences will be immersed in these stories and will be able to more deeply connect with the performers with this new level of intimacy for the Main Stage.

“As an actor, I love the freedom of being ‘in the round,’” said Kayla Machado. “You know your back is always going to be to someone, so the concept of cheating goes out the window. You keep in mind that you want to give every side of the audience equal love, and a lot of that is figured out in the blocking. Audiences needn’t worry: there’s no ‘bad side’ to sit on, but I love the idea that people may choose to come see the show a second time purely to experience it from a whole new vantage point.”

Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson will run from Friday, March 13 through Saturday, April 4, 2020, and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, March 13, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, March 14, at 8pm; Thursday, March 19, at 8pm; Friday, March 20, at 8pm; Saturday, March 21, at 8pm; Sunday, March 22, at 3pm; Thursday, March 26, at 8pm; Friday, March 27, at 8pm; Saturday, March 28, at 8pm; Sunday, March 29, at 3pm; Thursday, April 2, at 8pm; Friday, April 3, at 8pm; and Saturday, April 4, at 8pm.

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Trustus Theatre Announces Producing Artistic Director

Trustus Theatre Board of Directors names Chad Henderson Producing Artistic Director

COLUMBIA, S.C. – On Monday, February 17, 2020, the Trustus Theatre Board of Directors voted to end the organization’s search for a Managing Director that began in September 2019, and named current Artistic Director Chad Henderson as the Producing Artistic Director. Henderson will now serve the organization in an Executive capacity to lead artists, staff, board and the community in realizing Trustus Theatre’s mission.

Chad Henderson is a native of Spartanburg, SC, and began working at Trustus Theatre in 2007 as the Marketing Director after graduating from the University of South Carolina. After an eight-year career as a professional director, he became Trustus Theatre’s third Artistic Director at the start of the theatre’s 31st Season in 2015. This is Henderson’s fifth season as the Artistic leader of the organization, and the SC Theatre Association recognized him with the 2019 Founders Award last season in recognition for his contributions to SC theatre the previous year.

Sumner Bender, President of Trustus Theatre’s Board of Directors, is confident in the board’s decision to make Henderson the Producing Artistic Director. “Over the past several years, Trustus Theatre has been in a structural transition,” said Bender. “One of the only constants during that change has been Chad Henderson. The Board of Directors worked diligently over the past year to assess and evaluate the responsibilities and duties for an organizational leader. Many of those duties were already being performed by Mr. Henderson. A theatre organization is mutable, just like many smaller arts organizations, and it must be able to recognize when that change is needed. Therefore, when hiring an organizational leader, you can only hope for one that understands the mission, is a champion for the vision, and willing to work hard to maintain that integrity. We’re lucky that Mr. Henderson possesses all of those qualities and will continue to serve as a leader for Trustus Theatre.”

Henderson is honored by the opportunity to serve Trustus in this new capacity. “Trustus has been my artistic home for over fifteen years,” said Henderson. “Being given the chance to lead the organization in this capacity is humbling, and it is also energizing. I can’t quantify what this theatre has given me since its Co-Founders Jim and Kay Thigpen hired me right out of college, but I constantly endeavor to give back in whatever way I can. While our strategies may transform on occasion, the organization continues to be a vital cultural institution in South Carolina. My hope is that my service to the organization can position it for continued success in the next 35 years by celebrating artistry, community, and the power of storytelling.”

The theatre intends to hire an Administrative Assistant of Production in the coming months to assist in the management of productions, contribution programs, and communications.

Trustus Theatre is currently in its 35th Season as the Midlands’s contemporary professional theatre. Founded in 1985 by Kay and Jim Thigpen, Trustus Theatre boasts two performing venues with the Thigpen Main Stage seating 132 and the Trustus Side Door Theatre seating 50. The theatre and the Trustus Company endeavor to enrich the lives and deepen the experiences of their artists and patrons by producing works that examine humanity in the 21st Century. The theatre’s goal is to select challenging scripts that will start and nurture dialogues that promote discussion within the community with productions that are brought to life through dynamic storytelling and inventive designs.

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A Streetcar Named Desire

 

Trustus Theatre Changes Thigpen Main Stage Into a Round Orientation, and Presents 20th Century Classic A Streetcar Named Desire in a thrilling production

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Trustus Theatre puts a new twist on one of America’s most iconic plays, Tennessee Williams’s A Streetcar Named Desire, when it opens on their Main Stage this February. The Main Stage has been converted into a round orientation, meaning that audiences will discover a more intimate, deeper connection with a play that they may already be familiar with. A Streetcar Named Desire will open up on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage on Friday, February 7, and will run through Saturday, February 22. Soda City Brass Band will play a special concert from 7:30-8pm on Opening Night to celebrate this inaugural production in the round. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732. A Streetcar Named Desire is sponsored by Richland Sertoma Club.

This classic Tennessee Williams show came to the Thigpen Main Stage in 2002 and returns in celebration of the theatre’s 35th Anniversary season. One of the most renowned plays of the American theatre, A Streetcar Named Desire introduces audiences to Blanche DuBois, a schoolteacher from Mississippi. She arrives in New Orleans and takes a streetcar named “Desire” to the French Quarter, where her sister, Stella, and Stella’s husband, Stanley Kowalski, live barely above squalor. Blanche’s affections of refinement set her immediately at odds with blue-collar Stanley, who is further incensed when he learns his wife’s aristocratic inheritance—the family estate—has been forfeited to creditors. Believing that Blanche has sold the estate for personal profit and is swindling Stella and Stanley from sharing in the proceeds, Stanley disdains and demeans Blanche, who fights back in the only way she knows: with her genteel charm. The Kowalskis’s Elysian Fields apartment becomes a pressure cooker of sensuality and class tensions, until ultimately erupting in some of the most iconic dramatic moments seen on the 20th Century stage. Trustus Theatre’s production will expose the visceral nature of the play, and show the piece’s relevance in the 21st Century.

A Streetcar Named Desire, the 1948 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, was written by playwright Tennessee Williams. It will be directed by Trustus Company Member, Patrick Michael Kelly, who starred in the play as the Young Collector/Doctor when the play was originally performed at Trustus Theatre in 2002.

A Streetcar Named Desire is a classic for many reasons,” said Kelly. “It has iconic characters and memorable lines, but it also possesses timeless themes. Both Blanche and Stanley play the role of the outsider, each character an alien to the other, both striving to be seen and heard, fighting to keep their power and to control the other. Their conflict speaks to our common collective failure to truly communicate with and understand each other, choosing instead to label and belittle each other in order to preserve our fragile sense of self. This play could be set at any time and place in America. Luckily, for audiences, Williams wrote it in the luxurious setting of New Orleans in the 1940s.”

This play will feature Burke Brown as Stanley Kowalski, Marybeth Gorman as Blanche DuBois, Brittany Hammock as Stella Kowalski, Jon Whit as Steve Hubbell, Shirley McGuinness as Eunice Hubbell, Tashera Pravato as Three Women, Paul Smith as A Young Collector/Doctor, and Jason Stokes as Harold Mitchell (Mitch). Hammock, Whit, and Stokes are Trustus Company Members.

Burke Brown, who plays Stanley, is a guest artists in residency, and he comes to Columbia by way of Atlanta.

“Oftentimes audiences have seen Stanley as the villain of A Streetcar Named Desire,” said Brown. “As humans, it’s easy for us to slap a label on someone or even ourselves as all good or all bad. But in reality, we’re full of paradoxes and Stanley is no exception. I think he’s experienced a lot of trauma and is constantly seeking to distract and numb himself from his pain. On the surface, the themes of violence towards women, misogyny, and substance abuse are things that many of us can still relate to 70 years after the play originally debuted. But even deeper are the effects of trauma and how they manifest in our relations with others. This is one of the most iconic American plays and it’s messages still ring true, maybe even more today.”

Trustus Theatre is bringing a new look to the first three plays of 2020 and they have converted the Thigpen Main Stage into a round orientation. A Streetcar Named Desire will be the first one to be presented in this arena-style staging, which allows for audiences to converge on the play from all sides. Audiences will be immersed in these stories and will be able to more deeply connect with the performers as a new level of intimacy comes to the Main Stage.

“Audiences should catch A Streetcar Named Desire because it’s doubly vital as a history lesson and a hard look in the mirror,” said Kelly. “Our production in particular is exciting due to the creative use of space—experiencing this classic in the round promises for an exceptional and intimate experience with one of American theatre’s most iconic stories. The round setting allows for visceral realism in the acting, and we have a stellar cast featuring some of the very best actors from Columbia and the region bringing their all to this beast of a play. A Streetcar Named Desire is a thriller and our production delivers.”

A Streetcar Named Desire will run from Friday, February 7 through Saturday, February 22, 2020, and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, February 7, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, February 8, at 8pm; Sunday, February 9, at 3pm; Thursday, February 13th, at 8pm; Friday, February 14, at 8pm; Saturday, February 15, at 8pm; Sunday, February 16, at 3pm; Wednesday, February 19, at 8pm; Thursday, February 20, at 8pm; Friday, February 21, at 8pm; and Saturday, February 22, at 8pm.

Trustus Theatre believes that ticket prices shouldn’t keep theatre-lovers from being able to experience great professional theatre. This is why they offer one I.P.W.I.C. (I Pay What I Can) matinee on the first Sunday of each non-musical run. For A Streetcar Named Desire, the I.P.W.I.C. matinee is Sunday, February 9, at 3pm. Based on availability, tickets can be purchased for a donation of $1 and they are available on a first come, first served basis one hour prior to curtain at the box office window. Patrons wishing to guarantee seats are still able to reserve preferred seating for those performances at the regular matinee ticket price.

This Main Stage production is sponsored by Richland Sertoma Club.

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We Are Proud To Present

FEARLESS, BOLD PRODUCTION CONTINUES SEASON 35 AT TRUSTUS THEATRE

Trustus Theatre welcomes the revival of Coker College’s stirring production of We Are Proud to Present […]

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In preparation for presenting the 2019 Pulitzer Winner Fairview, Trustus Theatre is partnering with Coker College to revive their stirring production of We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as South West Africa, From the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915—an earlier work by Fairview playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury. This limited run production will be presented by Coker College and will be on Trustus Theatre’s Side Door Theatre stage January 16-18, 2020. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

A group of actors gather to tell the little-known story of the first genocide of the 20th century. We Are Proud to Present […] takes place largely in a rehearsal room that descends from collaborative to absurd as a group of idealistic actors attempt to recreate the extinction of the Herero tribe at the hands of their German colonizers. Along the way, they test the limits of empathy as their own stories, subjectivities, assumptions, and prejudices catalyze their theatrical process. Eventually the full force of a horrific past crashes into the good intentions of the present, and what seemed a faraway place and time comes all too close to home.

We Are Proud to Present […], written by Jackie Sibblies Drury, will be directed by Coker College’s Assistant Professor of Theatre, Andrew Schwartz. The play will be presented by Coker College and will include five actors making their debut at Trustus Theatre: Kamian McClain, Matt Hicks, Isaiah Washington, Amber Coulter, and Chevez Smith. Tristan Pack returns to the Side Door after appearing in the critically acclaimed production of HIR in Season 33. All six are current Coker College students who are either majoring or minoring in theatre and have performed the play before at Coker College.

“Jackie Sibblies Drury, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama last year for Fairview, is one of the most exciting new playwrights to emerge in the last 20 years,” said Schwartz. “Her plays are fearless, bold, and they ask really difficult questions about race, but they also have a wonderful humility and We Are Proud to Present […] in particular is really funny. I promise, this show is not a history lesson. This ensemble is super talented and they work beautifully together. I guarantee that it will be an evening of theatre that will stick with you long after the show is over. It is unlike any play you have ever seen before.

“There are a lot of powerful and uncomfortable ideas that are touched on in the production that I think will resonate differently for different people. The play asks really difficult questions and like most great plays, it doesn’t provide answers. But some of the questions she asks in the play include: who has the right to tell who’s story? What is the role of theatre in addressing historical atrocities? How do you overcome personal bias when devising a universal message? The full title of the play feels overwhelming and probably intimidating, but audiences shouldn’t be afraid. It is the opposite of stuffy and these young actors will inspire and give you a show that you will never forget.”

Trustus Theatre Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, is excited to collaborate with Coker College to bring this production to the Side Door Theatre this January.

“Jackie Sibblies Drury is one of America’s most important contemporary playwrights,” said Henderson. “Her Pulitzer Prize winning play, Fairview, is coming to Trustus Theatre’s main stage in April. We wanted to offer Columbia audiences a primer of her thoughtful, poignant, and inventive work. Hosting Coker College’s revival production of We Are Proud to Present […] is a great opportunity for Trustus to introduce Drury’s cannon to Columbia, and to introduce audiences to an excellent troupe of young performers.”

We Are Proud to Present […] will run from Thursday, January 16 through Saturday, January 18, 2020 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Thursday, January 16, at 8pm. The performances following are on Friday, January 17, at 8pm and Saturday, January 18, at 2pm and 8pm.

Marjorie Prime

DOES MEMORY MAKE US HUMAN?

Pulitzer Prize Finalist Marjorie Prime comes to Trustus Theatre this November

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In an age where everyday tasks are assisted or completed by technology, the 2015 Pulitzer Prize Finalist Marjorie Prime, makes us question what technology can—and what it cannot—replace in our lives. Marjorie Prime will open up in the Side Door Theatre on Friday, November 8, and will run through Saturday, November 16, 2019. This limited run will have 8 performances across 9 days including a matinee performance on Saturday, November 16. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732. Marjorie Prime is sponsored by AARP.

It’s the age of artificial intelligence, and 85-year-old Marjorie—a jumble of disparate, fading memories—has a handsome new companion who’s programmed to feed the story of her life back to her. What would we remember, and what would we forget, if given the chance? Living with her daughter and her daughter’s husband, Marjorie navigates new terrain in this bold new world of technology—providing audiences a singular exploration of the mysteries of human identity and the limits—if any—of what technology can replace.

Marjorie Prime, the 2015 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, was written by playwright Jordan Harrison and will be directed by Trustus Company Emeritus member, Elena Martínez-Vidal.

“Memory fascinates me,” Martínez-Vidal said. “How memory works. How we remember. How can two people experience the same thing and yet both tell a different story later? And as we age, what happens to our memories? How we see ourselves depends on memories to construct the future. Marjorie Prime was just fascinating to me when I first read it, and it only gets more captivating as we rehearse. Older audience members may see reflections of what they have gone through with their parents or what they are going through now. For younger audience members, I hope they will reflect on the future: theirs and their parents or loved ones. I hope they will be entertained as well as stimulated to have conversations around quite a few topics.”

 The play will feature Trustus Company Members Becky Hunter (Tess) and Clint Poston (Walter). Guest Artists Len Marini (Marjorie) and Glenn Rawls (Jon) will be rounding out the powerhouse cast starring in Marjorie Prime.

“As a director, all of these actors are new to me,” Martínez-Vidal said. “As an actor, I have worked with Becky Hunter quite a bit both at Trustus Theatre and at Workshop Theatre. I have also worked with Len Marini in the past at Workshop Theatre. In regards to Glenn Rawls or Clint Poston, but I have seen their work and I am very happy to be working with them. I am so impressed with all four. We have immersed ourselves in this script. We have been reading through it and asking questions, trying to find answers. The script is rich and mining it has been a joy! We’ve been digging into aging, memory, caretakers, depression, and in general asking questions about what it means to be human and researching information about artificial intelligence. I am very thrilled to bring this show to life and I hope people come to see it because it explores some powerful themes in an entertaining way.”

Trustus Company Member Clint Poston, most recently featured in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in Trustus Theatre’s Season 34, will be working with Martínez-Vidal for the first time as he brings the role of Walter to life.

“I always jump at the chance to participate in a Trustus play that is thought-provoking, challenging, topical, and fun,” Poston said. “This play is all of those things. And plus, I just really loved the script. My character is… different than the others. I suppose his biggest challenge is not having access to all the information that the others do, yet. This play is heartfelt, familial, and surprising, and I hope it teaches the timeless lesson of appreciating those in your life while they are with you. You never know when they will become a memory. And unfortunately, our memories can change, diminish, or become unreal altogether as time passes.”

Marjorie Prime will run from Friday, November 8 through Saturday, November 16, 2019 and tickets are on sale now.Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, November 8, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, November 9, at 8pm; Sunday, November 10, at 3pm; Wednesday, November 13, at 8pm; Thursday, November 14, at 8pm; Friday, November 15, at 8pm; and Saturday, November 16, at 2pm and 8pm.

This Side Door Theatre production is sponsored by AARP.

Company


TRUSTUS THEATRE BEGINS 35th ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH 1971 TONY-AWARD WINNER

Company opens the 35th Anniversary Season on September 27.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Trustus Theatre opens their 35th Anniversary Season with the 1971 Tony Award-Winning musical, Company. Originally set in the ‘70s, this production has been reimagined to a modern landscape where swiping right, liking, and sharing are all part of starting a relationship and will leave us pondering how true human connections begin these days. Company will open up on The Thigpen Main Stage on Friday September 27, and will run through Saturday, October 26, 2019. Shows will run Thursday through Sunday for five packed weekends. Tickets may be purchased here or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

From musical theatre’s most renowned composer, Company is largely regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre and the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics, and Best Book. In celebration of Trustus Theatre’s 35th Anniversary, this classic musical returns to the Thigpen Main Stage following a lauded production in 1997 that was directed by Dewey Scott-Wiley. This story follows confirmed bachelor, Bobby, who contemplates his unmarried state on the night of his 35th birthday. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks, and even a wedding, his friends— “those good and crazy people, [his] married friends”—explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. The habitually single Bobby is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.

The book for Company was written by George Furth and the music and lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim, who is considered one of the greatest American musical theatre writers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Returning to our stage to direct the 2019 production of Company will be Trustus Company Member Dewey Scott-Wiley who directed Trustus Theatre’s original production in 1997. The Music Director from the 1997 production, Tom Beard, will also be returning this season to provide musical direction. Choreography will be provided by Terrance Henderson, the 2016 winner of the Steve Morrison Visionary Award.

“It’s a lovely coincidence that Trustus is turning 35, and Bobby, the main character in Company, is celebrating his 35th birthday,” said Artistic Director Chad Henderson. “This show is almost 50 years old now, and it continues to resonate and remain relevant. We wanted to bring something from the classic canon to our main stage to open Season 35, and Company seemed like a great fit. This show exhibits powerful universality because it explores relationships, marriage, being single, and being self-aware when those around you are trying to steer your decisions.”

The musical will feature Trustus Company Members Walter Graham, Katrina Blanding, Christopher Cockrell, Robin Gottlieb, Kevin Bush, and Brittany Hammock with guest artists Jocelyn Brannon, Craig Allen, Charlie Goodrich, Sheldon Paschal, Stann Gwynn, Hilary Scales-Lewis, Gaby Walker, and Rachael Mitchum.

“The ensemble and production team that’s working on this production is truly exciting,” said Henderson. “Sondheim’s work is often considered some of the most difficult work in musical theatre, and this cast is stacked with well-known performers and musicians. Not to mention, the creative team of Dewey Scott-Wiley, Tom Beard, and Terrance Henderson will bring a modernity to this piece that will amplify its relevance for a 21st Century audience. This will be a special moment for Columbia theatre, and certainly for Trustus.”

Company will run from Friday, September 27 through Saturday, October 26, 2019 and the tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, September 27, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, September 28, at 8pm; Sunday, September 29, at 3pm; Thursday, October 3, at 8pm; Friday, October 4, at 8pm; Saturday, October 5, at 8pm; Sunday, October 6, at 3pm; Thursday, October 10, at 8pm; Friday, October 11, at 8pm; Saturday, October 12, at 8pm; Sunday, October 13, at 3pm; Thursday, October 17, at 8pm; Friday, October 18, at 8pm; Saturday, October 19, at 8pm; Sunday, October 20, at 3pm; Thursday, October 24, at 8pm; Friday, October 25, at 8pm; and Saturday, October 26, at 8pm.

Company is supported by our sponsor, W Realty.

The piano for the production has been provided by Rice Music House.

SEASON 35

In its 35th Anniversary Season, Trustus Theatre will take a look back at some classic Trustus Theatre productions. They’re bringing patrons some of the best in contemporary, theatre we’ll look at the bright possible future of the human experience with plays that teach us to listen, learn, and relate. Trustus Theatre will also provide our audiences exciting new experiences by reconfiguring our Main Stage into a round for three consecutive shows, as well as commissioning two world premiere plays based on true Columbia stories that will be presented in repertory during our Trustus Playwrights’ Festival. Tickets and Season 35 Flex Passes may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, says, “For Trustus’ 35th Anniversary Season we wanted to continue honoring our mission of providing Columbia with shows that speak to the conversations we’re having in our community, while also producing some productions with high name-recognition that will bring many patrons to the theatre for the first time. We’ve got classics, we’ve got the most current Pulitzer winner, we’ve got world premieres, we’ve got a punk-rock Andrew Jackson, and we’ve got a summer musical so hot that we’re not contractually allowed to announce it until the Fall (but we’ll give you a hint: Mr. Fahrenheit). This season will be a great way to celebrate 35 years of provocative Trustus programming, while bringing many new stories, ideas, and visions to our stage. Folks will want to grab a Season 35 Flex Pass immediately so they can join us all year at a savings!”

Season 35 begins with Company, the 1971 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical written by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, that will run Friday, September 27through Saturday, October 25, 2019. Remaining Season 35 productions include Miss Bennet, Christmas at Pemberleyfrom December 6 to 21, 2019; A Streetcar Named Desire, the 1948 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama, from February 7 to 22, 2020; Bloody Bloody Andrew Jacksonfrom March 13 to April 4, 2020; Fairview, the 2019 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama and the 2018-2019 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, from April 24 to May 8, 2020; Composure, a world premiere written by Trustus Company Member Jason Stokes, from August 13 to 29, 2020; and House Calls, The Strange Tale of Dr. Gale, a second world premiere production; from August 20 to August 29, 2020.

For the first three shows of 2020, Trustus Theatre is turning their Main Stage into a round orientation. Audiences will converge on these plays from all sides bringing a new level of intimacy to the Thigpen Main Stage. This format will allow for audiences to be immersed in these stories and will in turn connect performers more deeply with the audience.

Trustus Theatre continues their history of bringing award-winning productions to Columbia for audiences to experience. Their 35thSeason includes a Tony Award Winner for Best Musical (Company) and not one, but two Pulitzer Prize Winners for Drama (A Streetcar Named Desireand Fairview). Trustus Theatre’s revival of Companywill be reimagined to set this story in a modern landscape where swiping right, liking, and sharing are all part of starting a relationship, and will leave you pondering how true human connections begin in this generation.

In August, the Trustus Playwrights Festival debuts two new works of art based on true Columbia stories. Columbia True Crime Repertory will feature Composureand House Calls. This year, the Trustus Playwrights’ Festival is commissioning two plays about true Columbia events that were scribed by local playwrights, Jason Stokes and Charlie Finesilver. Composure, by Stokes, tells the story of the murder of State Newspaper Founder Narcisco Gonzales at the hands of Lt. Governor Tillman, and the trial that followed. House Calls, The Strange Tale of Dr. Gale by Finesilver, tells the story of Dr. Ian Gayle – a successful psychiatrist turned burglar who stole over $500,000 worth of guns, antiques, rate coins, jewelry, and other loot from the residents of Forest Acres in the 1970’s. Both shows will be performed in repertory, with performances alternating nightly.

Flex Passes are available for purchase at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732. Trustus Theatre wants to put the power of ticketing right in the audience’s hands. With a Season 35 Flex Pass, you will receive 8 tickets that may be used flexibly over XX productions (8 on the Main Stage, XX in the Side Door Theatre.) This is the best opportunity to ensure prime seats and tickets for the season—Flex Pass holders also receive priority purchasing with a special ticketing window that opens up to them one week prior than ticket sales open to the general public. One Flex Pass is $220 for an adult and $160 for a student.

Tickets for Season 35 will be available for purchase at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732 one month prior to the opening day. For more information and updates on each upcoming production, visit the Trustus Theatre website or social media, or call 803-254-9732.

HEATHERS, THE MUSICAL

Trustus Theatre continues their 34thSeason, The Art of Adaptation, with the production of Heathers, The Musical,a musical that has been adapted from the 1988 cult-classic film, Heathers. This energetic musical arrives at Trustus Theatre just in time for the summer season, and will open up on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage on Friday, June 28 and will run through Saturday, July 27, 2019. Shows will run Thursday through Sunday for five packed weeks. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Based on the 1989 film, Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather, and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place—six feet under. Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, “Desperate Housewives”)and Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blond), Heathers, The Musical is a hilarious, heartfelt, and (at times) harrowing new show based on the greatest teen comedy of the late 80s. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers, The Musicalwill be one of Columbia’s most popular musicals of the summer. Are you in, or are you out?

The book and lyrics for Heathers, The Musical were written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe and the musical is based on the film written by Daniel Waters. Heathers, The Musical will be directed by Trustus Company Member Dewey Scott-Wiley, will have music direction by Randy Moore, and will be choreographed by Grayson Anthony.

“It’s always a blast to bring a cult classic to life,” said Director Dewey Scott-Wiley. “This type of dark comedy plays so well at Trustus. It’s a beautifully dark and lethally funny musical comedy with an extremely energetic and talented cast. About half of the cast is new to Trustus, which is a great infusion of energy and excitement. The characters, storyline, and favorite lines are the same from the movie to the musical adaptation, which will be a delight for the movie fans. Anytime a movie is adapted into a musical, the creators make decisions about what parts of the story need to be spoken, and which need to be sung. The really heightened moments fromm the original are sung, which adds another layer. I think the fans of the movie will be delighted by the musical. I can’t think of a reason why anyone would want to miss this one! Top-notch performers telling a twisted and hilarious tale is a great way to beat the summer heat!”

Heathers, The Musical will run from Friday, June 28 through Saturday, July 27, 2019 and the tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, June 28, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, June 29, at 8pm; Sunday, June 30, at 3pm; Friday, July 5, at 8pm; Saturday, July 6, at 8pm; Sunday, July 7, at 3pm; Thursday, July 11, at 8pm; Friday, July 12, at 8pm; Saturday, July 13, at 8pm; Sunday, July 14, at 3pm; Thursday, July 18, at 8pm, Friday, July 19, at 8pm; Saturday, July 20, at 8pm; Sunday, July 21, at 3pm; Wednesday, July 24, at 8pm; Thursday, July 25, at 8pm; Friday, July 26, at 8pm; and Saturday, July 27, at 8pm.

TRUSTUS ARRIVES AT THE TCG NATIONAL THEATRE CONFERENCE IN MIAMI

Trustus Theatre has been a member of Theatre Communications Group for over a decade now. TCG is a nonprofit service organization headquartered in New York City that promotes and networks professional nonprofit theatres in the United States (check out their website: www.tcg.org). This year, Trustus is endeavoring to maximize our membership opportunities by attending TCG events as well as applying for grants offered by the group. So, last week, I packed a suitcase and took to the skies to attend the TCG National Theatre Conference in the beautiful city of Miami, FL. I even got to bring my wonderful wife with me.

The 2019 TCG National Theatre Conference took place for three consecutive days at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Miami.  Overwhelmingly large, this conference provided over 1,000+ attendees an exploration which addressed the field’s most pressing issues, from the evolving landscape of fundraising, to organizational culture, to leadership development, all while nurturing the field’s growing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The Conference community engaged with thought leaders from within and beyond the arts to grapple with theatre’s true constant: the challenge of adapting and sustaining our organizations and our work in times of great change.

Since social justice is a focus of our programming at Trustus, I chose to attend workshops and breakout sessions that focused on that theme.

My first workshop was a TCG Lab called “EVER FORWARD: Addressing Culture Shift & the #MeToo Movement in the Theatre Field.” This three-hour lab addressed the many ways that safety, nurture, and caregiving can be provided to artists and audiences. I was encouraged to learn that the work Trustus has been doing this season with The Chicago Theatre Standards and the Pillars of Intimacy is not only “right on time,” but that we’re ahead of the game in comparison to many other organizations. There were also some enlightening considerations offered in regards to meeting audiences in an appreciative way by considering the singularity of their experience. For example, what is our late-seating policy? Do we have one? Or, if a patron gets up in the middle of a show and bolts for the door, perhaps ask them on their way out “if they’re ok?” It’s a possible moment of understanding and compassion rarely offered. [Admittedly, when I’ve seen patrons run for the door I’ve thought “Wow, they can’t handle it,” “Wow, they hate this,” or “never have spicy foods before seeing a play.”]

I believe the most valuable experiences I had at this conference were focused on Anti-Racism work. These three sessions, that amounted to 5 hours of examination (not nearly enough time for such an important issue), set forth a call to action and a recognition of the theatre’s responsibility in dismantling the systematic racism that exists in organizations, especially PWI’s (predominantly white institutions).

While it’s impossible to fully encapsulate the entirety of the conversation in a brief blog, various themes continued rising to the surface. The success in Anti-Racism work actually lies in the failures. Try, try, try + fail, fail, fail = SUCCESS. Also, organizations must lean into discomfort. Being in an uncomfortable space indicates growth, acknowledgement, and the possibility for change. Action is necessary, followed by more action. Take one step, then take another. Our guide posts should be: Transparency, Follow the Money, Relentless Inquiry, and (as stated before) Continual Action.

I was also able to attend some workshops on audience engagement, audience experience, and marketing in the digital age. All of which provided relevant considerations for the 21stCentury.

To say the least, this conference provided inspiration and important conversation that I think will serve our organization as we move forward. We want to work for a more representative theatre. A theatre that mirrors the community we serve, and tells a diverse range of stories. To share our collective experiences so that we can listen, learn, and relate. We want to make meaningful experiences and engender a culture that makes space and lifts up unheard voices.

I gathered from this conference that the conversations in the American Theatre are focused on the possibility of a better world through our work. You’ll have to continue holding us accountable…

Vista Queen

More than one hundred fifty fans and friends joined Trustus Theatre on Friday, June 7, for Vista Queen 2019, Battle Royale. This was the twenty first year for the Vista Queen pageant, hosted by Columbia educator and performer, Terrence Henderson (aka Alexia Bonet), and Dreher High School Choir Director, Walter Graham (aka CJ Grant). “The Vista Queen Pageant is one-of-a-kind,” said Trustus Artistic Director (and former Vista Queen winner), Chad Henderson. “We gather Trustus friends, family, and supporters each year to compete in an annual drag pageant that is also Trustus’ longest running and most successful fundraiser. With an opening number, a talent competition, and an evening gown interview section – it’s a great event that keeps growing.”

“Vista Queen serves as Trustus Theatre’s largest yearly fundraiser, and I cannot thank the volunteers, hosts, contestants and judges enough for their time, energy and creativity in putting together such an amazing event,” said Trustus Development Director, Brad Martin. “We raised a record amount of money for Trustus Theatre which we will put to good use as we make some much-needed repairs to our roof, the HVAC systems and upgrade our lighting and sound equipment. The success of this year’s pageant was a product of the amazing team work that everyone brought to this event.”

The four contestants this year were no strangers to Vista Queen. The theme was Battle Royale, and four past contestants came back to battle it out for fans and judges’ votes.

The show opened to theme music from the movie Rocky, and contestants took the stage dressed in boxing robes, sequined gloves and feathers, setting the stage for the battle to come. The four contestants, all active performers at Trustus and community leaders, business owners and educators, included Raven Black (Chris Cockrell), Crystal DeCanter (Daryl Byrd), JustGia! (Greg Garrett) and Abortia Clinique (Mark Ziegler). Special guest performers, Nicole Roberts and Paris LeFaris, also took the stage, and Trustus Company member, Abigail McNeely, served as the live stream host so people who didn’t get a ticket could watch the sold-out pageant at home.

This year Trustus invited six amazing local women to serve as judges, including artist Kirkland Smith, Richland County Councilwoman Allison Terracio, founder of Acting Up with Tiffany, Tiffany James, Partner with Burnette Shutt McDaniel Law Firm, Janet Rhodes, owner of Revente, Heather Burns, and Executive Director of Harbison Theatre, Kristin Cobb.

Crystal DeCanter won over the judge’s score sheets, while JustGia! was crowned Miss Vista Queen 2019, as her combined judges score and audience votes gave her the nod over first runner-up, Abortia Clinique.

Trustus would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this event such a success. Also, thanks got out to sponsors including Jason Carpenter and William Frye, Robin Gottlieb Hair Studio, Revente, Workshop Theatre, Scott Hall and Bone-In Barbecue, Lock Reddick and Green’s Beverages, Arabesque, and The Nickelodeon Theatre.

SWEAT: A PORTRAIT OF AMERICA’S RURAL WORKING CLASS FAMILIES

Trustus Theatre brings its second Pulitzer Prize-winning play, Sweat by Lynn Nottage, to its stage this season. Sweat, the second most produced play in the United States this season, brings to light the harsh realities of what it’s like to survive on minimum wage in one of the poorest cities in the country and the dissolution of the American dream. This play speaks to Columbia’s history—once a regional textile manufacturing center with six mills in operation and 3,400 millworkers—and to how easily the American dream can be lost when the country’s economy struggles. Sweat will open on the Trustus Theatre Main Stage on Friday, May 17 and will run through Saturday, June 1, 2019. It is directed by guest artist Erin Wilson—a Core Ensemble Member of PURE Theatre in Charleston, SC. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Reading, Pennsylvania. A valley town of fiercely proud families who worked for generations in the plants and factories of a thriving county seat. Unions rule, well-paying jobs are coveted, and politics are personal. Having grown up side-by-side in Reading, best friends Tracey and Cynthia went from fun-loving schoolchildren to saloon-loving adults who work together on a steel manufacturing line. In a tight-knit community like this one, however, it takes but one fracture in its core for the breaking point of friendship to be seismically tested. Inspired by field research and first-person testimonials collected in Reading, PA, Lynn Nottage’s unflinching, intensely researched, and Pulitzer-winning slice-of-life drama, Sweat, captures the pressure cooker of trying times—where a lethal combination of layoffs, lockouts, and picket lines sends the Rust Belt way of life into crisis, leaving us to ask the question: how do we face change?

This play was written by two-time Pulitzer prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage and won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It will be directed by Erin Wilson, a Core Ensemble Member of PURE Theatre in Charleston, SC and the daughter of Trustus Theatre Co-Founder and original Artistic Director Jim Thigpen. The play stars Patrick Dodds (Jason), Steve Harley (Stan), Christine Hellman (Jessie), Darion McCloud (Bruce), Samuel McWhite (Evan), Dewey Scott-Wiley (Tracy), Lonetta Thompson (Cynthia), Samuel Traquina (Oscar), and De’On Turner (Chris) will be making his Trustus Theatre debut.

“Sweat is a play that makes you feel things,” said director Erin Wilson. “It’s got a touch of mystery, and a quickly accelerating story that keeps you leaning forward in your seat. You simultaneously root for and against the characters, who are fascinating and infuriating and funny and painfully flawed. I really think Lynn Nottage created the perfect story in Sweat. And it’s the kind of story that Trustus has been telling since 1985. I’m proud to be a part of the storytelling. To collaborate with thoughtful, creative, hard-working, smart, funny people. And to make people feel things. That’s the goal.”

Sweat will run from Friday, May 17 through to Saturday, June 1, 2019 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, May 17, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, May 18, at 8pm; Sunday, May 19, at 3pm; Thursday, May 23, at 8pm; Friday, May 24, at 8pm; Saturday, May 25, at 8pm; Sunday, May 26, at 3pm; Thursday, May 30, at 8pm; Friday, May 31, at 8pm; and Saturday, June 1, at 8pm.

Trustus Theatre believes that ticket prices shouldn’t keep theatre-lovers from being able to experience great professional theatre. This is why they offer one I.P.W.I.C. (I Pay What I Can) matinee on the first Sunday of each non-musical run. For Sweat, the I.P.W.I.C. matinee is Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 3pm. Based on availability, tickets can be purchased for a donation of $1 and they are available on a first come first served basis one hour prior to curtain at the box office window. Patrons wishing to guarantee seats are still able to reserve preferred seating for these performances at the regular matinee ticket price.

THE GREAT GATSBY: A JAZZ-AGE COLLABORATION AT TRUSTUS THEATRE

Trustus Theatre’s Season 34, The Art of Adaptation, continues this spring with their production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. This American classic novel, adapted for the stage by Simon Levy, will take audiences back to the Jazz Age and will incorporate local talent from Trustus Theatre actors, Columbia City Ballet dancers, and Cola Jazz musicians. It will be directed by Trustus Theatre Artistic Director Chad Henderson with an original score by Mark Rapp and choreography by Stephanie Wilkins. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will open on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage on Friday, April 5, 2019 and will run through Saturday, April 27, 2019. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Nick Carraway, a newcomer to Long Island, moves into a cottage next to the brilliant mansion of self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby. After witnessing many late-night parties at his mysterious neighbor’s house, Nick is finally invited to attend one of these legendary all-night celebrations where decadence is in great supply. When Gatsby begins a passionate pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, Nick is drawn into their world of obsession, greed, and danger.

The Great Gatsby was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and was adapted for the stage by Simon Levy. It will be directed by Trustus Theatre Artistic Director Chad Henderson.

“Producing The Great Gatsby was admittedly a selfish decision as a director seeking to bring to life a piece of literature that he loved,” Henderson said. “I’m a big fan of early 20th Century literature, specifically Hemingway and Fitzgerald. I found myself talking to fellow theatre artists about the possibility of a The Great Gatsby production at Trustus, and the response was consistently wrapped in excitement at the idea. Then, I thought about the spectacle of The Great Gatsby. How do we bring something beyond what is expected for a large Trustus show? I knew we could find a fine ensemble of actors to play these classic roles, but I wanted to go further. That’s how SC Jazz Ambassador and trumpeter Mark Rapp, Cola Jazz, Choreographer Stephanie Wilkins, and The Columbia City Ballet came into the picture.”

Trustus Theatre’s production of The Great Gatsby will feature a score by Mark Rapp, live music from Cola Jazz, and dancers from Columbia City Jazz and the Columbia City Ballet.

“There are many challenges with a show like The Great Gatsby,” Henderson said. “First of all, this piece of literature has been read countless times and the films that were created were highly popular. Therefore, audiences will probably have had some experience with the piece at some point in their life. They’ll have expectations. Our goal is to meet those expectations and to hopefully create some new ways to experience the piece. There’s also a lot of moving parts that have to come together over the course of a very short tech week. Our live band and professional dancers will have little time to integrate with our cast of professional actors. In the end, what will be rewarding is the amount of collaboration that we’re bringing to this production. We’ve got three high profile organizations coming together to bring something special to Columbia audiences. This is going to be an exciting time at Trustus.”

Along with The Great Gatsby play, Trustus Theatre invites you to their The Great Gatsby House Party on Saturday, March 23, from 6-10pm at the Historic Seibels House (1601 Richland Street in Columbia, SC 29201). It will be an unforgettable evening under the stars, and your ticket will give you access to an open bar (beer, wine, specialty cocktail), scrumptious delights from Scott Hall Catering, and live dancing music from the Flat Out Strangers and the Station Seven Band in the garden. Inside the house, you’ll find DJ Preach Jacobs, portraits painted by Lucas Sams, raffles, a silent auction, and a chance to have a private meeting with Mr. Gatsby himself. Tickets are $75 each and are available for purchase by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. The party is sponsored by Steel Hands Brewing, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Ciroc VS, and Breakthru Beverage Group.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby will run from Friday, April 5 through to Saturday, April 27 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets for the play and The Great Gatsby House Party can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, April 5, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, April 6, at 8pm; Sunday, April 7, at 3pm; Thursday, April 11, at 8pm; Friday, April 12, at 8pm; Saturday, April 13, at 8pm; Sunday, April 14, at 3pm; Thursday, April 18, at 8pm; Friday, April 19, at 8pm; Saturday, April 20, at 8pm; Wednesday, April 24, at 8pm; Thursday, April 25, at 8pm; Friday, April 26, at 8pm; and Saturday, April 27, at 8pm.

This production is sponsored by Intramed Plus.

PARTY LIKE IT’S 1922 WITH TRUSTUS THEATRE

Put on your flapper dress or your best three-piece suit, and make plans to attend the hottest party of the spring at The Great Gatsby House Party. Held at the Historic Seibels House, this signature Trustus Theatre event will kick off their Season 34 production of F. Scott Fitzgerald’sThe Great Gatsby, running on their Main Stage April 5 – April 27, 2019. Tickets are limited and may be purchased at www.trustus.orgor by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

 

Trustus Theatre, on the behalf of Mr. Jay Gatsby, invites you for an unforgettable evening under the stars this spring at the Historic Seibels House. Your ticket to the event includes access to an open bar that features beer, wine, and Gatsby-themed specialty cocktails along with impeccable catering from Scott Hall Catering, the chef behind Columbia’s Bone-In BBQ restaurant in the Bull Street District. Outside, guests will dance the night away to live music provided by local gypsy swing band, Flat Out Strangers as well as Station Seven Band. Inside the house, guests will be entertained by DJ Preach Jacobs and with portrait paintings by Lucas Sams. There will be raffles, a silent auction, and a chance to have a private meeting with Mr. Jay Gatsby himself. Proceeds from the event will benefit Trustus Theatre.

 

“This party is going to transport you to a Gatsby-style party where the food is delicious, the drinks are plentiful, and the music doesn’t stop,” Trustus Theatre Artistic Director Chad Henderson said. “This is a great chance to enjoy a special night with a special date or friends. While 1920s wardrobe is encouraged, it is not required. Not to mention, with Station Seven Band, Flat Out Strangers, and DJ Preach Jacobs—you’ll be dancing all night. We always like to make ‘fun’ a big part of our fundraisers, and this event is no exception.”

 

The Great Gatsby House Party will be held at The Historic Seibels House at 1601 Richland Street in Columbia, South Carolina 29201. General admission tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.trustus.orgor by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732. VIP Private Tables are available and include a drink service attendant, a bottle of champagne, and a special invitation for you and your guests to attend a special preview of The Great Gatsbyat Trustus Theatre on April 3rdat 7:30pm. The VIP Private Tables are available for parties of 8 and are $1,000 each.

 

This party is sponsored by Steel Hands Brewing, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Ciroc VS, and Breakthru Beverage Group.

5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche

Audiences have been clamoring for it for nearly five and a half years, and Trustus Theatre is set to deliver a tasty theatrical treat this March: they’re bringing back 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche! This play made its Trustus Theatre debut in Season 28 and was such a hit that when it came back in Season 29, the entire run was sold out before opening night! It is a delightfully bawdy, slightly over-the-top, fun production will have you laughing from the first line through the final bows. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche will open in the Fellowship Hall at Reformation Lutheran Church on Friday, March 8, 2019 and will run through Sunday, March 17, 2019. This limited run will have eight performances including three afternoon matinees. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732.

It’s 1956, and the Susan B. Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein are having their annual quiche breakfast. You’re not only invited, but you’re a member, too (and you’ve got a name tag to verify it.) Will they be able to keep their cool when Communists threaten their idyllic town?

“This show is a fan favorite, and we often have people requesting it,” Trustus Theatre Artistic Director Chad Henderson said. “So, we’re giving our audiences what they want. This season, we’re taking this show off-site because we wanted to give our audiences a new experience with this piece. We wanted to find a way to bring this show to a larger audience as well—our Side Door Theatre seats 50 patrons, and we wanted to be able to serve more audiences in a larger space. We’re lucky to be able to partner with Reformation Lutheran. This show takes place in a church basement, or bunker if you will, so we thought it’d be fun to perform the show in a church space. Pastor Bupp and his congregation have been very welcoming, so we’re excited to bring this show to more people at a site that mirrors the actual setting of the play.”

This play was written by Evan Linder and Andrew Hobgood, and will be directed by Trustus Theatre Company member Robin Gottlieb. Gottlieb is back to direct this piece for the third time, having directed the original runs at Trustus Theatre in Season 28 and Season 29. Returning original cast members include Vicky Saye Henderson, Emily Meadows, Katie Mixon with Trustus Company members Krista Forster and Jennifer Hill joining the cast. Becky Hunter will be returning as Stage Manager for the play.

“Directing 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche for the third time is a gift!” Gottlieb said. “I have always dreamed of producing this show in a church social hall, as that is where the show takes place. I think that the audience will have a very authentic experience in the Fellowship Hall at Reformation Lutheran—it adds an entirely new layer to this laugh-a-minute show. While I miss the original cast and our incredible chemistry, I am truly enjoying the new energy this cast is bringing to the show. Krista Forster is a new cast member but she’s professional and fearless, and she’ll bring the house down. Vicky Saye Henderson brings experience and consistency to her third time in this show. Katie Mixon is another extremely consistent, sincere, and professional actor… she even came in to town from Thailand to recreate her role. Talk about dedication! Jennifer Hill has so much energy and adds sexiness to her role; both men and women will have a crush on her. Emily Meadows brings an innocence and rawness that cannot be taught. She’s hysterical and her character is endearing. Having Becky Hunter as my Stage Manager for every incarnation has proven invaluable. Together, we are putting together a tight package of fun!”

5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche will run from Friday, March 8 through to Saturday, March 17 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, March 8, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, March 9, at 8pm; Sunday, March 10, at 3pm; Thursday, March 14, at 8pm; Friday, March 15, at 8pm; Saturday, March 16, at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, March 17 at 3pm.

All performances will be at Reformation Lutheran Church in the Fellowship Hall located at 1118 Union Street in Columbia, SC 29201. Parking is available outside of the Fellowship Hall.

Cost of Living

The 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama will have its South Carolina debut at Trustus Theatre this month, and through a partnership with Able South Carolina, will feature two actors with disabilities portraying two of the main characters in the play.It’s a play that anyone—with or without disability—can find themselves easily relating to. Cost of Livingwill open on our Side Door Theatre stage on Friday, February 22 and will run through Saturday, March 2, 2019. This limited run will have eight performances including two afternoon matinees. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.orgor by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

One of the most powerful shows of 2018 comes to the Trustus Side Door theatre. Eddie, an unemployed truck driver, reunites with his ex-wife Ani after she suffers a devastating accident. John, a brilliant and witty doctoral student, hires overworked Jess as a caregiver. As their lives intersect, Martyna Majok’s play delves into the chasm between abundance and need and explores the space where bodies—with or without disability—meet each other.

This play was written by Martyna Majok and won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It will be directed by Trustus Theatre Emeritus Company Member Paul Kaufmann who is the current South Carolina Arts Commision Acting Fellow and whose Trustus Theatre directing credits include (ask Paul what he’s directed at Trustus). The play stars Bauer Westeren (John), Ellen Rodillo-Fowler (Jess), Eric Bultman (Eddie), and Kathy LalLima (Ani).

Cost of Living is presented in sponsorship with Able South Carolina, and features two actors with disabilities making their Trustus Theatre debut.

“We’re excited to be a small piece of this play that truly reaches outside the stereotypes of people with disabilities,” said Kimberly Tissot, Executive Director of Able South Carolina. “As a disability rights organization, our favorite part about Cost of Livingis that Martyna Majok made it a requirement to cast actors with disabilities to play the parts of the characters with disabilities to bring a level of authenticity.”

Able South Carolina is also providing a unique feature to Cost of Living—each performance will have sign language interpreters for any deaf audience members.

Cost of Livingwill run from Friday, February 22 through to Saturday, March 2, 2019 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, February 22, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, February 23, at 8pm; Sunday, February 24, at 3pm; Wednesday, February 27, at 8pm; Thursday, February 28, at 8pm; Friday, March 1, at 8pm; and Saturday, March 2, at 2pm and at 8pm.

Love is Love Cabaret

A unique Valentine’s Day celebration is coming to The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake this year—Trustus Theatre’s beloved Love is Love Cabaret is back again this year! With a glass of wine in hand, audiences can enjoy the musical talents of Trustus Theatre as a handful of favorite Trustus Company Members gather around the piano to sing you songs all about love. It’s a great date night for you and your significant other, but it also makes for a wonderful night out with a group of friends. The Love is Love Cabaret will be at The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake (1635 Main Street in Columbia, SC) on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 8pm and on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 8pm. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Trustus Theatre is hitting the road this month, and taking their Valentine’s Day cabaret to Main Street to The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake Wine Parlour. Upstairs in Lula Drake’s intimate, newly restored event space, audiences will cozy up by the piano and be enchanted by musical performances by a cast of Trustus Company Members including Kevin Bush, Katie Leitner, Michael Hazin, Brittany Hammock, Abigail McNeely, Jonathan Monk, and Mark Zeigler. This will be an evening with a wide array of musical styles who will be singing you songs about that “crazy little thing called love.” A cash bar with libations provided by Lula Drake will be available for audiences to enjoy.

Musical direction will be provided by Chris Cockrell. The tunes were selected by the performers themselves, so get ready for a beautifully curated evening of tunes with deep connections.

“This event just keeps getting better,” said Trustus Theatre Artistic Director Chad Henderson. “We’re so excited to bring this cabaret to the Pastor’s Study. Last year we did a show with large production value, but we really wanted to go back to an intimate setting. Since love is such an intimate experience, we wanted to put our audiences in a room where they can let the music into their hearts. When you look at this roster of talent, you know it’s going to be a very special evening.”

Love is Love is Love Cabaret will be on stage for two nights only at The Pastor’s Study at Lula Drake: Friday, February 15, 2019 and Saturday, February 18, 2019. Both shows will begin at 8pm and doors will open 30 minutes prior to the show. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at Trustus.org.

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

For most people, the ability to connect with others, be touched, and explore the everyday world doesn’t take much effort. It’s different though for Christopher Boone—a fifteen-year-old living with autism—because even the simple act of holding a conversation with someone can overload his senses and emotions. What happens when the neighbor’s dog is found speared with a garden fork and Christopher becomes a suspect? Find out when The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes to Trustus Theatre. This production will feature the Trustus debut of Beck Chandler, the first actor with autism to play the role in the Southeast. It also features British actor Scott Pattison as Christopher’s father, and his performance is supported in part by a South Carolina Arts Commission Performance Initiative Grant. Simon Stephens’ script adaptation, which won the 2015 Tony for Best Play and was based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, will come to life at Trustus Theatre on Friday, January 18 and will run through Saturday, February 9, 2019. Shows will run Thursday through Sunday for three packed weeks of performances. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732. 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the 2015 Tony Winner for Best Play, tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher. The young hero has an extraordinary brain: he is exceptional at mathematics but he’s ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Now, it is 7 minutes after midnight, and Christopher stands beside his neighbor’s dead dog, Wellington, who has been speared with a garden fork. Finding himself under suspicion, Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, and he carefully records each fact of the crime. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world.

This play is based on the novel by Mark Haddon, originally published in May 2003, and has been adapted by Simon Stephens. It will be directed by Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson. The play stars actors Beck Chandler, Libby Hawkins, Michael Hazin, Christine Hellman, Raia Jane Hirsch, Donna McKenna, Clint Poston, Tashera Pravato, Elizabeth Stepp, Scott Smith-Pattison, and G. Scott Wild. Beck Chandler, playing Christopher Boone, is the first actor living with autism to take the main stage at a theatre in South Carolina. Henderson is excited about the opportunity to work with Beck and to have him star in this role.

“When I saw Beck’s original audition at our open-call session, I found him very inviting as a performer and wanted to see him in this role because he was one of the younger actors that we saw at those auditions,” Henderson said. “He was open with me after he was called back for the part of Christopher, and told me that he was honored to have a chance to read for the role because he was an actor living with autism. Beck is a talented actor, and I think audiences will be delighted to witness his performance. I find it inspiring to not only have an actor in the role who is versatile and endearing, but that we’re able to learn from Beck as we work on this show. While he is certainly creating this role anew, he is able to bring authenticity to the performance of Chris by layering his own experiences, knowledge, and truths as an actor living with autism.”

“Autism can be very difficult to understand, and this is even true for people with it,” Chandler said. “While other actors’ imitations are very sincere, I believe it takes experience to be able to walk around inside of Christopher’s head. I plan on bringing depth to the character and drawing on my experiences to give a genuine and relatable performance. It is very rare to see an autistic character, but it is extraordinary to have such a fantastic work be fully from an autistic perspective. I know the audiences will be amazed by the fantastical scenes that Christopher creates. We can learn a lot from this play—it shows us that difference can be powerful and that autism can be used as a strength.”

“I would describe autism as a different way of thinking and processing information,” Chandler said. “People with autism interpret the world in an entirely distinct way. After many years of therapy and treatment, I am lucky to be able to function normally in society. While I don’t have as many of the obvious symptoms that I used to, I still feel the same way inside. The best way to describe it would be that everything is magnified to such a degree that it can easily become overwhelming. I often get confused by my surroundings, but I have learned to cope as best as I can.”

With support from an SC Arts Commission Performance Initiative Grant, Trustus Theatre is able to bring Scott Smith-Pattison onto the production in the role of Ed (Christopher’s father.) Smith-Pattison is originally from Coventry, England, and since the play is set in England, he has been very helpful in helping police the authenticity of the dialects and other regional information.

“Scott is a very talented actor, and a member of Actors Equity Association which is the professional union for stage actors and stage managers,” Henderson said. “He is a Core Member at PURE Theatre in Charleston, SC that I met when I was working on Fun Home at PURE in Winter 2018. I thought he was a very charming guy, and when we decided to produce this play, I knew I wanted him in it. He’ll be a new performer for Columbia and I can’t wait for him to make his debut on our stage.”

The team at Trustus is also excited to welcome former Company Member Baxter Engle back to Columbia to create the scenic and media designs for this production. Engle is currently based out of NYC where he works for Production Glue, an event company that works with large clients like Nike. Audiences may remember Engle’s work at Trustus on such productions as American Idiot and Black Super Hero Magic Mama.

“We knew we wanted to honor the intent of the original production. which used a lot of media to make Christopher’s world come to life,” Henderson said. “The key to make this production a visual success was getting Baxter on board. As soon as he gave the thumbs up, we programmed the production.”

“I think Columbia is in for a real theatrical treat with this production,” Henderson said. “This is personally one of my favorite shows that I’ve seen or read in the past few years, and I can’t wait for Columbia to experience it. I would say the best reason to see this play is to ponder the question: ‘I can do anything, right?’ I think this show is inviting for so many types of people. It’s a family story, it’s an adventure, it’s empowering, it’s about romantic relationships, it’s about trust, and it’s about people doing the best they can despite their circumstances. There’s so much that audiences can relate to in this piece. Not to mention, it’s a piece that calls for high-octane creativity and unexpected story-telling. This cast and production team provides that in great supply.”

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will run from Friday, January 18 through to Saturday, February 9, 2019 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, January 18, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, January 19, at 8pm; Sunday, January 20, at 3pm; Thursday, January 24, at 7:30pm; Friday, January 25, at 8pm; Saturday, January 26, at 8pm; Sunday, January 27, at 3pm; Thursday, January 31, at 7:30pm; Friday, February 1, at 8pm; Saturday, February 2, at 8pm; Sunday, February 3, at 3pm; Thursday, February 7 at 7:30pm; Friday, February 8, at 8pm; and Saturday, February 9 at 8pm.

This project is supported by a grant from Aflac, housed at Central Carolina Community Foundation.

This organization is funded in part by the South Carolina Arts Commission which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Presenting and Performing Arts (PPA) Initiative: Presenting the work of Scott Smith-Pattison.

Trustus 2018 Holiday Party

It’s time for our annual Trustus Theatre Holiday Party! This Sunday, December 16th from 6-10pm.

With plenty of food for you to enjoy, a cash bar, entertainment, awards, and general merriment, this is an evening at Trustus Theatre that you don’t want to miss. It’s our way of saying thank you to our wonderful members and patrons for the talent and support that they’ve brought to the theatre this year.

All are welcome! We hope to see you there.

TRUSTUS ARRIVES AT THE THEATRE COMMUNICATIONS GROUP (TCG) FALL FORUM IN NYC

By Chad Henderson (Artistic Director)


Trustus Theatre has been a member of Theatre Communications Group for over a decade now. TCG is a nonprofit service organization headquartered in New York City that promotes and networks professional nonprofit theatres in the United States (check out their website: www.tcg.org). This year, Trustus is endeavoring to maximize our membership opportunities by attending TCG events as well as applying for grants offered by the group. So, last weekend, I packed my Rick Steves backpack with enough clothes for a fall weekend in NYC and boarded a northbound plane in Charlotte (thanks to Matthew DeGuire and Randy Moore at Travel Unlimited for sponsoring my travel). I was on my way to attend the 2018 TCG Fall Forum on Culture Makers and Governance.

I’ve been on staff at Trustus since 2007, and this was the first time that a member of the theatre’s administration was present at one of TCG’s conferences in that time. The conference began on Saturday morning with a First-Timer’s breakfast, which was absolutely lovely. I sat at a table with Mac Thompson and Robbie Tindall (board member and director from The Actors Theatre of Louisville), playwright Larissa FastHorse (her show The Thanksgiving Play is currently running at Playwrights’ Horizons), Erik Schroeder (Artistic Director of The House Theatre of Chicago), and members of the TCG Forum staff. After an hour of great conversation, I knew that I was surrounded by people who love theatre, who create it yearlong, and who respect the opportunity for theatres to not only represent their community, but to steward their communities forward by welcoming them to learn about the human experience by looking through lenses that differ greatly from their own.

While it’s impossible to pack the entire weekend’s wealth of experience and knowledge into one blog post, I can say that the ever-present exploration featured approaches for making cultural changes within organizations that could have the power to make change in an organization’s community.

Laura Freebairn-Smith, from Organization Performance Group, asked us to understand that at the moment an organization is created, a culture is created. The question is, over time, how do we change the culture at our theatres? How do we change the world? The answer could possibly lie in giving ourselves permission to do something radical, and utilizing micro-levers to make meaningful changes that create transformations at a holistic level. (She also quoted her psychologist who said “An expectation is a resentment under construction” – I found that to be profound.)

Tim Cynova, the Chief Operating Officer at Fractured Atlas, touted the importance of inventive workplace structures and policies. Cynova sang the praises of organizations that expect their staff to work remotely, which ultimately allows them to work during their most productive hours each day – this leads to engagement and efficiency. He touted the importance of trust in a work environment. The end goal is an engaged workforce. “Engaged employees are those with passion and who feel a profound connection to their company,” says Cynova. “They drive innovation and move the organization forward.” [Check out a blog from Cynova called “Work Shouldn’t Suck” here: https://blog.fracturedatlas.org/work-shouldnt-suck-def3d44556d7]

Harold Steward (Managing Director of The Theatre Offensive -Boston, MA) and Ashley Walden Davis (Managing Director of Alternate Roots – Austell, GA) shared how their organizations saw cultural shifts by “leaning into complexity rather than avoiding it for comfort’s sake” and reiterating that theatre’s have unique staffing needs and that “equitable doesn’t equal sameness.” (Much of their session was focused on lessons learned from Emergent Strategy, a book by adrienne maree brown. I ordered a copy and am devouring it. Yes, it’s on Amazon).

Sulu LeoNimm and Katy Rubin from Theatre of the Oppressed NYC led exercises where we examined scenarios where major donors or other stake-holders may not meet kindly with cultural-vision changes and how to meet those challenges with openness, patience, and information. [It should be noted that your humble narrator participated in an improv where I assumed the character of a new Artistic Director who was trying to engage a high-rolling donor named Larry to invest in a cultural change of introducing each board member with their pronouns. Larry did not like this idea. I became a bit defensive with him because he was being incredibly inconsiderate and unwelcoming to our new board member who identified as them, they, theirs. He refused to be moved towards a 21st Century ideal of respect. I secretly hoped Larry would take to the seas in the yacht he so dearly loved, and never return. I felt this was the moment that much of the TCG staff and other participants remembered my name for the duration of the conference.]

Playwright Larissa FastHorse and Tony-nominated director Moritz von Stuelpnagel discussed the power of satire in theatre, and how using this style of comedy can effectively create social commentary and criticism by presenting these ideas in a way that audiences seem to find more digestible.

David Schmitz and Meghan Pressman, Managing Directors of Steppenwolf (Chicago, IL) and Woolly Mammoth (Washington DC) respectively, discussed how fiscal data can paint pictures of organizational and fieldwide culture. They presented examples of how individual organizations must look at their earned and contributed incomes, and how the best practices in assessing the fiscal needs of the theatre depend on the theatre itself and its respective community. There’s no one-size fits all approach.

There were plenty of great conversations with other theatre makers in our country over the course of the weekend. In the end, the repeated thread was the ability of theatres to create culture within their walls that can in turn affect the communities they serve.

It just so happens that this conference was even more timely for me due to Trustus’ recent implementation of The Chicago Theatre Standards and the use of The Pillars of Intimacy provided by Intimacy Directors International. The hope is that these standards and pillars will allow us to create safe and responsible spaces for dangerous work. We haven’t made publicity attempts in regards to these changes because we wanted to hold ourselves accountable for their implementation and adoption in the early stages. However, I learned that it’s also important for our community to hold us accountable while we undergo cultural changes – so be rest assured we’ll be telling you more about these processes as we move forward.

I should also mention that I was able to see five plays in four days, and got to catch up with Trustus family who are now living in New York. All in all, it was incredibly enriching weekend. I’m thankful to the Board of Directors for supporting this professional development opportunity, and to Travel Unlimited for the sponsored airfare (where every plane departed on time, and arrived early).

Keep your eyes on us folks. We’ve got a lot of great things in the works within these walls. I can’t wait for you to bear witness to what lies ahead.

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Silence! The Musical

 

Trustus Theatre opens up their 34th Season on their Main Stage with Silence! The Musical, an unofficial musical parody based on Silence of the Lambs, just in time for Halloween. Silence! The Musical, winner of coveted industry awards such as the New York International Fringe Festival Outstanding Musical Award, will run from Friday, October 5 through Saturday, November 3, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

When Silence of the Lambs won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1992, the world never knew that it would become the subject of an award-winning musical parody. Now that musical comes to the Capital City in a hilarious production that’s right on time for Halloween. Rookie FBI Clarice Starling (pronounced in the style of Jodie Foster as “Schtarling”) matches wits with the brilliant but insane cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter in order to catch the serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. Clarice faces her own demons while racing the clock to unlock Lecter’s clues before another innocent girl is killed and skinned by Buffalo Bill. This laugh-out-loud naughty satire features a singing chorus of floppy eared lambs narrating the action as Buffalo Bill gleefully dances a hoedown while kidnapping hapless Catherine Martin. Even Dr. Lecter, scary as ever, sings about the life he’d like to lead someday outside the prison walls. Silence! The Musical combines whip-smart dialogue and shocking songs to make a musical parody of The Silence of the Lambs that’s sure to be popular with seasoned fans of the movie and FBI rookies alike.

The music and lyrics of Silence! The Musical were written by Jon Kaplan and Al Kaplan and the book was written by Hunter Bell. Trustus Company Member Jonathan Monk will be directing the play with music direction by Randy Moore.

Silence! The Musical features an exceptional cast of professional talent including Trustus Company Members Kayla Cahill Machado as Clarice Starling, Patrick Dodds as Buffalo Bill, Abigail McNeely as Catherine Martin, Robin Gottlieb as FBI Director Crawford, Samuel McWhite as Dr. Chilton, and Trell Brennan as FBI Agent Ardelia. Guest Artist Mike Morales joins the cast as Pembrey. Finally, Trustus Company Member, Actors’ Equity Member, and local favorite Hunter Boyle takes the stage as the famed imprisoned cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Director Jonathan Monk finds a deep connection to Trustus shows of old with Silence! The Musical. “As an apprentice at Trustus in the 90s, there was a tradition of bawdy, but well-written late night shows,” says Monk. “I found more of a connection to the material that may be considered outré. I was able to empathize with the larger-than-life characters I saw onstage after the initial shock wore off, and that’s a testament to good writing, acting, and direction. I am most excited to bring to the Trustus stage a piece that has the feel of those delightfully silly and occasionally offensive late night experiences, where actors and audiences can celebrate the energy of bold choices and even possibly empathize with a dancing serial killer. The entire cast is made up of true powerhouse collaborators—they throw themselves in headfirst. It makes my job much more enjoyable because they surprise me with the choices they’re making.

If you’re looking for a well-crafted parody with energetic performances and conceptual storytelling, you will certainly find much to enjoy. Laughter is so important and necessary right now—if you need a break from the news, join us and a roomful of strangers, and share what I hope is a ridiculous experience.”

Hunter Boyle will be stepping on to the Main Stage to bring Dr. Hannibal Lecter to life for this musical.

“Lecter is such an iconic character in our popular culture—I think to make him frightening and humorous will be a huge challenge,” Boyle says. “I’m excited about the process of creating that mixture. I think that devotees of the film, college students, and adults will gasp and be enthralled by some of the songs and actions on stage in the musical. It’s a piece of theatre that challenges the actors since many actors play multiple roles, and the audience will enjoy the roller coaster ride!”

Silence! The Musical will run from Friday, October 5—Saturday, November 3, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, October 4, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, October 6, at 8pm; Sunday, October 7, at 3pm; Thursday, October 11, at 7:30pm; Friday, October 12, at 8pm; Saturday, October 13, at 8pm; Sunday, October 14, at 3pm; Thursday, October 18, at 7:30pm; Friday, October 19 at 8pm; Saturday, October 20, at 8pm; Sunday, October 21, at 3pm; Thursday, October 25, at 7:30pm; Friday, October 26, at 8pm; Saturday, October 27, at 8pm; Sunday, October 28, at 3pm; Wednesday, October 31, at 7:30pm; Thursday, November 1, at 7:30pm; Friday, November 2, at 8pm; and Saturday, November 3, at 8pm.

Silence! The Musical is sponsored by the University of South Carolina Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

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Thanks for a great Season 33!

As we close the doors on our 33rd Season here at Trustus Theatre and begin to prepare for our Season 34, we wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us over the last year! It was an incredible season in our Trustus history—a season full of plays, musicals, and productions that opened all of our eyes and encouraged us to stay vigilant in regards to social justice, cultural exploration, and examining what it is to be human in the 21st century.

Our talented cast, crew, and directors put together some truly outstanding performances from our season opener, Barbecue, all the way through to our final play, Boy About Ten. It was a journey that we all enjoyed and we hope that you did, too! This past season alone, we featured three brand new pieces of work and two Tony Award-winning musicals.

Do you remember all of the great moments of Season 33?

We opened up Season 33 with Robert O’Hara’s Barbecue on our Main Stage. 

Our first Side Door Theatre production was Building the Wall, a political thriller.

We brought back a fan-favorite, Evil Dead, The Musical just in time for Halloween with several of the original actors coming back and reprising their roles. There were even several encounters with Chainsaw Chad!

Our local comedy troupe, The Mothers, wrote their very own play to perform on our Main Stage. A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall was a heartwarming, hilarious tale perfect for the holiday season.

We kicked off the new year with a powerful play by Tony Kushner, A Bright Room Called Day.

In his Trustus directing debut, Bakari Lebby brought Sunset Baby to our Side Door Theatre stage. The play was even nominated for Best Local Theatre Production in the Free Times Best of Columbia awards!

The cast of Fun Home, the Tony Award-winning musical, brought the house down each and every evening with their emotional performances.

We brought a second piece of original work to our Main Stage with the production of The Restoration’s Constance—a play that featured a live band over two dozen actors.

Hir, our final Side Door Theatre play of the year, was a truly memorable play about a dysfunctional family that was brought to life by four talented actors.
The Tony Award-winning Memphis had audiences dancing and singing along in their seats during each performance.
We closed out Season 33 with Boy About Ten, written by local playwright Jon Tuttle. This play was developed over the course of a year and made it’s world premiere on our stage.
Are you ready for Season 34? We can’t wait to see you in our theatre again this fall! Tickets go on sale next week for our first production, Silence! The Musical.

Trustus Theatre Voted Best Local Theatre Company

Thank you, Columbia, for voting us at the Best Local Theatre Company again this year in the Free Times Best of Columbia Awards!

Here at Trustus, we are dedicated to high-quality productions that speak to today’s most important issues. We’re a safe place for exploration and expression of the political, the personal, and all things human. Our theatre is your theatre!

We’re honored that so many of you in Columbia also believe in our mission, and that you come out to support our actors, our crew, and our directors in each play and musical that we produce in our theatre. At Trustus, it’s always our goal to make an impact on our community by helping to create a more diverse and vibrant Columbia. To us, this award means that we’re making an impact on Columbia and we’re thrilled to be able to do so!

Congratulations to all of the other local theaters that were nominated for this award, especially to the runner up, Town Theatre!

Season 34

n its 34th Season, Trustus Theatre is exploring the human condition through theatrical works that have been adapted from award-winning source material. They are bringing productions to Columbia that focus on the incredible strength and integrity that humans exhibit, shown through stories that focus on conquering walls, taking adventures, making discoveries, and taking courageous chances. This season features award-winning scripts, a production back by popular demand, and the Trustus Theatre 2018 Playwrights’ Festival Winner. Tickets and Season 34 Flex Passes may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, says, “Our upcoming programming will be welcoming to many audiences due to familiarity, and these stories will come to life through the Trustus lens: an artistic approach that values a dedication to matters of the heart, that celebrates creative storytelling, and furthers our commitment to sharing these stories in an intimate and comfortable setting. It might shock some that the same theatre that would produce the political thriller Building the Wall or Tony Kushner’s A Bright Room Called Day would produce such well-known material as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby or the musical-comedy Silence! The Musical (the unauthorized parody of “The Silence of the Lambs.”) However, let’s take a moment to consider the times we live in and what the theatre can offer us at this moment: heart, endorphins, therapy, and escape.”

Season 34 begins with Silence! The Musical, the unauthorized parody of The Silence of the Lambs by Jon Kaplan, Al Kaplan, and Hunter Bell that will run Friday, October 5 through Saturday, November 3, 2018. Remaining Season 34 productions include Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol from November 30 to December 22, 2018; The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from January 18 to February 9, 2019; Cost of Living from February 22 to March 2, 2019; 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche from March 8 to 16, 2019; The Great Gatsby from April 5 to 27, 2019; Sweat from May 17 – June 1, 2019; Heathers, The Musical from June 28 to July 27, 2019; Motherhood Out Loud from August 2 – 10, 2019; and Montgomery by Stephen Brown from August 23 to 31, 2019.

Trustus Theatre is bringing some of the most provocative contemporary theatre that you can get in the Midlands. The 34th season includes a Tony Winner for Best Play (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and not one, but two Pulitzer Prize Winners for Drama (Sweat and Cost of Living) for theatre patrons to enjoy right here in Columbia. In addition, the season includes several special events. Misery is Optional: Recollections of Recovery is written by Trustus Company Member Dewey Scott-Wiley and Christine Hellman, and will be on the Trustus Main Stage September 5 to 8, 2018. The Love is Love Cabaret was so successful in its first year during Season 33 that it’ll be coming back during Valentine’s Day Weekend 2019. On Friday, June 7, Trustus Theatre’s wildly popular fundraiser, Vista Queen, will be back for its 21st edition.

Flex Passes are availbale for purchase at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732. Trustus Theatre wants to put the power of ticketing right in the audience’s hands. With a Season 34 Flex Pass, you will receive 8 tickets that may be used flexibly over 10 productions (7 on the Main Stage, 3 in the Side Door Theatre.) This is the best opportunity to ensure prime seats and tickets for the season—Flex Pass holders also receive priority purchasing with a special ticketing window that opens up to them one week prior than ticket sales open to the general public. One Flex Pass is $220 for an adult and $160 for a student.

Tickets for Season 34 will be available for purchase at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732 one month prior to the opening day. For more information and updates on each upcoming production, visit the Trustus Theatre website or social media, or call 803-254-9732.

Boy About Ten

Trustus Theatre is bringing the latest work of South Carolina playwright, Jon Tuttle, to their Main Stage this summer. Boy About Ten, commissioned by the Trustus Playwrights’ Festival, is a savage farce about what happens to the kids when the parents don’t grow up. It’s about the effect parents’ choices have on their children—everyone wants to love and be loved, but sometimes those attempts at achieving two seemingly simple goals can go terribly wrong. Boy About Ten will open on Friday, August 17, and will run through Saturday, August 25, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Terry Spooner truly believes that if he can just stuff this angry copperhead into a canteen, his ex-wife will forget that he ever knocked her eye out during sex, and will return to the home she once set fire to. If he can just get her alone long enough to belt out a medley of adulterated KISS songs and ply her with enough Cheerwine, surely she will recall that magical night at the taco bar and reunite their two sons—one a highly-decorated Cub Scout, and the other… well, the other a boy now so damaged that he lives outside his body at the bottom of the sea.

Boy About Ten is presented by the Trustus Playwrights’ Festival and is written by Jon Tuttle, a member of Trustus Theatre’s Company Emeritus. It is the sixth and wildest world premiere of Tuttle’s to debut on Trustus Theatre’s stage. Boy About Ten is the third piece of brand new theatre that Trustus is bringing to Columbia this season, joining previous Season 33 new works A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall and The Restoration’s Constance. It will be directed by Trustus Company Member Patrick Michael Kelly.

“Two words: Jon Tuttle,” said Kelly. “Jon is a cornerstone of Trustus. He was a playwright in residence and literary manager for the better part of two decades, and counting this one, we’ve produced six of his plays, all of which are world premiere productions. Jon’s writing is so balanced—serious and absurd, smart and silly, poignant and whimsical—and this piece is no exception. It’s a dark farce about a family and the ties that bind as well as break us. It’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, and I just think it’s a knockout.

“There’s nothing more exciting or challenging in this business than developing and producing new work,” said Kelly. “Working directly with the playwright, throwing ideas back and forth, watching the actors uncover the characters’ deeper levels, and then seeing those ideas and discovers manifest in a new draft or a scene or a line is a real thrill. You’re a part of something that is living, breathing, and changing all the time, right up until it goes in front of its first audience. That same element of change is also the most challenging part—we could rehearse a scene several times and then the writer comes in, isn’t feeling it, and turns around and hands us a new scene—all while the countdown clock to opening is ticking. There’s a lot of pressure, but the experience is rich and the reward is great.

“If you’re a parent or you’re someone’s child, this show is for you,” said Kelly. “If you’ve ever been crazy in love with someone you never imagined yourself in love with, this show is for you. If you ever said or did something to someone you love that you regret, this show is for you. If there’s something you’ve been meaning to say to your parent or your child, this show is for you. If you like to laugh or you like to cry, this show is for you.”

Boy About Ten will run from Friday, August 17 through to Saturday, August 25, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $25 each for the general public and are $20 each for students. Opening night is Friday, August 17, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, August 18, at 8pm; Sunday, August 19, at 3pm; Wednesday, August 22, at 7:30pm; Thursday, August 23, at 7:30pm; Friday, August 24, at 8pm; and Saturday, August 25, at 8pm. A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on Sunday, August 19th.

Boy About Ten is sponsored by Aloft Downtown Columbia.

Memphis

Trustus Theatre brings the Tony Award-winning hit musical, Memphis by Joe Dipietro and David Bryan, to the Thigpen Main Stage this summer. Showing from June 29 – July 28, 2018, this show brings two unlikely characters together on Beale Street, although the world isn’t quite ready for their love or their rock ‘n’ roll music. Memphis will open on Friday, June 29 and will run through Saturday, July 28, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Set in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 1950s, this show tells the story of a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun who fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll and an electrifying black singer, Felicia Farrell. Memphis is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. This award-winning musical about the birth of rock ‘n’ roll will thrill you, move you, and have you dancing in the aisles!

Memphis’s book and lyrics were written by Joe Dipietro and the music and lyrics were written by David Bryan. It was the winner of the 2010 Tony for Best Musical and the winner of the 2010 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. Memphis will be directed on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage by Trustus Company Member Dewey Scott Wiley and will have music direction provided by Christopher Cockrell.

Sebastian Sowell will be bringing one of the main characters, Felicia Farrell, to life.

“It’s a story that includes themes very true to today like acceptance, tolerance, and love in a time of division, hate, and intolerance,” said Sowell. “This story shows that one doesn’t always have to follow tradition, and even though change can be hard to understand, it can lead to a better future. Memphis takes place in a time where everything was so divided, but Felicia and Huey are an example of the acceptance and love that comes from not letting outside characteristics keep one from seeing the good characteristics inside of someone.”

“The subject matter for this show and the era in which it’s set isn’t the easiest to discuss,” said Jamie Meador, who will play Huey Calhoun. “But the fact that Memphis is a musical that helps bridge that gap. Scientists say mathematics is the universal language, but I say that music is. A good song is a good song despite your background, race, gender, or orientation. As I see it, our production’s subject matter mixed with songs gives everyone a commonality, a safe way to continue the conversation about diversity in all its forms. I wish it didn’t sound strange to say, but my favorite thing about being a part of Memphis is the diversity of the cast. In past theatre experiences—before moving to Columbia—finding African Americans to fill roles was difficult. I think it’s a testament not only to Trustus, but to Columbia’s arts scene, that everyone feels welcomed, their skills and talents are encouraged, and that there are opportunities to perform.”

Memphis will run from Friday, June 29 through to Saturday, July 28, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $30 each for Thursday and Sunday shows and $35 for Friday and Saturday shows. Student tickets are $25 each. Opening night is Friday, June 29 at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, June 30, at 8pm; Thursday, July 5, at 7:30pm; Friday, July 6, at 8pm; Saturday, July 7, at 8pm; Sunday, July 8, at 3pm; Thursday, July 12, at 7:30pm; Friday, July 13, at 8pm; Saturday, July 14, at 8pm; Sunday, July 15, at 3pm; Thursday, July 19, at 7:30pm; Friday, July 20, at 8pm; Saturday, July 21, at 8pm; Sunday, July 22, at 3pm; Thursday, July 26, at 7:30pm; Friday, July 27, at 8pm; and Saturday, July 28, at 8pm.

A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on Sunday, July 22, 2018. The Memphis Band is sponsored by Gillian and Helmut Albrecht.

HIR

More than a dark comedy about gender, HIR is set to make its debut on Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage this June as the theatre continues to bring thought-provoking, conversation-starting pieces to their Season 33, “Eyes Open.” This play will open in Trustus Theatre’s Side Door Theatre on Friday, June 1 and will have a limited run through Saturday, June 9. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Somewhere in the suburbs, Isaac has returned from the wars to help take care of his ailing father who’s had a stroke. Isaac has developed PTSD, and when he finds his childhood home in revolt upon his return, his challenges increase. His mother, now liberated from an oppressive marriage, is on a crusade to dismantle the patriarchy. Isaac’s newly out transgender sibling (and their mother’s greatest ally) is also ready to educate Isaac on all he’s missed while he’s been away in regards to gender issues. The world Isaac knew as “home” no longer exists. In Taylor Mac’s sly, subversive comedy, we begin to see that attempting to annihilate the past doesn’t always free you from it.

HIR was written by Taylor Mac and will be directed by director Lindsay Rae Taylor. Tristan Pack will play Isaac, Ripley Thames will play Arnold, Isaac’s father; Libby Campbell will play Paige, Isacc’s mother; and Sebastion Liafsha will play Max, Isaac’s sibling.

“I love the boldness of Taylor Mac’s script and am so thrilled to have the opportunity to work on it,” Lindsay Rae Taylor said. “It is so relevant and gritty with edgy dialogue and broad characters. It is an important piece of theatre and it has been soon satisfying breaking it down with the actors and bringing HIR to life. The cast is an absolute dream. They are all exceptional artists and they have a generosity of spirit that is so necessary for this process. They are not afraid to take risks and they have been so playful in our exploration. They have discovered the depth of these characters with humility and ease, while also jumping at every opportunity to make the room laugh.

“At its core, HIR explores familial relationships. It also addresses the decline of the middle class, as Taylor Mac says ‘where the American Dream got stuck in an American reality.’ This play touches on so many timely themes associated with a dysfunctional family and otherwise—adultery, alcoholism, drug abuse, physical abuse, gender identity, war veteran PTSD, feminism… I am most certainly leaving something out. Taylor Mac goes for it, leaving no controversial stone unturned.”

HIR will run from Friday, June 1 through Saturday, June 9, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $25 each for general admission and are $20 each for students. Opening night is Friday, June 1, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, June 2 at 8pm; Sunday, June 3, at 3pm; Wednesday, June 6, at 7:30pm; Thursday, June 7, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 8, at 8pm; Saturday, June 9, at 2pm; and Saturday, June 9, at 8pm. A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on Sunday, June 3.

The Restoration’s Constance

A musical a decade in the making, The Restoration’s Constance is coming to Trustus Theatre’s Main Stage this May. It will make its full debut right here in Columbia and features a strong cast of 25 performers and a creative team of designers that have worked together to create a visually exciting show that rises to the level of The Restoration’s memorable and stirring music. This musical will open on Friday, May 4, and will run through Saturday, May 19, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

After two sold-out workshop performances and a touring performance to Spartanburg, SC, Columbia’s own musical theatre creation makes its way back to the Thigpen Main Stage for a fully realized production. Based on the critically acclaimed concept album of the same name, The Restoration’s Constance is a multigenerational cautionary tale told through historical fiction. Set between the late 1800s and 1930s in Lexington, South Carolina, Constance focuses on the fictional Constance Owen, an unrealized musical prodigy born to poor cotton farmers several years after the American Civil War. After her mother passes, Constance falls in love with Aaron Vale, a mix-raced carpenter and musician from Chicago who’s recently moved to Lexington. The birth of their son, Thomas, plants a seed of discriminative hate in the surrounding community which brings many hardships to the Vale family. Years later, Thomas’s nihilistic vengeance against the Palmers, the most powerful family in town, sets off a series of cataclysmic events as the South and the rest of the world plunge into the great depression. Featuring a cast of 25 performers and songs written in an Americana-folk style, The Restoration’s Constance is the most unique and exciting musical event this spring.

The Restoration’s Constance’s music and story were written by local band, The Restoration. The lyrics are by Daniel Machado and Adam Corbett with Trustus’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, writing the book. The Restoration’s Constance will be directed by Henderson and musical direction will be provided by Machado.

Paul Kaufmann, of Season 33’s A Bright Room Called Day and Fun Home, will be playing the role of Reverend Harper in The Restoration’s Constance.

The Restoration’s Constance is made right here in Columbia,” Kauffmann said. “I’ve long wanted more original works to be created locally and now Trustus has three in one season—it’s a dream come true for me. The last two shows I’ve done at Trustus had smaller casts, but The Restoration’s Constance is a big show with a cast of about 25. The upsides of being in a production with a large cast are that more people add more energy, more vocal power, and visually striking movement and dance. Watching it all come together is the best part. I’m eager to hear our band and see how all of the designers’ elements—costumes, lights, sound, props, and set—develop around our performing efforts. It’s been rewarding to be a part of two really great shows already this year, and I am certain that The Restoration’s Constance will be some top-notch theatre made right here at home by local artists and based on music by a popular and talented band. I’d say get your tickets early!”

Stay after the shows on Friday, May 11 and on Friday, May 18 to enjoy an improv comedy show from the very same group that brought you the holiday comedy A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall: The Mothers. Tickets for the comedy show will be sold at the door for $10 ($5 for students) and are all general admission.

The Restoration’s Constance will run from Friday, May 4 through Saturday, May 19, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $30 for Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday shows and $35 for Friday and Saturday shows. Student tickets are $25 each. Opening night is Friday, May 4, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, May 5, at 8pm; Sunday, May 6, at 3:00pm; Thursday, May 10, at 7:30pm; Friday, May 11, at 8pm; Saturday, May 12, at 8pm; Wednesday, May 16, at 7:30pm; Thursday, May 17, at 7:30pm; Friday, May 18, at 8pm; and Saturday, May 19, at 8pm. A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on May 6.

The Restoration’s Constance is sponsored by the Jasper Project.

Fun Home

Trustus Theatre continues its dedication to bringing important theatre to Columbia with their production of Fun Home, an acclaimed and award-winning Broadway musical to their Thigpen Main Stage this spring. The musical play is a masterful expansion of Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir of the same name and is a play about being able to live in your truth, whatever it may be. This musical will open on Friday, March 23 and will run through Saturday, April 14, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. Fun Home is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

Fun Home’s book and lyrics were written by Lisa Kron and the music was written by Jeanine Tesori. Based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, Fun Home was the winner of several awards at the 2015 Tony Awards including Best Music, Best Score (Jeanine Tesori & Lisa Kron), and Best Book of a Musical (Lisa Kron). Fun Home also won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Obie Award, Lucille Lortel Award, Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical. Artistic Director Chad Henderson is excited to help bring this musical to life on Trustus Theatre’s stage as the director.

“My directing Fun Home at Trustus is going to be a very unique experience,” said Henderson. “I directed the production at Pure Theatre in Charleston, SC earlier this year, and it was a great experience that was a huge hit. It was sold out, and it’s also coming back to Pure for Piccolo Spoleto. So right on the heels of directing that production, I’m returning to my home theatre and working with a great team of Columbia actors and designers. I can already tell that this will be a very different production because all of the artists involved in the project are bringing their own unique reactions to the piece to the table. Thank goodness this Tony-winner for Best Musical is such an engaging piece with so many layers, or working on it for 6 straight months might be rather taxing!

“At the heart of Fun Home, which is based on the tragicomic by Alison Bechdel, is a story that we can all see ourselves in. Examining the truth of our past, looking past the myths we create about our parents when we’re younger, dealing with the societal challenges of being our most authentic selves-these are themes that many of us can relate to. These ideas are explored through the eyes of a lesbian cartoonist who, 20 years after her father’s suicide, is finally ready to look deeper into her relationship with her family and dissect the things she never understood about her father’s life and how her experiences fit into that puzzle. On the surface, Fun Home could seem like a tragic evening in the theatre. However, the beauty of this piece is that it’s incredibly uplifting and provides us with a feeling of hope by the end. It’s incredibly warm, and even pretty funny at times. Sure, there’s certainly moments that pull at the heart strings, or may be heavy in its subject matter-but this is truly a well-rounded evening in the theatre.”

Paul Kaufmann, of Season 33’s A Bright Room Called Day, will be playing the role of Bruce Bechdel, Alison’s father.

“Playing Bruce is a great challenge,” said Kaufmann. “He’s a character who’s put himself in such a scary and difficult position, and his actions cause great upheaval in his family. Despite that, he somehow has to try and justify his actions to himself. He is deeply in denial about the costs of creating those justifications. He’s trapped himself and ultimately is not successful in finding ‘a way through’ as he sings in one lyric. Fun Home is such a ‘Trustus show’-with a small cast and a thoughtful, deep, and beautiful play that cries out for sensitivity and compassion-it’s an honor to perform it. My fellow cast mates, several of whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with for years, are phenomenal actors and singers. Our young cast mates are top notch-they’re really dedicated and are doing an amazing job. Randy Moore is teaching us the complicated but beautifully layered score and Chad is guiding us through this intricate piece with a strong vision. The process of putting it together so far has been truly rewarding.”

Cassidy Spencer is bringing the role of one of the three Alisons, Medium Alison, to life.

“I think my favorite part about playing Medium Alison is how clumsy and awkward this character is in an endearing way that we can all relate to,” said Spencer. “She often seems to unabashedly say things that many of us think or otherwise, she illustrates feelings that we’ve all experienced, like powerful crushes on our peers or intense nerves. This character is so honest and so charming, and I’m thrilled to bring her to the stage. I think that this show is vastly beautiful-not only in its music and story-but in its characters, its message, and its subject area. It drew immense attention when it came to Broadway and I think it’s fantastic that Trustus is bringing the musical to Columbia.”

Stay after the shows on Friday, March 30 and on Friday, April 6 to enjoy an improv comedy show from the very same group that brought you the holiday comedy A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall: The Mothers. Tickets for the comedy show will be sold at the door for $10 ($5 for students) and are all general admission.

Fun Home will run from Friday, March 23 through to Saturday, April 14, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $30 for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday shows and $35 for Friday and Saturday shows. Student tickets are $25 each. Opening night is Friday, March 23, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, March 24, at 8pm; Sunday, March 25, at 8pm; Thursday, March 29 at 7:30pm; Friday, March 30, at 8pm; Saturday, March 31, at 8pm; Thursday, April 5, at 7:30pm; Friday, April 6, at 8pm; Saturday, April 7, at 8pm; Sunday, April 8, at 3:00pm; Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30pm; Wednesday, April 11, at 7:30pm; Thursday, April 12, at 7:30pm; Friday, April 13, at 8pm; and Saturday, April 14, at 8pm.

The Fun Home Band is sponsored by Cheryl and Ken Wheat and Fun Home is sponsored by PALSS (Palmetto Aids Life Support Services).

Sunset Baby

Trustus Theatre is continuing their 33rd season by bringing Sunset Baby to the Richard and Debbie Cohn Side Door stage this February. It’s a dynamic tale of love, loss, and family in a world where love has become a liability and the most attractive feature is the ability to survive. Revolution spans the generations and is seen by very differently by a daughter and her estranged father, who has come back into her life as he seeks a stack of old love letters and the hope of reconciliation. This show will open on Friday, February 23 and will run through Saturday, March 3, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Kenyatta Shakur was a Black Revolutionary in the 80s—a legend in his own right. Now that his wife and fellow-revolutionary has died, Kenyatta is desperate to reconnect with Nina, his estranged daughter. However, Nina is now a successful hustler who sees revolution in her own way. She and her boyfriend Damon have big plans of locking down a few more jobs before leaving the country forever, which leaves Kenyatta fighting an impending deadline as he tries to reconcile his past and conquer his most challenging revolution of all—fatherhood. Sunset Baby is an energized, vibrant, and witty look at the point where the personal and political collide, and is by one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in American playwriting: Dominique Morisseau.

Sunset Baby will be directed by Bakari Lebby and stars Devin Anderson as Nina, Raj Karottukunnel as Nina’s boyfriend Damon, and Larry Davoll as Nina’s father Kenyatta.

“There are many messages with, in, and around Sunset Baby,” said Anderson. “The first one is that people of color have this ability to make something of nothing. There is the question of reparations, and how do you claim them not just socially, but familial as well. It’s about struggling with societal norms even within our own communities, but still being able to find and create beauty in spite of the chaos. This play has some heavy material but it’s about rising like a phoenix from the ashes. It’s about celebrating blackness unapologetically. No message you get from this place is more important than the next. That’s the beauty of black culture, black art. It isn’t one dimensional, it’s fluid. It will break your heart and make you smile all in one breath, and that’s exactly what we have done with Sunset Baby.”

Stay after the show on Friday, March 2 to enjoy an improv comedy show from the very same group that brought you the holiday comedy A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall: The Mothers. Tickets for the comedy show will be sold at the door for $10 ($5 for students) and are all general admission.

Sunset Baby will run from Friday, February 23 through to Saturday, March 3, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $25 for all performances and student tickets are $20 each. Opening night is Friday, February 23, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, February 24, at 8pm; Sunday, February 25, at 3pm; Thursday, March 1, at 7:30pm; Friday, March 2, at 8pm; and Saturday, March 3, at 2pm (matinee performance) and at 8pm.

Love is Love is Love

Trustus Theatre is bringing a unique Valentine’s Day celebration to the Thigpen Main Stage this month with the Love is Love is Love Cabaret. Audiences will enjoy an evening of song that explores the many wonderful types of love in our world. With tunes ranging from interpretations of top 40s hits to show tunes and jazz standards, these musical acts will make you swoon, will lift you up, and will even break your heart at times. This show will focus on the love that we have throughout a long relationship, the love we have for our close friends, the love we share for fellow humans, passionate love, and more. It’s a great date night or even a wonderful night out with friends. The Love is Love is Love Cabaret will be on stage on Friday, February 16, 2018 at 8pm and on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 8pm. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

The Greeks had six wonderful words for love: Eros (desire and passion), Philia (deep friendship), Ludus (playful love), Agape (love for everyone), Pragma (longstanding love), and Philautia (love of the self). The Love is Love is Love Cabaret at Trustus Theatre is the perfect way to explore all of the wonderful types of love in the world. An evening of song, poetry, and prose will unfod before your ears and eyes as the incredible talents of Trustus take the stage to bring you a unique and intimate evening on the Thigpen Main Stage.

Musical direction will be provided by Chris Cockrell and the cabaret will be directed by Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson.

“I can’t imagine a more fitting subject matter for our times,” said Henderson. “Love. No matter how you slice it, love creates much of our greatest joy and honestly, some of our greatest pain. Recently, American Theatre Magazine released an article that detailed a study where they discovered that audiences attending theatre actually find their hearts beating in sync. That’s a unique experience that only theatre can offer. It doesn’t happen when you’re watching Netflix, at a concert, or at an amusement park. However, when audiences engage with live performers who are telling stories, our hearts beat together. We truly share something that binds us and, for a time, connects us in a way that we can’t explain. I hope people will come out to enjoy Love is Love is Love so that we can all let our hearts beat together.”

Many familiar Trustus Theatre artists will be participating in Love is Love is Love Cabaret and include Kendrick Marion, Samuel McWhite, Kevin Bush, Katie Leitner, Michael Hazin, Catherine Hunsinger, Patrick Dodds, and Brittany Hammock. Special guest Preach Jacobs (who made his Trustus Theatre debut in 2017 as the narrator in A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall) will be perfoming one of his original songs and Cassidy Spencer, from the Trustus Theatre cast of Fun Home, will make an appearance to give the audience a taste of the upcoming production.

Love is Love is Love Cabaret will be on stage for two nights only: Friday, February 16, 2018 and Saturday, February 17, 2018. Both shows will begin at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at Trustus.org. Tickets are $15 a piece or you can purchase the Venus Package for $40 which includes two tickets and a bottle of champagne.

A Bright Room Called Day

Trustus Theatre is continuing their Season 33 theme, Eyes Open, with their upcoming production of A Bright Room Called Day by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tony Kushner. At the beginning of 1932 in Germany, the political landscape has begun to shift as the Nazis win control of the parliament for the first time. How would the small, seemingly inconsequential, actions that followed change the world of Agnes Eggling and her friends? What came next was more unthinkable than they could have ever imagined. This show will open on Friday, January 19 and will run through Saturday, February 3, 2018. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Angels in America (the first show in Trustus history to sell out before it opened) comes this powerful portrayal of individual dissolution and resolution in the face of political catastrophe. Agnes Eggling and a bohemian group of friends gather in her cozy Berlin apartment to celebrate New Year’s Eve, 1932—the year the Nazis win parliamentary control and ultimately propel Hitler to power. At first, they can’t imagine anything will come of these political changes, but soon realize that the unthinkable is becoming the new normal. Interrupting this is Zillah Katz, a self-confessed paranoiac and left-wing crusader who scours the media daily from her tiny modern-day New York apartment, demanding that we examine our own political landscape. Tony Kushner’s epic, fantastical and witty play, A Bright Room Called Day, challenges us to face the world’s evils, both large and small, so we may stop the unthinkable from ever becoming normal again.

A Bright Room Called Day was written by Tony Kushner and will be directed by Erin Wilson. Wilson, who is the daughter of Trustus Theatre’s founding Artistic Director Jim Thigpen, says that he would have been on board with this play performing at the theatre. “He believed that theatre has a commitment to be a voice for change and illumination and conversation—to leave the audience at the end of the performance satisfied with the entertainment and still thinking about the ideas the next day. This play allows folks a glimpse into the lives and hearts of people that we think are so different than we are, but are actually way more similar than we ever imagined. I think he’d really dig this play and production.”

“I think that the most important message from this play is that no one can stand by and do nothing. If you see something, say something,” said Wilson. “I think that it’s true that the people who feel and see that something is happening that hurts or divides people, those that are too afraid to rock the boat, are as culpable as the ones who actively hurt and divide. I believe in radical and active empathy—and sometimes that requires us to be uncomfortable, maybe even scared, but what else are we put on this earth for except to love and care for each other? I think this play is a really clear example of the importance of that idea. History is a great teacher and I’m hoping that we finally allow ourselves to learn its lessons.”

Krista Forster (of Season 33’s Barbecue and A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall) will play the main character in A Bright Room Called Day, Agnes Eggling.

“The emotional journey of all of the characters in the play is so compelling and engrossing that I think any audience member, regardless of their political beliefs, will relate to and be touched by the humanity of their joys and struggles during the time period,” said Forster. “It is also a show that will generate lots of post-show conversation. I think it would be an excellent one to come see with a group of friends and have a lively discussion afterwards. Erin Wilson is an amazing director and this is one of the best group of actors I have ever worked with—this is definitely a show not to be missed!”

Stay after the shows on Friday, January 26 and on Friday, February 2 to enjoy an improv comedy show from the very same group that brought you the holiday comedy A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall: The Mothers. Tickets for the comedy show will be sold at the door for $10 ($5 for students) and are all general admission.

A Bright Room Called Day will run from Friday, January 19 through to Saturday, February 3, 2018 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Tickets are $25 for Wednesday and Sunday shows and $28 for Friday and Saturday shows. Student tickets are $20 each. Opening night is Friday, January 19, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, January 20, at 8pm; Sunday, January 21, at 3pm; Thursday, January 25, at 7:30pm; Friday, January 26, at 8pm; Saturday, January 27, at 8pm; Sunday, January 28, at 3pm; Thursday, February 1, at 7:30pm; Friday, February 2, at 8pm; and Saturday, February 3, at 8pm. A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on January 28.

A Festive Week at Trustus

This week is full of so much festive cheer at Trustus Theatre! From a jazzy Christmas concert to the closing weekend of our original production of A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall and the annual Trustus Holiday party, there are multiple opportunities to get festive with us. Join us in all of the holiday cheer and fun festivities!

Here’s what’s on tap at Trustus this week:

Mark Rapp’s Jingle Bell Jazz
Tuesday, December 12 7:30pm
Don’t wait to purchase your tickets for this one—there are less than two dozen seats left! Mark Rapp and his quintet are bringing you a grooving, swinging, funky fun Christmas Concert that will leave you toasty, warm, and happy for the holidays. He, along with Bert Ligon, have taken favorite holiday classics and have created a new arrangement for each one to bring you fresh, brand new tunes.
This show has sold out the past two years & is on track to do the same this year. Hurry and secure your ticket today!

A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall (at Trustus Theatre!)
Wednesday, December 13 – Saturday, December 16
There are only four more chances to catch this original piece written by The Mothers on our Main Stage. With fictional Flarnes & Flobles leaving the mall, a ragtag, loveable group of shop owners and employees have to try and raise $30,000 before Christmas. With a lot of snark and an 80s-style montage of fundraiser ideas, they band together to try and pull off a miracle. Can they do it? Come find out! We still have tickets available for the four remaining performances this week. Don’t miss your final opportunity to see this original production on our Main Stage!

The Mother’s Yuletide Sketch Show
Friday, December 15 11:15pm
The Mother’s are bringing Saturday Night Live-style sketches to you this Friday evening after Friday evening’s performance of A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall. Come out for the last sketch show of 2017 and enjoy a late night evening of laughs, holiday cheer, and libations from the Trustus bar.
Tickets are general admission and are $10 at the door ($5 for students).

Trustus Theatre Holiday Party
Sunday, December 17 6pm
With plenty of food for you to enjoy, a cash bar, entertainment, awards, and general merriment, this is an evening at Trustus Theatre that you don’t want to miss. It’s our way of saying thank you to our wonderful members and patrons for the talent and support that they’ve brought to the theatre this year. All are welcome!

We hope to see you at Trustus this week!

A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall

Trustus Theatre is producing three world premiere shows on their Main Stage this season, and the first of these exciting productions is finally here: A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall. This show by Columbians and for Columbians opens on the Trustus Theatre’s Thigpen Main Stage on Friday, December 1 and runs through Saturday, December 16, 2017. Shows run Wednesday through Sunday for three packed weeks. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Trustus Theatre’s resident sketch comedy and improv troupe, The Mothers, have created an original piece that just might become a holiday staple here in Columbia! The Richland Fashion Mall lies dormant during another holiday season that should be bustling with shoppers and children jumping on Santa’s lap. This year is particularly hard, and the owner of the resident Christmas store is going to need a real miracle to keep her livelihood. Throw in visits from the owners of the glass figuring store next door (featuring Trustus Company member Gerald Floyd), uppity employees from the popular big-chain book store down the way, and hijinks involving many other wild and lovable mallrats—let’s just say that it’s beginning to look at lot like one crazy Christmas.

A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall is an original creation that was written by The Mothers (Kayla Cahill, Jennifer Hill, Amir Jenkins, Martha Hearn Kelly, Patrick Michael Kelly, Daniel Machado, Abigail McNeely, Mike Morales, Jonathan Monk, and Russell Sanders) and will be directed by Trustus Company Member and member of The Mothers, Abigail McNeely.

“I was having some difficulty finding the right production for the Holidays here at Trustus,” said Artistic Director Chad Henderson. “I knew that I wanted something fun, but didn’t want to revive any of the productions we had produced over the past four years.” Henderson suspected that The Mothers might provide the answer to this search for a new Holiday comedy. He met with Martha Kelly, director of The Mothers, and that conversation has since developed into the play that will be revealed on December 1st. “It’s an important part of our mission to produce original works. This season, we’re producing three premieres. There’s something that’s so rewarding about staging original works, especially when they’re created on the ground floor by South Carolinians. A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall is a big step in a great artistic direction for the theatre. I think Columbia will be proud when it supports new work.”

The show’s director, Trustus Company Member Abigail McNeely, expounds upon how the show is local, homegrown, and will be familiar to Columbia audiences. “The number one reason someone should see this play is this: this play is quintessentially Christmas, quintessentially Columbia, and quintessentially Trustus. There’s so much Christmas spirit in the show—there’s Santa, cookies, and a big Christmas reveal. It is also full of little hidden gems that those audience members from the area will identify with in a second—mentions of a famous meat-and-three plate and The Nickelodeon are two that stand out to me. Plus, this show is perfect for Trustus because it is a brand new work. Trustus has always been dedicated to producing new, modern works and this is no different. This is proof that new work doesn’t have to come from New York or Chicago—it can be created right here in Columbia, too!”

Stay after the shows on Friday, December 8 and on Friday, December 15 to enjoy a comedy show from the very same group that is bringing you A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall: The Mothers. Tickets for the comedy show will be sold at the door for $10 ($5 for students) and are all general admission.

“It’s a Mothers overload,” McNeely said. “Our December 8th show is our improv show and everything is made up on the spot. We take suggestions from the audience for this one, so they get to be a part of it too. The December 15th show is our sketch show, where each of [The Mothers] have submitted scripts for the sketches. It’s so much fun to put together a show with so many different types of sketches, plus it’s like getting to watch Saturday Night Live live and there’s a bar! Come laugh with us!”

A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall will run from Friday, December 1 – Saturday, December 16, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, December 1, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, December 2, at 8pm; Sunday, December 3, at 3pm; Wednesday, December 6, at 7:30pm; Thursday, December 7, at 7:30pm; Friday, December 8, at 8pm; Saturday, December 9, at 8pm; Sunday, December 10, at 3pm; Wednesday, December 13, at 7:30pm; Thursday, December 14, at 7:30pm; Friday, December 15, at 8pm; and Saturday, December 16, at 8pm. A Talk-Back with cast and panelists will follow the performance on December 10.

Giving Tuesday

Trustus Theatre Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement with the start of our Holiday Miracle Giving Campaign!

Trustus Theatre has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. We are kicking off our Holiday Miracle Giving Campaign on this date to encourage you to make a donation to your theatre, Trustus Theatre!

Please make a donation at any level today and help us reach our goal of 50 donations!


Trustus Holiday Ornament!

With your $100 or more gift to Trustus Theatre we will send you your very own collectible Trustus Holiday Ornament.

This beautiful ornament will be rushed to you in time to hang on your tree for the holidays. Click this link to make your donation and receive this ornament as a thank you for your support!

Our goal is 50 donations to Trustus today so please click this link and help us reach our goal. Please remember you can GIVE ANY AMOUNT! All 2017 Holiday Miracle Donors will be featured prominently on a wall in Trustus Theatre.


The Encore Club is back for the Holidays!

For those of you who wish to invest in Trustus Theatre at the $1,000 or more level we will place a special star on a seat in the Thigpen Main Stage in your honor.

Please contact Development Director, Brad Martin, at [email protected] for more information or CLICK HERE to make a donation at this level.

State of the Theatre

Trustus Theatre ended its most recent fiscal year in August 2017, and ended it in the black. As the theatre enters its 33rd Season in Columbia, SC, it is positioned to not only create meaningful programming on both of its stages but will also boast new programs that will bring the power of theatre to the community by making it available in public settings.

The narrative surrounding Trustus for the past three seasons has been focused on transition, growing pains, and financial burden. However, the story has changed in the theatre’s 33rd Season as it is producing over a dozen productions in the coming season including three world premieres and various award-winning scripts. Moreover, a solid staff is united towards one goal: making Trustus the most influential theatre in South Carolina.

Trustus had been without a full time Director of Development for one and half seasons. The previous Director was Debbie Cohn, who was responsible for the last capital campaign that brought in a new sound system as well as the renovations to the Trustus bar. At the end of last season, Brad Martin was hired by the Trustus Board of Directors as the new full time Director of Development.

Considering that the theatre hadn’t had a committed Development Director for most of Season 32, the fact that Trustus not only balanced their budget, but also landed in the black for Season 32 is a huge testament to the community’s support via ticket sales and donations. Ticket sales account for about 33% of the theatre’s operating budget, a percentage that is a text book figure for performing arts non-profits. However, while donations were lower in Season 32 than in previous years due to the lack of a development director, the ticket sales sky rocketed and allowed the theatre to stay afloat while the staff continued to transition and form into the current group that is managing the theatre’s daily operations. Obviously, the Midlands community was craving though provoking work and showed their support by purchasing tickets.

In its 33rd Season, the organization is excited to take the Trustus experience beyond the walls of the building on Lady Street. Trustus is partnering with the Columbia Museum of Art to present free short improv and sketch comedy sets from Trustus’ resident comedy troupe, The Mothers. These free Mothers sets are presented at 6:30pm at the CMA during each First Thursday on Main Street. This allows Midlands residents to experience an offering of comedic performance that is popular in larger markets such as New York City and Chicago.

Trustus is also partnering with the Richland County Public Library this season to provide free readings of 20th Century American classics featuring professional actors from the Trustus Company.

The Trustus Apprentice Company has returned to its original goal of providing energetic and bright high-school theatre students from the Midlands area with free monthly workshops focused on various topics and led by theatre professionals. This program lasts for the duration of the academic school year and also provides its students with the opportunity to work on Trustus Main Stage and Cohn Side Door Productions.

Trustus is producing three original works this season, all of them created by local South Carolina artists. A Christmas Miracle at the Richland Fashion Mall will make its debut on the Thigpen Main Stage this December. This original Columbia-based comedy is written by Trustus’ resident sketch comedy and improv troupe, The Mothers. In the Spring, Trustus will premiere The Restoration’s Constance, an original musical based on the concept album of the same name by Columbia band The Restoration. The Restoration’s Constance is historical fiction that takes place in Lexington, South Carolina. The music and lyrics are by Daniel Machado, Adam Corbett, and The Restoration. The book is by Trustus Artistic Director Chad Henderson. This summer, Trustus will end its season with Boy About Ten, a world premiere play by SC playwright Jon Tuttle.

With so much on the horizon, it is clear that Trustus Theatre is positioned to make bold strides into the organization’s future. The era of transition has settled, and the staff, Trustus Company, and the Board of Directors are ready to explore what the next thirty years can bring.

Annual Fund Renewal Campaign

 

We kicked off our fall Annual Fund Renewal Campaign back in the beginning of September, and thanks to all the wonderful Trustus patrons and supporters, we are almost halfway to our goal of 200 donors and $50,000.

I’m excited! When I took over as Development Director here at Trustus I heard that the support for this theatre was incredible. Now I have seen it firsthand. And, I have found out quickly why people love this theatre. It’s because of the people. It’s because of the people like Artistic Director, Chad Henderson and Technical Director, Brandon McIver. It’s because of Production Manager, Patrick Kelly, and all the stage managers, designers and company members who work tirelessly every day to put on the best stage productions in all the Carolinas.

I’ve seen this commitment first hand. Just recently, I worked on a grant with our Education Coordinator, Martha Hearn-Kelly. Martha not only works with Trustus Theatre, she is a public school drama teacher in Columbia, and she leads the Trustus sketch comedy troupe, The Mothers. In addition to all the other work she does she spent hours on her own working to collaborate with me on this particular grant. And this isn’t the exception…this is what everyone here does.

You want to know where all this started and why folks pour their hearts into this theatre? It’s because of Jim and Kay Thigpen, who started Trustus Theatre back in 1985. When they bought a building in a rundown part of town called The Vista there was very little around. Without their vision and commitment, The Vista would not be what it is today. At the end of August when Jim Thigpen passed away the theatre overflowed with fans, friends, family members and patrons all here to honor the legacy and memory of Jim Thigpen. He and Kay have been loved and respected by the arts community in this area for decades, and the people that come to this theatre everyday work hard to honor their legacy.

Recently I spoke with Kay and she wanted to write a brief note. She asks for the help of patrons and donors again.

Trustus lives! Five years after Jim & I retired, Trustus thrives. There is no better legacy we could have possibly wished for. A lot of changes have been made as this fantastic group of young people found their way. None of this would have been possible, however, without you & your faith, your commitment & your donations. So yes, I’m asking once again. If you’re a past donor, please continue. If you’re new to Trustus, I promise you will not be disappointed. After all, not only is this professional theatre, but it’s the best theatre! Please be a part of it.

Kay Thigpen, Co-founder

There is not much more that I can add. Please take a moment to make a donation to Trustus Theatre. CLICK HERE to make your donation to Trustus Theatre today.

Thank you so much,

Brad Martin

Director of Development
Trustus Theatre
[email protected]

Evil Dead, The Musical

What could possibly go wrong when five college kids break into an abandoned, secluded cabin in the woods, especially when nobody else knows where they are? Find out at Trustus Theatre this October as the hit show Evil Dead, The Musical returns to the Thigpen Main Stage. Evil Dead, The Musical will run from Friday, October 27 through Saturday, November 11, 2017. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

Audiences went crazy over the Trustus production in 2014, and have been asking for it ever since. Three years later, they’re bringing back this hilarious live stage show along with several of the original cast members. This show takes all of the elements of the cult classic films, The Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness and combines them for one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell really bad jokes, and it is all set to music. The songs in the show are completely off the wall with titles like “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons” and “What the F**k Was That?” The show is pure comedy and will have audiences laughing and screaming for more and more blood.

The book and lyrics of Evil Dead, The Musical were written by George Reinblatt and the music was written by George Reinblatt, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, and Frank Cipolla. Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, is the director and the Music Direction will be provided by Randy Moore.

“We had so much fun producing Evil Dead, The Musical in 2014, and the company members who were in the original production were hinting that they were ready to do it again,” said Henderson. “It’s also one of those productions that people ask us about a lot. So—it’s back on our main stage just in time for Halloween. Evil Dead is pure fun, and it’s also a musical that could only be produced by Trustus Theatre here in Columbia. At Trustus we like producing thoughtful and meaningful works, but sometimes we just need a laugh. Evil Dead is the perfect prescription for folks looking for a break from our political landscape. We’re having an incredible time re-working this piece. We’ve got four new cast members coming on board with four of our original cast members, we’ve changed the scenic design a bit, and we’re reimagining some of the effects.”

Katie Leitner, who will be stepping into the role of Cheryl for the first time, says, “There is a balance you have to find between honoring what made the original production successful and making the role your own. The cast and our director have been great in helping us find that balance. Without giving anything away, I think that the production quality has been amped up with regards to blood, sound, and set effects. If you decide to spend your Halloween season with us, you can be sure that you will be in for a few tricks but most definitely a treat!”

Join Trustus Theatre for a Zombie Block Party outside of the theatre on Lady Street on Friday, October 27 from 6pm – 7:30pm before the opening of Evil Dead, The Musical. Local food truck, Wurst Wagen, will be in attendance in addition to happy hour drinks in the Trustus Theatre bar (Happy Hour lasts from 6-7pm), music by DJ Preach Jacobs, zombie face-painting, and plenty of fun. There will also be a costume contest—come dressed in your best zombie attire!

Evil Dead, The Musical will run from Friday, October 27 – Saturday, November 11, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, October 27, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, October 28, at 8pm; Sunday, October 29, at 3pm; Tuesday, October 31, at 7:30pm; Wednesday, November 1, at 7:30pm; Thursday, November 2, at 7:30pm; Friday, November 3, at 8pm; Saturday, November 4, at 8pm; Sunday, November 5, at 3pm; Tuesday, November 7, at 7:30pm; Wednesday, November 8, at 7:30pm; Thursday, November 9, at 7:30pm; Friday, November 10, at 8pm; and Saturday, November 11, at 2pm (matinee) and 8pm.

Evil Dead, The Musical is sponsored by the University of South Carolina Department of Sport and Entertainment Management.

TRUSTUS SEEKS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

“Trustus Technical Director Brandon McIver has been with Trustus for over a decade, and his work has brought countless sets and technical designs to our stages in that time. He’s ready to uproot and head to another city to explore new opportunities. So while we’re sad to see him go, we support his decision to go try something new in life. Go get em Brandon!  Therefore, Trustus is seeking a new Technical Director to start in late October. Please see the following information if you are interested in applying.” – Chad Henderson, Artistic Director

Technical Director at TRUSTUS THEATRE (Columbia, SC)

Position Responsibilities:

The Technical Director has the daily responsibility for the technical operations of the theatre, including scenic construction, lighting, sound, performing facility maintenance, and coordinating contractors for other necessary facility maintenance. The Technical Director works with and oversees the Assistant Technical Director, and any other volunteers or contractors who perform technical operations. The Technical Director works with a great deal of independence and exercises independent judgment in performing a wide variety of duties. Technical Director reports to the Artistic Director.

Qualifications:

  • Commitment to the mission and values of Trustus Theatre
  • Incredibly proficient at carpentry
  • Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree desirable.
  • 3-5 Year Experience as member of Theater Technical Staff and Facility Management
  • 2+ year experience in Management and Supervision
  • Significant, demonstrable experience as a technical director in professional, community, or university theatre.
  • Demonstration of effective mentoring and supporting of volunteers.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and cordially with fellow staff, designers, stage managers, and guest artists and directors.
  • The ability to successfully guide and support technical staff and technicians in the realization of designers’ expectations and vision.
  • Evidence of sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and contractors.
  • Evidence to meet deadlines with quality results
  • Evidence to monitor expenditures and staying within material budgets

Trustus Theatre Mission:

Trustus Theatre and the Trustus Company endeavors to enrich the lives and deepen the experiences of our artists and patrons by producing works that examine humanity in the 21st Century. The theatre’s goal is to select challenging scripts that will start and nurture dialogues that promote discussion within the community with productions that are brought to life through dynamic storytelling and inventive designs. Trustus will embrace the creation of original works crafted by local and nationwide artists. Our success will be measured by our commitment to collaboration and innovation, while our impact will be measured by the creation of a more diverse and vibrant Columbia.

Additional Information:

Classification Level: Full Time
Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience
Application Deadline: October 10th, 2017 or until position is filled
Start Date: October 30th, 2017
Please send a letter of interest and a current resume to:

Via e-mail (preferred): [email protected]

Via postal mail:
Attn: Chad Henderson
Trustus Theatre
520 Lady St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Trustus Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer
See our website at www.trustus.org

Trustus Theatre Kicks Off Fall
Giving Campaign

Have you thought about supporting your local theater? Do you understand the value it brings to the community? We all talk about and realize that arts and culture are integral parts of our society, and the arts community in Columbia, SC, has been growing exponentially over the recent years. But Trustus is so much more than a community theatre.

At Trustus Theatre you see shows that make you smile, laugh, think and at times even cringe. We believe in art that draws you out of your comfort zone, opening your eyes to the amazing creativity of the human mind. A story told through the eyes of a talented playwright can lead us toward a better understanding of the many complex issues facing our society today.

When you reach beyond your financial comfort zone and support Trustus Theatre you help us continue to produce plays and musicals that challenge and unite our community. Ticket sales only cover a third of our expenses. Grants, corporate sponsors, and donations from loving, giving theater fans like you make up the rest.

Please take a look at the donation levels and give to the Trustus Theatre Annual Fund. With your donation you will be able to enjoy several exciting new benefits to say thank you so much for your support:

  1. The best seats in the house will be reserved for donors and Flex Pass Holders only. You will have access to purchase these seats before anyone else starting one month before each show. We will release these seats to the general public one week before each show opening, so you’ll want to take advantage of this exclusive offer in plenty of time to pick your favorite seats.
  2. With your donation of $200 or more you will receive a card that will give you access to one free drink from the bar before every show you attend.
  3. For donors at the $500 and above level, before opening night of each show we will have a donor party where you’ll get to meet the cast, talk to the director and enjoy food and beverages on us.
  4. With your donation of $1,000 or more we will give you exclusive access to our preview nights and technical rehearsals prior to each opening.

With your support, Trustus will also be able to reach beyond our four walls and into the community. Trustus is partnering with One Columbia to provide free viewings of Improv Comedy from our resident sketch and improv troupe, The Mothers. We are also working with the award-winning Richland County Public Library to develop a series of public readings of classic plays featuring the Trustus company of professional theater artists.

Please take a minute to give to the Trustus Annual Fund today.

CLICK HERE to donate to the Trustus Theatre Annual Fund. Or you can write a check made out to Trustus Theatre and mail it to: Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia, SC 29201.

Thank you so very much for your support. I hope to see you at a Trustus Theatre show this year.

 

Sincerely,

 
Brad Martin
Director of Development
Trustus Theatre

Barbecue

Trustus Theatre kicks off Season 33: EYES OPEN with Robert O’Hara’s Barbecue on the Thigpen Main Stage this September. Leading off with an intervention, not-so-skillfully masquerading as a family get together in the local park, Barbecue brings together a family, each with their own form of addiction, trying to wrangle the most addicted sister into a rehabilitation facility.

The O’Mallery’s, a white family, have congregated together in the town’s local park under the pretense of a family barbecue, a ruse devised by one sibling to bring out their reckless, drug-addicted sister for an intervention. Suddenly, in the middle of the first scene, the lights go down and come back up to reveal the same O’Mallery’s, with the exception that they are all black. What follows becomes raucous and unpredictable as familial stereotypes collide with hard realities, and racial politics slam up against the stories we tell – and maybe even believe – about who we were and who we’ve become.

Barbecue is written by playwright Robert O’Hara (Bootycandy) and will be directed by Ilene Fins.

Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, says, “We’re incredibly proud to bring this play to Columbia, and to open our 33rd Season with it. Robert O’Hara is a great American playwright, and this work has been seen by audiences at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, and at The Public in New York City. It’s a rather new play, and a fresh examination of family, addiction and our personal ownership of our experiences. This play is a family comedy that unravels with twists and turns that take the audience down delightfully unexpected paths. This show is definitely the type of theatre that puts Trustus on the map. We’re also thrilled that we get to bring many new faces to our Main Stage with this production, as well as bringing some popular Trustus Company Members like Dewey Scott-Wiley, Elena Martinez-Vidal, Chris Cockrell and Devin Anderson together. Plus, Ilene Fins, one of Trustus’ original Company Members who directed our stirring production of Boy, is at the helm and she’s an excellent storyteller. Audiences may not have heard of this show, but once they see it, they’re going to be very glad they did. Trust us.”

Join Trustus Theatre for an incredibly unique evening in the theatre as they introduce the work of one of America’s most exciting contemporary playwrights to Columbia. Celebrate the opening of Season 33 and Barbecue on Friday, September 8th from 6-8pm with a block party outside of the theatre on Lady Street. Bone-In Barbeque food truck will be in attendance in addition to happy hour drinks in the Trustus Theatre bar, music, and plenty of fun!

Barbecue will run from September 8 – September 23, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, September 8, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, September 9, at 8pm; Sunday, September 10, at 3pm; Thursday, September 14, at 7:30pm; Friday, September 15, at 8pm; Saturday, September 16, at 8pm; Sunday, September 17, at 3pm; Thursday, September 21 at 7:30pm; Friday, September 22 at 8pm; and Saturday, September 23, at 8pm.

Black Super Hero Magic Mama

Trustus Theatre brings 2016 Playwrights’ Festival Winner Black Super Hero Magic Mama to the Thigpen Mainstage this August in its East Coast Premiere. Black Super Hero Magic Mama is a play that will inspire a shift of perspective when it comes to the way that our nation views the current social situation surrounding black youth, police forces, and the commentary provided by journalists. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at 803-254-9732.

A single mother, Sabrina Jackson, is unable to cope with the shooting death of her 14-year-old son Tremarion by a white police officer. Rather than become yet another grieving black mother leading community rallies, Sabrina escapes into her own mind. There, she lives out a comic book fantasy where she is a super hero crime fighter, mimicking the Maasai Angel comic book that her artist son had created. Sabrina must decide if she’ll stay in the splash-and-pow world where sons don’t die, or return to the real world and mourn her loss.

Black Super Hero Magic Mama is written by playwright Inda Craig-Galván and will be directed by Stan Brown. This play was not only the winner of the 2016 Trustus Playwrights’ Festival, but the play, along with playwright Craig-Galván, also made the 2017 Kilroy’s List and the 2017 Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. Of Black Super Hero Magic Mama, Craig-Galván says, “I want people to leave this play thinking about perspective. View this son the way you’d view your own. Acknowledge Sabrina’s pain and grief and stop trying to take that away from her. While this is an incredibly sad topic, I don’t want to leave the audience in a puddle of tears; I want them to laugh and cheer as well.”

Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director, Chad Henderson, says “When I read Black Super Hero Magic Mama a year ago, I hoped that the issues explored in the piece would be a thing of the past. Sadly, these issues are still relevant and important to exploring the imperfections of our contemporary American story. The Trustus Company also agreed that this show was a strong piece, and an important story to tell right here and now – so we were passionate and motivated in choosing it as the winner of the 2016 Trustus Playwrights’ Festival. Inda’s play has received much-deserved attention since we named it the winner of the festival, and now more productions are in the works nationally. Columbia gets it first! I would also like to make sure patrons understand that while this is certainly about a grieving mother, the exploration of how she handles her grief is entirely creative and unexpected – you will be moved, but you will also be motivated to cheer. This will be a great evening in our theatre under the direction of Stan Brown.”

Black Super Hero Magic Mama will run from August 4 – August 12, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at 803-254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, August 4, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, August 5, at 8pm; Sunday, August 6, at 3pm; Wednesday, August 9, at 7:30pm; Thursday, August 10, at 7:30pm; Friday, August 11, at 8pm; Saturday, August 12, at 8pm.

Black Super Hero Magic Mama is sponsored by The Jasper Project and Travel Unlimited.

Trustus Theatre Artistic Director returns from a residency at the Studios of Key West

Trustus Artistic Director Chad Henderson has been participating in a residency with The Studios of Key West (www.tskw.org) since July 15th. As he prepares to return to Columbia, he shares his experiences and tells us about what he’s been working on with his wife and creative partner, Dancer and Choreographer Bonnie Boiter-Jolley:

“For those who are close to me, they know that Key West is a very important place to me. It enlivens my spirit, there is a rich melting pot of various cultures, it provides inspiration around every corner, there’s delicious adult beverages everywhere, and ultimately, it’s a place where one can find quietude that allows for the mind to reset and return to that magical place where creativity exists. So, it’s quite a gift to receive an invitation from the Studios of Key West to work and create and also play in America’s eastern version of paradise.

I was introduced to the Studios of Key West in 2009 when I joined Trustus Company Members Monica Wyche and Dean Poynor, and actors Paul Kaufmann and Sydney Mitchell for a residency where we workshopped a staged reading of Poynor’s new (at that time) play, Homo Apocalyptus. That show has now seen productions in Australia and our very own Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston, SC. I’m sure it’s been performed elsewhere – it’s about a zombie apocalypse. Who wouldn’t want to see a play like that? Point is, I fell in love with Key West.

Since that first residency I’ve met my wife, Bonnie Boiter-Jolley. While we were dating we were able to come for a week in 2012 and work with TSKW during their 24 Hour Theatre Festival: One Night Stand. Point is, Bonnie fell in love with Key West as well.

Bonnie and I returned to Key West for our honeymoon in July 2015. Point is, we had fallen deeper in love with each other and were still in love with Key West.

Pardon all of the personal information – but it feels like some framework is necessary to explain that Key West is nothing new to us, but the experience we had working here over the past two weeks were new.

Our goal during this 2017 residency was to research and collect experiences that would lead to an episodic theatre and dance piece to be performed in 2018 at The Studios of Key West.

Originally, we proposed this project to TSKW as “Portraits, Strangers in a New Land.” The goal was to set a precedent for future location-specific works that could be created in other locales. While we were not strangers to Key West, we thought we could experience it differently than before – and we did.

The new strokes of beauty we found here were in engaging with folks who live here. “The Conchs,” or the locals, all have stories of what brought them here and why they stayed. From the disgruntled Hollywood professional who came here for a film shoot and never left, to the grandson of a Cuban tobacco farmer who still rolls and sells cigars the way his grandfather did on the island decades before – there’s a story in every conversation. Needless to say, we got really good at looking at a person and saying “You from here?”

We also dove into the history of the island. There’s the Navy presence, rum runners during prohibition, Flagler’s Overseas Railroad (destroyed by a Category 5 Hurricane in the 1930s), President Truman’s love for Key West, and the narrative focusing on Cuba’s influence on the island’s culture. And that’s just skimming the surface.

We were also witness to a particular phenomenon that happens every July: Hemingway Days. During this week, Hemingway look-alikes are in every bar on Duval Street and there are events all over town focused on the author’s work and gestalt. For this Papa fan, it was a truly great experience. I hope to compete after my beard has whitened completely and become fuller. We’ll give it 15 years.

The question became: how do we frame this piece? What’s the thread holding it all together? Or as one gentleman asked us, “So you’re creating a piece about Key West. Why Key West? The question is in the riddle.” Granted, we thought this guy was high as hell…but he had a point.

Much of the language concerning the Overseas Railroad which later became the Overseas Highway (US 1 is the only way to get to Key West on wheels) kept stating it was “The End of the Line.” You’ll even see this phrase (or “end of the road”) in bars or on tourist-directed merchandise. However, it seems like a new narrative came from our experience here in Key West. For many, this is “the start of a new road” or a “new beginning.”

So many find themselves coming here for a reason, and they stay here. They need this place to help them heal, escape, or to simply start over. And that’s exactly what it does. Even for an Artistic Director who’s experienced two seasons of major changes, this is a much-needed energizer (I can’t wait to get back to work with the amazing new staff at Trustus on our 33rd Season).

So now the framework exists, and Bonnie and I have the opportunity to continue to explore our experiences as we begin creating words, movements, characters, and musical explorations that we’ll piece together in an attempt to answer the “riddle” back at home in Columbia, SC. Hopefully TSKW will like what we come up with and ask us back to perform it here on the island that inspired us.

On a personal note, I’m very thankful to work for an organization and board that values its staff engaging in creative works abroad and knows that professional development is important to a thriving arts organization. Not to mention, our staff has been amazing (as they always are) in the time I’ve been gone and I get to experience another amazing gift when I return: the premiere of a new work, Black Super Hero Magic Mama.

What an amazing summer. I can’t begin to explain how wonderful it is to be able to start creating a new work with my wife, and then return to my theatre home to experience an original work in production. This is an important part of Trustus’ long-standing mission, and we’re doing this even more in our 33rd Season.

Well, the time for writing is over during our last day here on the island. Time for a Cuban coffee and a swim off of South Beach where Tennessee Williams took daily swims during his time here at the “end of the line”. We’ll see you soon Columbia.”

-Chad Henderson
Artistic Director of Trustus Theatre

Welcome New Team Members

Welcome Brad, Patrick, Martha & Avery!

Brad Martin has joined Trustus as the new Director of Development. Prior to working with Trustus Theatre, he spent five years as Development Director for two non-profit performing arts organizations and 18 years managing retail stores in the Columbia area. Brad says, “I am excited to become part of the Trustus family. At Trustus, we have a history of providing engaging and entertaining productions for the Columbia community. Combine that with the exciting new education programs we are working on, and we believe Trustus Theatre will continue to develop into the destination arts organization for community residents and sponsors to invest their time and treasure.”

Patrick Michael Kelly, a Columbia native, is a theatre artist, educator, and administrator. Patrick joins Trustus as the Production Manager. He began working and training in the theatre right here at Trustus as a member of the Apprentice Company. He studied theatre at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities and in the honors program at the University of South Carolina. Patrick also graduated from NYU/Tisch School of the Arts with an MFA in Acting. Most recently at Trustus, Patrick acted in the 2016 Trustus Playwright’s Festival winner Anatomy of a Hug and directed this season’s production of Hand to God. He’s also an active member of The Mothers, Trustus’ resident comedy troupe.

Martha Hearn Kelly has been a member of the Trustus family since 2001 when she joined the Apprentice Company as a freshman in high school. Martha joins Trustus as the Education Coordinator. She studied theatre at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities and the University of South Carolina, and received her Masters in Educational Theatre from the City College of New York. Currently, she leads The Mothers, Trustus’ resident comedy troupe, and directs Columbia Children’s Theatre’s teen improv company, Just Happy to Be Here. Martha has also recently performed on the Trustus Stage in
Dog Sees God, Lieutenant of Inishmore, BOY and Hand to God.

Avery Bateman is a great addition to the Trustus team as our new Box Office Manager. She’s ready to take your calls or greet you in person! Avery has been seen in Dreamgirls (Lorelle Robinson), In The Red and Brown Water (Oya), A Christmas Carol (The Spirit of Christmas Past, Mrs. Cratchet, Constance, and Narrator 4), Ragtime (Sarah Brown), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Avery “BayBay” Bateman), and many other productions here at her Trustus home. Avery received her BFA in Musical Theatre at Coker College 2011.

Sex on Sunday

Trustus Theatre brings Sex on Sunday by Chisa Hutchison to the Cohn Side Door Theatre under the direction of Eric Bulltman. this July. Showing from July 7 – July 15, 2017,Sex on Sunday is a socially probing comedy about a dominatrix that is trying to fit in with her extremely conservative uptown neighbors. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at (803) 254-9732. This play is suggested for mature audiences only.
Sex on Sunday explores how we deal with our desires, fetishes, taboos, and the world around us that may not understand. When Laila moves into a new place uptown, surrounded by conservative, nosey, and catty neighbors, she has to work a little harder than most to fit in. Laila is trying her best to make new connections while keeping her business private – which becomes increasingly difficult when she starts dating a submissive, and her neighbors start looking closer into her career. Laila’s life becomes even more difficult when the husband of one of those neighbors becomes obsessed with Laila and blackmails her into offering him her service. Sex on Sunday masterfully challenges taboos on sex, race, relationships, and gender bias leaving everyone involved begging for more.

Chisa Hutchinson’s work will make its South Carolina premiere with Trustus’ production of Sex on Sunday. Chisa has been receiving a lot of attention in the NYC theatre scene. This summer her most recent play, Somebody’s Daughter, premiered and received an extended run at Off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theatre; the theatre that was responsible for 2017 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen. As a four-year member of the New Dramatists, Chisa has received many awards for her writing including the Lanford Wilson award.

Trustus Artistic Director Chad Henderson was excited to bring this work by Chisa Hutchison to the Cohn Side Door Theatre. “Sex on Sunday is incredibly funny, and devilishly enticing as a piece of theatre,” said Henderson. “Chisa Hutchinson is a new voice in the American Theatre, and she is getting a lot of attention these days. Trustus continually strives to bring exciting contemporary works to the Capital City so that our patrons can see it here first. Sex on Sunday delves into social expectations, the masks we wear in the public, and the lives we live in private – all rather universal explorations that audiences can relate to. In a time when we’re extremely connected and willing to share our lives and experiences through social media and other platforms, this play is interesting to me because it examines an aspect of the human experience that society often expects us to keep private or locked away: our sexuality. Through the journey of these characters, we get to see how our private lives can become complicated once privacy begins to thin and our true selves are laid bare – no pun intended. This will be an incredibly fun piece for audiences this summer, and an especially tantalizing date night.”

Sex on Sunday will run from July 7 – July 15, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at (803) 254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, July 7, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, July 8, at 8pm; Sunday, July 9, at 3pm; Wednesday, July 12, at 7:30pm; Thursday, July 13, at 7:30pm; Friday, July 14, at 8pm; Saturday, July 15, at 8pm.

Photos by Singing Fox Creative

Rock of Ages

Trustus Theatre brings the hit musical Rock of Ages by Chris D’Arienzo to the Thigpen Main Stage this summer. Showing from June 2 – July 1, 2017, this show brings chart-topping 1980s hair-band tunes together for a musical where the audience will be singing along all evening. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org, or by calling the Trustus Box Office at (803) 254-9732.

By the end of the 1980s,Hollywood’s legendary Sunset Strip has definitely seen it’s better days. The sex, drugs and rock and roll scene has been raging hard but the fairytale is about to be shattered, as those at the storied Bourbon Room venue are well aware. German developers have come to town and they’re not leaving until they have thrown out the wild party venues and implemented a more “clean living” atmosphere along the Strip. Drew, resident toilet cleaner, is waiting for his chance to take the stage at the Bourbon Room while he chases after Sherrie, a small-town girl who has just moved to Hollywood with stars in her eyes. Will Drew get his big break on stage? Will he get the girl? Will all chaos break loose in an effort to save the Strip? Travel back to the 1980s with Rock of Ages to see if Drew, Sherrie and the gang can save the Strip – and themselves – before it’s too late.

The book was written by Chris D’Arienzo and the musical is directed by Trustus Company Member Dewey Scott-Wiley (Rent, Hair, Reefer Madness The Musical). Music direction is by Trustus Company Member Christopher Cockrell (The Rocky Horror Show, American Idiot) and and Columbia dance artist Monessa Salley of TO Dance Inc. makes her choreographic debut with this production. Rock of Ages features music by Journey, Styx, REO Speedwago, Pat Benetar, Poison, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Night Ranger, and many more.

Trustus Theatre’s Artistic Director and Rock of Ages cast member, Chad Henderson, had this to say about the show: “There are so many out there who are nostalgic for the 80s, and the songs from that decade continue to burn holes in our heads. Rock of Ages is a self-aware musical comedy that pokes fun at the rock personalities and pop culture of the time. It’s a show about dreamers and dreams. It’s a show about how art can serve us more than shopping malls and other capitalist fare. It’s a show about standing up for what you believe in. When you wrap all of those things into one production, you have a very positive evening in the theatre that will put a smile on your face. Trust us – it’s just plain fun.”

Rock of Ages will run from June 2 – July 1, 2017 and tickets are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Trustus Theatre Box Office at (803) 254-9732 or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, June 2, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, June 3, at 8pm; Thursday, June 8, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 9, at 8pm; Saturday, June 10, at 8pm; Sunday, June 11, at 3pm; Thursday, June 15, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 16, at 8pm; Saturday, June 17, at 8pm; Sunday, June 18, at 3pm; Thursday, June 22, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 23, at 8pm; Saturday, June 24, at 8pm; Sunday, June 25, at 3pm; Thursday, June 29, at 7:30pm; Friday, June 30, at 8pm; Saturday, July 1, at 8pm.

Rock of Ages is sponsored by FOX 102.3 and ROCK 99.7.

Hand to God

In a small town church basement in Texas, there is a puppet that has gone rogue, and it seems as though nothing anyone does will ever be enough to stop him. The foul-mouthed puppet, Tyrone, has commandeered Jason’s hand and he’s causing chaos left and right among Jason, his mother, his classmates, and his pastor. Tyrone wreaks havoc on relationships as secrets are spilled, faith is questioned, and sex and sin run rampant.

Hand to God is a hilariously dark comedy about a demonic sock puppet who leads the main characters through a twisted journey of exploring good and evil, faith and morality, and the ties that bind us.

Director of the play, Patrick Michael Kelly, states, “I think everyone can enjoy this show because it has essential elements that everyone can relate to. ‘Hand to God’ is about human beings dealing with desire, frustration, and grief; with big feelings and moral dilemmas. It’s about organized religion; about the order it provides – order we need – and how that order empowers us, and about our desire to serve something greater. It’s also about how humans create “the devil” in their image, about morality and how we choose to behave in light of it – or in spite of it.”

Trustus Theatre has partnered with Lyon Hill and Jenny Mae to create the puppet cast of Hand to God. Lyon is the Artistic Director of the Columbia Marionette Theatre, and Jenny Mae is a soft-sculpture artist whose work has been seen in films such as Mr. Magorium’s Magic Emporium. Lyon and Jennifer are also members of Spork In Hand, a local production troupe that sells out rooms when they produce their highly popular Spork In Hand Puppet Slams – a fixture at the annual Indie Grits Festival.

Tickets for the play are on sale now and can be purchased at the Trustus Theatre Box Office or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, April 21, at 8pm. The performances following are on Sunday, April 22, at 8pm, Sunday, April 23, at 3pm, Thursday, April 27, at 7:30pm, Friday, April 28, at 8pm, Saturday, April 29, at 8pm, Thursday, May 4, at 7:30pm, Friday, May 5, at 8pm, and closes on Saturday, May 6, at 8pm.

Grey Gardens, The Musical

Grey Gardens, The Musical is the hilarious and heartbreaking story of Big Edie and Little Edie Bouvier Beale, the peculiar aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The musical takes place at Grey Gardens, the Bouviers’ mansion in East Hampton, New York and tracks the progression of the two women’s lives. Trustus Art Director, Chad Henderson, states, “Our production, based on the real-life cousins of Jackie Onassis, is prefaced by the cult classic documentary of the same name from the 70’s, an HBO film starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore, and even a parody piece featuring SNL’s Bill Hader and Fred Armisen. America has long had a curiosity for these real women and their story continues to intrigue us – especially since they are part of the Camelot story and one of America’s most popular political families. I can’t fail to mention that it’s an incredibly funny piece. We are delighted to produce it this Spring!”

The musical participated in the Sundance Institute Theatre Laboratory and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning 3. The book was written by Doug Wright, includes music by Scott Frankel with lyrics by Michael Korie. Milena Herring is the director, music direction is by Randy Moore and the choreography is by Mandy Applegate Bloom. Henderson continued, “We have some of the best musical theatre talent in the state right here in Columbia, so we know Grey Gardens will be a very special production on the Thigpen Main Stage.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Trustus Theatre Box Office or online at trustus.org. Opening night is Friday, March 10, at 8pm. The performances following are on Saturday, March 11, at 8pm, Sunday, March 12, at 3pm, Thursday, March 16, at 7:30pm, Friday, March 17, at 8pm, Saturday, March 18, at 8pm, Thursday, March 23, at 7:30pm, Friday, March 24, at 8pm, Saturday, March 25, at 8pm, Sunday, March 26, at 3pm, Thursday, March 30, at 7:30pm, Friday, March 31, at 8pm and closes on Saturday, April 1, at 8pm.

Marcus

Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet, comes to the Thigpen Main Stage at Trustus Theatre from February 3-18.

Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet tells the story of a sixteen year-old boy living in the fictional projects of San Pere, Louisiana. His close-knit community plays a big role as he navigates through the currents of his life and searches for his sexual and personal identity. It’s a coming-of-age story about a young, gay African-American man in the South. It is provocative, poignant and fiercely humorous.

“The production furnishes much of the heart and inventiveness of the last two Brother/Sister Plays, and still tackles subject matter that is relevant and important in our country,” states Director Chad Henderson.

Marcus is Part III of the Brother/Sister plays, a play by Tarell Alvin McCraney. McCraney was also the storywriter for the recent Golden Globe Award winning Moonlight. The lead actor, John Floyd, states, “Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet is unlike a lot of the plays you have seen. It takes a different approach to hook the viewer; by inviting them inside the narrative and making them feel complicit in the storytelling. You can’t help but like this play because you can’t get around good writing.”

Opening night for Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet is Friday, February 3 at 8:00 pm. Other shows are Saturday, February 4 at 8:00 pm, Thursday, February 9 at 7:30 pm, Friday, February 10 at 8:00 pm, Saturday, February 11 at 8:00 pm, Sunday, February 12 at 3 pm, Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30 pm, Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 pm, Friday, February 17 at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, February 18 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Trustus box office or online at www.trustus.org. Box-office hours are Wednesday-Friday from 2-6 pm. For more information, visit www.trustus.org, www.facebook.com/TrustusTheatre, https://twitter.com/trustustheatre or call 803.254.9732. Don’t forget to hashtag #sitdownandtrustus in any social media posts pertaining to Trustus Theatre.

BOY

Inspired by a true story, BOY, comes to the Trustus Cohn Side Door Theatre from January 13-January 21.

BOY tells the story of Adam Turner, a man who has to deal with the gender cards he’s given (not born with). We meet Adam on the night he meets Jenny Lafferty at a drunken Halloween party. Their flirtation and connection increases, but there seems to something that Adam isn’t’ saying.

“It is a topical play, of sorts, in that it is about gender and identity, although not transgender specifically since Adam was born male and always felt male despite the gender reassignment attempt” states Director Ilene Fins. Fins goes on to say “But most importantly, Trustus has always been known for tackling tough subjects with a sense of universal humanity and this play has a universal appeal in that we have all struggled at one time or another to feel comfortable in our skin.”

Adam’s story begins to unfold as Jenny learns that Adam is the victim of a botched medical circumcision and was raised as a female by his parents due to counsel from a popular doctor who posits that nurture can outweigh nature. BOY explores the complicated terrain of trying to find love in a new body, and the inextricable bonds between doctor and patient – creator and creation.

BOY is an important and difficult story. Trustus has always been a theatrical home for people and stories that don’t always fit in with the mainstream. Our society’s view of gender is going through huge shifts right now and this play is an exciting and moving addition to that vital conversations” states Martha Hearn, who plays Jenny in BOY.

Opening night for BOY is Friday, January 13 at 8:00 pm. Other shows are Saturday, January 14 at 8:00 pm, Sunday, January 15 at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30 pm, Thursday, January 19 at 7:30 pm, Friday, January 20 at 8:00 pm, and Saturday, January 21 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Trustus box office or online at www.trustus.org. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday from 2-6 pm. For more information and updates, visit www.trustus.org, www.facebook.com/TrustusTheatre, https://twitter.com/trustustheatre or call 803.254.9732. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #sitdownandtrustus in any social media posts pertaining to Trustus Theatre.

The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical

Grab your britches and tell your kin because Trustus Theatre is announcing the upcoming holiday hit, The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso and directed by Robin Gottlieb with music direction by Randy Moore running from December 2 – December 17.

The finest trailer park in all of North Florida, Armadillo Acres, is gearing up for the Christmas season and the tenants couldn’t be more giddy- that is, everyone but newcomer Darlene. When a freak bout of amnesia strikes Darlene, the trailer park Scrooge, due to some improperly wired decorations, neighborly love is put to the test. Between an unexpected love affair and one-too-many glasses of Keg Nog, the outrageousness that Betty, Lin, Pickles and the rest of the cast will bring to the Thigpen Mainstage will be a hootin’ and hollerin’ time for mature audiences only!

Chad Henderson, artistic director, excitedly says, “The Great American Trailer Park Musical was such a sold-out success when we first ran it in 2011 that we opened our next season with a revival of it in 2012. Audiences loved these slapdash characters that were comedic and outlandish, but were ultimately relatable. You don’t need to have seen the first musical to appreciate this story, and this is the perfect show for patrons wanting to get into the spirit – but prefer a more adult-alternative approach. If audiences truly love comedies (as I’m often led to believe), then this will be the hottest ticket in the Midlands this holiday season.”

“I play Betty, the leasing manager of North Florida’s most exclusive manufactured housing community,” says actress Vicky Henderson. “Along with two other very colorful women, Lin (a death row widow) and Pickles (a spunky yet naive, new mom who’s also newly single), they serve as the modern-day Greek chorus of sorts, helping the audience get to know the residents and relevant happenings of Armadillo Acres. We do a lot of bonding with the audience, making sure you feel like more like family and less like a visitor before the night is through. Whether or not you saw the first show, you will recognize these lovable characters as they without a doubt appear in your own life. This is a perfect show to decompress with friends from the busyness of the holidays.”

Opening night for The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical is Friday, December 2 at 8:00 pm. Other shows are Saturday, December 3 at 8:00pm, Sunday, December 4 at 3:00pm, Tuesday, December 6 at 7:30pm, Wednesday, December 7 at 7:30pm, Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm, Friday, December 9 at 8:00pm, Saturday, December 10 at 8:00pm, Sunday, December 11 at 3:00pm, Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30pm, Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm, Friday, December 16 at 8:00pm and Saturday, December 17 at 8:00pm.Tickets are available at the Trustus box office or online at www.trustus.org. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday from 2-6 pm.

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Welcome to the Family

Without a doubt, the true success of Trustus Theatre is the group of core artists who call Trustus their theatrical home. These talented individuals create our productions from the ground up – and they’re all folks from right here in the Midlands. As the Artistic Director, I’m often graced with the opportunity to overhear our audiences’ reactions to the artists on stage and behind the scenes. People are often shocked to find out that the artists that create our work are their neighbors and fellow citizens of the Capital City. This goes to show that Columbia is a town teeming with talent, and that we are truly fortunate to have so many creative people living in our community.

At the end of every season Trustus Theatre welcomes new members to the Trustus Company. These individuals are integral to the artistic fabric that is woven on our stages, and they believe that Columbia deserves high quality productions and engaging programming. As our 32nd exciting season begins in September we are delighted to announce the new AND returning members of the Trustus Company that will be joining us in our efforts to tell provocative stories this season.

As Co-founder and original Artistic Director Jim Thigpen always said to new artists walking through our doors, “When you’re here, you’re family.” We want to acquaint you with the new members of the Trustus Company – the new members of our family.

patrickkellyPatrick  Michael Kelly began his career at Trustus when he was a young theatre artist in the Trustus Apprentice Company. While studying with the Theatre and Dance Department at the University of South Carolina, Patrick co-founded The Armed Chair Company along with Trustus Company Member EG Heard Engle. This college-aged company produced various late night works at Trustus, and Patrick was in the director’s chair often. Kelly also starred in various productions at Trustus including The Graduate and Hedwig and the Angry Inch amongst others. Since then he’s lived and worked in Chicago and also received an MFA in Acting from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. A member of Actors Equity Association, Patrick returned to Trustus this summer in the role of Ben in Anatomy of a Hug. He will be directing the Trustus production of Hand to God in 2017. Welcome back Patrick!

marthaMartha Hearn returns to Trustus after becoming an award-winning teacher in NYC. She received her Masters of Education in Educational Theatre from the City College of New York in 2014. She began her Trustus career as a member of the Trustus Apprentice Company, and while in college she became a member of Armed Chair Productions. During her time as an Armed Chair member, Martha acted in various productions on the Main Stage, directed in the Side Door, and was the creator and principle writer for the highly popular Loaded Late Night Sketch Comedy Series. She went on to study with The Second City, The Upright Citizens Brigade, and various clowning workshops. Martha will be overseeing the sketch comedy and improv programming in Season 32. Welcome back Martha!

devinandersonDevin Anderson recently played the fiery Whatsername in the hit Trustus production of Green Day’s American Idiot. She has been seen in other hit Trustus musicals including Dreamgirls, Godspell, and Avenue Q. You may have also seen her excellent portrayal of Celie in Workshop Theatre’s production of The Color Purple. Devin first graced our main stage in the 2011 production of Spring Awakening. Welcome Devin!

katieleitnerKatie Leitner first appeared at Trustus as Mimi in both of the hit productions of RENT in 2009 and 2010. Since then she has appeared in Avenue Q, the first two Henderson Bros. Burlesque shows, The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical, and Green Day’s American Idiot. Katie has also performed with the South Carolina Palmetto Opera and Opera at USC. Katie will be playing the role of Magenta in our upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Show. Welcome Katie!

bakarilebbyBakari Lebby made his Trusus debut in In the Red and Brown Water. This past season Bakari returned to play the role of Elegba in The Brothers Size, which also traveled to the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC this past Spring. Bakari was also a performer in our highly popular Loaded Late Night Sketch Comedy shows that came back in the Spring. He was a member of the Ensemble in this summer’s production of Green Day’s American Idiot. Bakari has been in the director’s chair for an independent production of God of Carnage and the Workshop production of Stick Fly. He also competed in the 2016 Vista Queen Pageant as Clarissa Dagger. Bakari was also one of the masterminds behind the highly successful Hoechella event that endeavored to “raise awareness and combat slut shaming, rape culture, and unjust legislation that affects people’s bodily autonomy.” Welcome Bakari!

jonathanmonkJonathan Monk returned to Columbia after being a professional actor who appeared on various Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, and regional stages. A member of Actors Equity Association, Jonathan was seen in the Trustus production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob and he played the role of Peter in Trustus’ production of Peter and the Starcatcher. Jonathan has performed various solo shows as his clown character Heathcliff. Jonathan studied theatre at Carnegie Mellon University and studied sketch comedy and improv with NYC’s Upright Citizens Brigade. He also appeared in both of our recent Loaded Late Night Sketch Comedy shows. Welcome Jonathan!

abigailludwigAbigail Smith Ludwig played Lin in the hit production of The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical – and she’ll be returning to reprise the role this season. She was a member of the Ensemble in Green Day’s American Idiot, The Restoration’s Constance, and Ragtime The Musical. She also appeared in Evil Dead the Musical in 2014. Abigail also co-styled wigs for Marie Antoinette amongst many other styling projects all over town. She has also been seen in many principle roles at Town Theatre including Sugar, West Side Story, and White Christmas. Welcome Abigail!

haleysprankleHaley Sprankle was a member of the Trustus Apprentice Company while she was in high school. Our youngest new member, Sprankle is currently a student at the University of South Carolina where she studies theatre. Haley was last seen at Trustus in the hit production of Dreamgirls in 2015. Last season Haley ran sound board for our productions of Marie Antionette and The Brothers Size (both productions). She has also choreographed numbers for our Apprentice Company Musical Theatre track. She is a member of USC’s premiere improve troupe TOAST. Welcome Haley!

Anatomy of a Hug

Anatomy of a Hug explores what happens when a convict, Iris, receives Compassionate Release from her prison sentence into her daughter Amelia’s care. A lifetime of living through beloved TV characters doesn’t prepare Amelia for the actual drama of her mother’s return or the advances of a charming co-worker, Ben. The ticking clock of her mother’s illness means Amelia must decide if her fictional life is safer than the possibility of her own story.

Anatomy of a Hug has a relatively small cast. Only four actors, and a potted plant who tends to upstage all the other characters,” says playwright Kat Ramsburg. Ramsburg goes on to say, “What I love most is that the play features two incredibly strong women in the lead roles. The two supporting characters include another strong woman and a guy who might be the quirky side-kick best friend from your favorite sit-com. Then of course, there’s the plant…”.

The Trustus Playwrights’ Festival is an annual national competition that started in 1988 where playwrights all over the country submit their work. Last season over 300 submissions were sent to Trustus. This year, the Literary Manager at the time looked at each submission, which consisted of a playwright bio, resume, play synopsis, character breakdown, setting breakdown, and a 10-page sample. After requesting the full script of a narrowed down list, it was then narrowed down to just 5 finalists. The full finalist scripts were sent to Artistic Director, Chad Henderson and Co-Artistic Director, Dewey Scott Wiley to decide upon the winner.

“We all have relationships we wish could have ended differently, be that with lovers, parents, co-workers. Anatomy of a Hug explores those choices, but in a really humorous way,” says Ramsburg.

We are so excited for Kat and being able to showcase her winning play right here at Trustus and would love for you to join us in this unique Trustus event. For more information and updates, continue to visit us here at www.trustus.org, on facebook, on twitter or call 803.254.9732.

NEW, Season 32 Ticket!

 

TRUSTUS THEATRE ANNOUNCES SEASON 32!

 We are proud to announce its Season 32 line up including The Rocky Horror Show, the long awaited Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet, the third play in the Brother/Sister trilogy and a Trustus favorite, The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical among many others beginning in September.

 

This season, we’re offering the public a chance to become a Season 32 Ticket Holder to guarantee an incredible season of theatre and the first pick of seats for each show. As a Season 32 Ticket Holder, six shows are included for the price of $160 and each seasonal show is discounted for Ticket Holders. To get the most out of your Midland’s art entertainment, becoming a Season 32 ticket holder at Trustus Theatre is a must.

 

The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien, returns to the Trustus Main Stage as the first show of Season 32. Brad Majors and Janet Weiss are deeply in love and become affianced. What follows next is a “strange journey” as the couple finds themselves at the castle of Dr. Frank N Furter, a “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania” that invites them up to his lab. The doctor unveils his new creation and madcap chaos ensues.

 

Playwright of Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet, Tarell Alvin McCraney, sets the stage days before Hurricane Katrina strikes the projects of Louisiana. The currents of Marcus’s life converge, overflowing into his close-knit community and launching the search for his sexual and personal identity on a cultural landscape infused with mysterious family creeds. The provocative, poignant, and fiercely humorous coming-of-age story of a young gay man in the South, Marcus is the stirring conclusion of The Brother/Sister Plays.

 

During the Christmas season, the lovely inhabitants of Armadillo Acres (North Florida’s premier mobile-living community), will be coming back to the Trustus stage by popular demand! Everyone will be filled with warmth and beer, but when a freak bout of amnesia strikes the trailer park Scrooge, neighborly love is put to the test. You’ll laugh out loud as our trailer-park storytellers Betty, Lin, and Pickles jingle all the way to tell you the story of the wildest Christmas ever in the trailer park! This companion to the original Great American Trailer Park Musical is just as much of a cat-fightin’, sun-worshippin’, chair-throwin’ good time – but with tinsel and Keg Nog.

 

The entire Season 32 line up includes, The Rocky Horror Show, Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet, Grey Gardens, Hand to God, Rock of Ages, the Playwrights’ Festival Winner’s Play and season specials such as the Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical, Tail! Spin!, Mark Rapp’s Jingle Bell Jazz, Boy, and Sex on a Sunday.

 

Tickets will be available at the Trustus box office or online at trustus.org. Box office hours are Wednesday-Friday from 2-6 pm. For more information and updates on each upcoming production, visit www.trustus.org, www.facebook.com/TrustusTheatre, https://twitter.com/trustustheatre or call 803.254.9732.

Making Noise in Columbia!

American Idiot is making a lot of noise here in Columbia – literally. We’ve had a wild season of auditions, rehearsals, opening night and continued performances that have continuously rocked the main stage. In addition to the easily recognizable Green Day musical hits, American Idiot draws a lot of power from telling a human story. We’d love for you to join us as we find connection and belonging in a culture that seems to become more disconnected and out of touch with humanity. Read it for yourself in the most recent reviews that are buzzing around the Columbia streets:

“Indeed, while Green Day and American Idiot’s name recognition should certainly help bring the crowds, Ibrahim’s confidence comes as much from her company’s willingness to take risks — and the artists’ commitment to making sure that those reaches are consistently worthwhile”. – More from Free Times here: http://www.free-times.com/cover/boulevard-of-ambitions-dreams-062916
 
“With over 20 screens, a projector, four video feeds, LED light strips and a confetti feature, audiences can expect a new experience on the Trustus stage.” via The State Newspaper here: http://www.thestate.com/entertainment/local-events/article86301972.html
American Idiot musical shakes up traditional theatre.” See more from  The Daily Gamecock here: http://www.dailygamecock.com/article/2016/07/american-idiot-musical-shakes-up-traditional-theatre
“In those moments, I was often surprised by how well most of the songs translated so deftly to the stage, even for folks who aren’t necessarily fans of the band and familiar with the album, thanks to how electrifying it is to see them brought to life.” More from Jasper Magazine – The Word on Columbia Arts here: http://jaspercolumbia.net/blog/?p=8159
“[American Idiot] undeniably rocks out at full throttle… It would be hard to find a better way to spend an hour and 40 minutes as part of a fun night out in the Vista.” –OnstageColumbia.com see more here: http://www.onstagecolumbia.com

 

You have a limited chance to see what Columbia critics are raving about. We can’t wait to see you in the audience as we rock the stage and create topics you’ll be discussing long after you leave our theatre. Without our audience, we wouldn’t be able to bring this two time Tony Award-winning production to town. For more information on American Idiotvisit www.trustus.orgwww.facebook.com/TrustusTheatrehttps://twitter.com/trustustheatre or call 803.254.9732.

Meet Jillian Rowe

Jillian has been a member of the Trustus Apprentice Company program and served as one of our summer interns in 2015. She was recently accepted into the Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities’ Residential program in Greenville, where she will begin studying theatre arts and acting this fall. Though we will miss her next season, we are excited for this great opportunity coming her way. We sat down to talk with Jillian about acting, training and what she’ll miss most about Columbia.

TT: Jillian, you are a sophomore at Spring Hill High School, and you have been a member of our Trustus Apprentice Company program for 2 years now. What else are you involved in–what else occupies your time, interests and energies? 
JR: I take a couple AP classes at school so most of my time is used studying, reviewing, or doing projects. However, I love to read so any free time after schoolwork is used for that.

TT: How long have you been involved in theater arts?
JR: I’ve been doing theater on and off for about 4 years.

TT: How and when did you realize that you had gift and a passion for theatre arts?
JR: When I auditioned for the SCGSAH Discovery program and got accepted, that was the first time I realized that I wasn’t half bad and had something to contribute. It even gave me the confidence to audition for the apprentice program which I was too intimidated to do beforehand. The passion came when I saw my first professional show and felt my heart racing throughout the entire performance.

TT: Are you interested in any other aspects of the arts beyond just performance and acting?
JR: I really enjoy history so recently I’ve been researching dramaturgy because it combines my two passions.

TT: You are going to the SC Governor’s School next year in Greenville. Is it safe to assume that you are planning to have a life in the arts beyond high school? If so, what do you plan and hope to do? What do your current plans for the future look like? 
JR: I would love to be connected to the arts world in some way, shape, or form. Obviously my first hope would be to act but if that isn’t possible, dramaturgy would be a fun career path. I don’t entirely want to pick one specific path now as there are so many levels of involvement in the arts that I haven’t had the time or resources to explore. Also, college is for sure in my future plans the only debate is where 🙂

TT: How do you hope your education and training at the Governor’s School will prepare you for your future and goals?
JR: Since Governor’s School is such a unique high school experience I hope to gain a different perspective than my peers who also want to enter the art world. The discipline and foundation they provide is unlike anything I could get at a traditional high school around this area.

TT: What 3 things will you most miss about Columbia and the Midlands?JR: Dano’s Pizza, for sure. Actually scratch that, most of the restaurants around here are going to leave a hole in my heart. Also, Soda City is one of the highlights of Columbia in my opinion and not being there every Saturday will certainly be a bummer. I’ll especially miss the one-on-one time with all my friends and family and even community I have grown so accustomed to.

Ever get post show blues?

HOW TO MINDFULLY TAKE CARE OF THE ACTOR WITHIN BETWEEN ACTING PROJECTS

By Vicky Saye Henderson

You know the pattern.

You audition for a show.
You get cast.
You rehearse for weeks.
You open the show.
The run is an amazing experience.
You, the cast and crew galvanize as a community.
You feel artistically alive and appreciated.
The show closes.
(Cricket…cricket…cricket)
Once the thrill of finally getting to do laundry again subsides…
Then what?

If you do not have another audition or show lined up right away, how do you nurture your talent and make the most of your down time to grow and refuel? Here are 10 ways to be “out of work creatively” from the incredibly insightful Joanna Merlin. These tips come from the last chapter of her book, AUDITIONING: AN ACTOR-FRIENDLY GUIDE (Vintage Books, Copyright 2001).

1. Take classes that will improve your skills.
Continue to grow and expand your talents. If funds are limited, gather with other actors to read & discuss plays regularly.

2. Find mentors.
Find actors, teachers or coaches who inspire you, whom you trust and from whom you can learn. Let them know of your goals and ask for their help in pursuing them.

3. Exercise.
Keep your body in good shape for both your artistic work and your health. It makes you look and feel better plus it will improve your versatility and increase your stamina for your next show.

4. Stimulate your artistic sensibilities.
Take in art in any way you can. Go to performances. If funds are limited, ask to usher. Step outside of your comfort zone and gain an appreciation for other forms of artistic expression. Keep your sense of wonderment alive and well. Listen to music that stirs you. Feed your soul.

5. Don’t let “show business” be the only thing in your life.
It’s easy for actors to be insular. We spend a lot of time doing and talking about acting and theater. Expand your horizons. Take in what’s going on outside the world of acting.

6. Volunteer.
Give of yourself. Be useful to organizations and institutions that would value your help. It is a good way to gain a new perspective on the world around you.

7. Husband your time…don’t waste it.
Learn something every day, as it will feed you, making you both a better actor and a better person.

8. Relationships.
Ask anyone who has been in a relationship with an actor and they will tell you it’s not easy. Actors work weird hours, often late at night. Their lives can be unpredictable. An altered rehearsal schedule can change your plans on a dime. However, it’s our relationships that give life meaning. Don’t take them for granted. Be sure that the people in your life are, along with your work, your highest priority. Make plans regularly for some quality time.

9. Community.
One of the hardest things about finishing an acting project is losing a sense of community and feeling alone and isolated. You need a support system of friends, family, other actors, teachers, etc. to help you feel connected. Take classes. Volunteer. Make plans with others. Find ways to build community.

10. Know why you want to act.
The reason may change over time, but stay tuned into the reason you give so much of your time and talent to it. Whatever it is, just knowing the answer can serve as a support system.

5 Ways To Be Better To Your Body

By Vicky Saye Henderson

As performing artists, our BODIES are our instruments. We’ve got to take care of our bodies in meaningful ways. No matter what you do for a living, your body goes with you. Here’s a few reminders for all of us…

FOOD
Be mindful of what, how much and when you eat. Choose unprocessed food as often as you can. Make fresh vegetables and fruit a part of your daily diet. You can further help your body by limiting sugars, sodium, fats and certain meats.

REST
Make sleep a priority. Give your body the time it needs to rejuvenate.

WATER
Hydrate your body–opt for water when possible.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Commit to moving your body several times a week.

STRESS
Be intentional about seeking out and adopting effective and healthy stress-relieving outlets. Whether alone or with others, take time to decompress and invite balance into your daily living.

Pursuing Your Goals

Permainan judi bandarkiu terpercaya adalah salah satu kategori permainan yang paling populer sampai diwaktu ini. tak sedikit bettor lebih memilih untuk bermain jenis judi ini lantaran benar-benar memberikan keuntungan yang lebih agung di bandingkan dengan permainan judi yg lain. Beberapa bettor memang berhasil meraih kemenangan gede setelah bermain judi domino online dengan server paling baik yang pernah ada.

sanggup saja anda terus kesulitan buat memahami trik kerja dari permainan judi satu ini, lebih baik simak ulasan kami di artikel-artikel yg lain berkenaan tata cara main judi bandarkiu di internet. Permainan bandarkiu ini benar-benar lah menjadi salah satu permainan yangb begitu diminati bukan lantaran kemenangan yang diberikan begitu agung tetapi pun dikarenakan server yang digunakan pass baik untuk memperoleh suatu kemenangan. tidak heran kalau tak sedikit pemain yang lebih memilih server domino online ini di bandingkan dengan server yg lain. Nah berikut ini yaitu kelebihan ketika anda bermain judi domino online di server terbaik.

pertama adalah server bandarkiu bisa membuat akses internet anda lancar
faktor pertama yang sanggup anda peroleh dari agen judi domino bersama server paling baik adalah lancarnya koneksi internet waktu diperlukan utk terhubung situs perjudian online & menjalankan pemainan yang ada di dalamnya, maka anda tidak perlu takut situs domino sanggup ke luar bersama sendirinya. tak hanya itu, server yang baik pun tidak bisa berpengaruh para penggunaan provider yang anda pakai.

maka aman-aman saja diwaktu memakai provider apapun buat internet & mengakses website perjudian online. karena sampai disaat ini tak sedikit sekali provider yang memblokir situs-situs agen perjudian online diakibatkan bebera[a factor pertama faktor adanya penipuan & pun akses yang sama sekali tidak aman. Sedangkan seandainya anda berkunjung ke agen domino online 99 maka tidak perlu takut adanya server yang gangguan. sebab agen domino qiu qiu online ini memiliki server paling baik untuk memberikan kenyamanan & keamanan kepada para member agar bisa bermain lebih menyenangkan.
Lebih hoki duduk dimeja manapun
perihal lain apabila server permainan judi domino online tidak ada gangguan sama sekali maka pun akan berperanguh kepada gerakan permainan judi online itu sendiri, yang mana pemain sanggup jadi lebih hoki dikarenakan sistem permainan yang dijalankan akan memang lah memberikan keuntungan sendiri bagi para member. setelah itu pula tak sedikit elemen yang mampu saja harus anda ketahui lebih rincian, bisa jadi id anda mampu lebih hoki apabila main-main qiu qiu 99 di server paling baik yang pernah ada. jadi tunggu apalagi, coba buat main dengan bersama kami & dapatkan kemenangan waktu ini pun dgn tentu. Jadilah satu orang jagoan bersama membawa pulang jutaan Rupiah setiap harinya.

Support bersama segala gadget
Kelebihan yg lain seandainya anda bermain bandarkiu dengan server paling baik merupakan support dengan seluruhnya gadget yang anda miliki. tidak menutup sanggup menjadi juga kala anda bermain judi domino online dengan hp jarang berlangsung ke luar sendiri atau erorr yang menyebabkan handphone menjadi panas lalu hang begitu saja. aplikasi judi online domino ini di rancangan untuk sanggup dioperasikan dgn mudah & sanggup jadi memberikan kemenangan yang lebih besar lagi.
Nah itulah beberapa perihal yang menyebabkan agen judi bandarkiu terkenal di Internet, masih ada tak sedikit sekali faktor-faktor yang menyebabkan permainan judi ceme online begitu ternama. yang tentu dari setiap permainan judi sendiri pun ada menang & kalahnya, tinggal macam mana cara anda utk memperoleh kemenangan itu sendiri. Kami serta menyediakan beberapa tata trik yang mampu menjadi dapat anda coba buat mendapatkan kemenangan dgn cukup mudah. mari bergabung dgn dgn kami & nikmati seluruh kemenangannya dikala ini pun.