New and Familiar

Here we are in 2025 already.  I say, “already,” because it feels as though 2024 went by in a whirlwind of activity here at BDACT.  We increased the number of shows, of audience members, of cast and crew members, of volunteers, and opportunities for you to get involved in the arts, either by participating in their creation, or enjoying the fruits of our collective artistic labors. We also launched a new website and added to our staff of hard-working, theatre-loving people.  All in all, 2024 was quite an exciting 60th Season!

So how does our 2025 Season compare?  Our 61st Season of arts education and entertainment will be even bigger and better!  Quite frankly there are some who have questioned how in the world we’re going to make it all happen.  I believe with such an amazing community of volunteers, sponsors, patrons, teachers, and performers we simply can’t go wrong.  (Although, we are featuring the outrageously funny show, “The Play That Goes Wrong” as our Fall Mainstage production.  We’ll try to keep the chaos and calamity confined to that performance.)

Let me share with you what’s new for 2025.  We’re updating our ticketing system to offer even better access and usability for our audiences, class members, and volunteers.  We’ve lined up our most ambitious season of live theater, with not 4, not 8, but 10 stage plays! Our children’s acting classes each have a performance as well, so that really takes the number of “plays” to an even dozen!   In addition to our Mainstage Series Pass we’ve added a Feature Series Pass.  Purchase a ticket to all three Mainstage productions, or all four Feature productions, and take an instant 20% off your purchase price.

Nothing says NEW like a World Premiere, and in 2025 we’ve got three of them!  These are shows making their first-ever appearance before an audience, and we chose them as part of our continuing outreach to allow playwrights the opportunity to showcase their creations. (We also chose them because we like the shows and their message!)   It’s amazing watching a new work come to life, making the move from the author’s imagination to that wonderful connection with a live audience.  When you think about it, every one of your favorite shows had a world premiere once upon a time.

Speaking of “once upon a time,” if you’re a fan of fairy tales and fables, we’ve got you covered..  Our 2025 season has many opportunities for you to experience the world of fantastic creatures and magic.  From the classic tale of Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland, to a reimagined shoemaker’s tale, Cobble Me This, to a completely modern and crazy creation based on characters you know and love, Gingerbread Clinic. If you’re looking for this timeless genre of storytelling, you’re in luck!

Did I just mention luck?  You won’t want to miss Guys and Dolls, our Area High School Musical production. Since we’re on the topic of musical misadventures and romance, you’ll really enjoy our production I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.  This one is perfect for date night, especially since it opens on Valentine’s Day!

Of course, we’ve got plenty of music scheduled for our 61st Season, so whether you’re into local bands The MilBillies or The WhiskeyBelles, jazz from Paddle City Big Band, One Voice children’s chorus, or even our Tell-A-Tale Middle School production of School of Rock, we’ll keep your toes tapping. 

We’ve just come through a BDACT season filled with melodies and laughs.  But life is not all music and comedy, and we get that.  That’s why we’ve put some serious dramas into our line-up.  These shows will make you think, and they give our performers a chance to dive into some serious subject matters, conveying thought-provoking material in a way only theater can. Don’t miss Four Glasses and Radium Girls, performed in a thrust stage environment with audience on three sides.  This brings the audience up close to the action for a very memorable experience.

For something familiar, Mission Improv-able, our improv troupe performance, and NEW Dueling Pianos are back by popular demand.  As for new, don’t miss the amazing touring band 1964 The Tribute, letting you see, hear, and feel what it was like to be in the audience watching the Beatles performing live in the 1960’s.  For good measure, don’t forget our Casino Night Fundraiser and an all new “In Hein Sight” variety show!

With all that’s new in 2025, let me reassure you we’re holding on tight to our core values of “education, diversity, inclusion, growth, creativity, sustainability, and excellence.”  As we strive to “connect, create, and transform together,” we recognize the need for staying true to what you expect from BDACT, while constantly searching out new opportunities for you to interact with the arts.

So there you have it, lots of familiar, and lots of new. Come join us!  Please visit our NEW website at www.bdact.org, or give me a call at 920-885-6891. As always, I look forward to hearing from you!