Theatre for Everyone!

Here at BDACT we proudly use the motto, “Theatre for Everyone!” The definition of this appears quite simple. We aim to provide something for everyone who comes to the Fine Arts Center.  However, the details begin to appear when you ask who “everyone” actually is. Who are we talking about, what do they want regarding the performing arts, and what do we offer?

When we began this incredible artistic journey 60 years ago (in 1964), our audience was mainly made up of adults.  Those adults enjoyed classic comedy and musicals – titles they’d heard of and shows they’d seen and would like to see again.  The first decade included shows like Harvey, Arsenic and Old Lace, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, The Pajama Game, The Odd Couple, The King and I, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, and The Wizard of Oz, among many others.  

Most recently, in the past five seasons, we’ve continued that tradition with shows like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Drowsy Chaperone, You Can’t Take it With You, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, and Escape to Margaritaville. If comedy or musical theater is your choice, we’ve got you covered.  While I’m not at liberty just yet to announce our 2025 season, rest assured there will be more classic theater titles for your enjoyment!

50 years ago, in 1974, BDACT launched our children’s theater division, Tell A Tale Theatre.  Over the decades, the amount of productions, youth cast members, and family audiences reached is tremendous.  In the past few seasons, we’ve expanded our children’s acting and music classes as well as our youth performances.  We have opportunities for students from 3rd through 12th grade and have recently shared wonderful productions of One Voice Children’s Chorus, Anastasia, Finding Nemo Jr, Mean Girls, Goosebumps, and Grease-School Version, just to name a few.  We’ve seen large casts, big productions, sold out performances and enthusiastic audiences.  Of course, our 2025 season will have even more!

If drama or new original plays are more your style we’ve produced Wait Until Dark, Death of a Salesman, One Day, Our Town, Curses!, The Diary of Anne Frank, Crimes of the Heart, The Laramie Project, and the world premiere of A Brand New Life.  Next year’s season continues that tradition as well!

But what about entertainment for people who don’t particularly like traditional theater?  Yes, we have you covered there as well!  We host an annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre where you can enjoy a catered meal and help solve a crime. There is also “Mission Improv-able,” our improv comedy show, and other annual events including a Dueling Pianos sing along, the Fire and Ice Concert series showcasing local area bands who are already building large followings, a casino fundraiser, and regional and national touring groups like 4 Guyz in Dinner Jackets, Asleep at the Wheel, and ABBA-Mania. Additionally, the Fine Arts Center hosts public forums, such as the AAUW summer read event, which tackles important social issues with the participation of authors and civic leaders.

We also strive to be inclusive when it comes to access for all.  We have designated parking for those with mobility challenges, elevator and ramp access to our performance spaces for audiences and performers, and the widest row of movable seats in our large auditorium for use by those with disabilities and their companions.

But our slogan doesn’t simply refer to performing or to being in the audience.  We offer countless chances for you to get involved as a volunteer or a member of a production staff.  We always welcome painters, builders, designers, writers, directors, and helpers, new or seasoned, who are willing to learn how to work with paint, wood, fabric, concessions, ushering, box office, lights and sound.  We invite members for committees and even the Board of Directors, if that is something you would like to participate in.  Naturally, we always welcome patrons, donors, and sponsors to keep our mission going strong.

So, returning to my original question, who is “everyone?”  Everyone is YOU.  Each year, as we prepare for the next season, we keep YOU in mind, regardless of if we’ve met you already, or not. Whether you’ve been part of our BDACT family for years, or you’re new to us, remember that we have endless opportunities for YOU to join us in creating and sharing amazing and magical experiences for the community.  It’s not just a catchphrase, it’s the foundation of all we do:

“Theatre for Everyone!” really means, “Theatre for YOU!”