The Civic Theatre Show

Theater begins with living room performances for family, continues in high school/college, and peaks on Broadway. Where does community theater fit? Kristine Holtvedt, who has acted and directed at every level, knows why Civic Theater is important. And Caty Natt hopes we all recognize that “Birthday Candles” is about every family—including yours.

Part 2 from the Civic Youth Theatre production of Disney’s Jungle Book Kids. You can almost see in real time our cast, 6 to 13 years old, develop the confidence to express themselves, despite some of them usually being quiet or shy. They’re figuring out for themselves why being in a play can be so much more than just something different to do for a couple of months. And, for working adults, why take on a few more hours of responsibility during evenings and weekends to help with theater for children? What’s in it for you?

Parents, listen up. Do any of your kids struggle to find belonging on a sports team or even in the lunchroom? Maybe they need to try community theater … because, as Julie Baumann says, it’s a magical place where kids (and adults, too) can build confidence, self-esteem, empathy, pride, and humility. Theater teaches hard work, dedication, and flexibility … and it’s where all of us can experience success, find belonging, and discover who we are at the core. Also in this episode: Griffin Valiant takes his first turn as stage manager for Disney’s Jungle Book Kids.

Part 2 of a conversation with the cast & director of “The Revolutionists” is a case study in how theater can bring us together and make us think about issues we face living our daily lives in today’s world, when having a difference of opinion with family and close friends can feel like a crime. “The Revolutionists,” though, reminds us that what’s most important is building community and finding empathy—and that’s exactly what this impactful play did for our cast.

What can the late 18th century teach us about the civil unrest, inequality, and political uncertainty of the 21st century? Meet the cast and director of “The Revolutionists,” a comedy filled with sharp, modern dialogue. Our characters are a playwright, an activist, an assassin, and a former queen during the French Revolution. Discover insights about these characters and ourselves as we live in the eerily parallel worlds of 1793 and 2026.

Actors, what’s the downside of pouring too much of yourself into a role? Neil Radtke found out on our stage, and you can learn from his experience. Clem Kollman and Neil share how participating in community theater can be transformative for kids and adults alike.

If you think the Ebenezer Scrooge story offers no surprises after all these years, travel back with us to a 1945 radio studio for “A Christmas Carol, the Live Radio Play” at Civic Theatre. And are you so into science that you don’t think there’s a place for you in the creative arts? In fact, people with analytical minds can be perfect not only on stage but in behind-the-scenes roles too. See yourself here! Featuring a conversation with Trey Gordon and Em Miller.

These are magic words at our theater: Directed by Laurie Russell. Specializing in comedies and musicals, Laurie has directed many of Civic’s biggest shows in the last couple of decades. Her directing style isn’t always easy for cast and crew—but Laurie fosters an atmosphere in which drama stays on-stage, lifelong friendships develop off-stage, and cast and crew become part of her family.

Say the name “Beetlejuice” three times to summon the entire cast of Beetlejuice Jr., a musical adaptation of the beloved 1988 film. This is a cast with a collective level of theater experience that borders on the supernatural! For this episode, the cast interviewed each other, writing most of their own questions, exploring their characters, sharing of themselves freely (just as they do on stage), and even being reflective, contemplating how their participation in Civic Theatre is changing them in the real world.

Theater is the mirror we hold to nature… and ourselves. Theater is empathy training—which makes it an incredibly valuable tool for changing the world… for actors, crew, and the audience, too. Benji Braswell discusses how Shakespeare is best on stage and why working with kids is so meaningful.

If you want to do community theater and be really good at it, what’s the best way? Kyle Brown, actor, crew member, stage manager, director, and playwright, shares advice. And John Collier reflects on how Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, Indiana, has evolved during the last 40 years and discusses the challenge of casting a show.

Welcome to the official podcast from Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette, Indiana! Most community theater actors live their real lives, with their families and day jobs, and act during evenings and weekends. Raquel Lopez, our theater's producing artistic director, lives an inverse life—her "real life" is an act. Learn how "Steel Magnolias," the first MainStage show of our 2025-2026 season, is finally enabling Raquel to be her true self.