The Truckee Community Theater opened in 2013 and has been producing creative artistic productions for the local community ever since. Courtney Simson, the founder and producing artistic director, had been producing shows for several years before opening the theater.
“We are the only community theater group in the history of Tahoe to combine all ages of people in our productions,” Simson says. The theater is a collaborative community arts organization partnering with Truckee Donner Recreation and Parks District and the Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus.
From left, Megan Darzynkiewicz, Taylor Hollis, Paige McGarry, Canyon Gemme and Lizzy Mason. | Kristie Pellegrino
The theater just wrapped up its youth production of “Into the Woods” and is currently in production for “The Crucible,” directed by Kane Schaller, which plays from Nov. 20 to 22. “The Crucible,” based on a true story is Arthur Miller’s gripping drama of a community stirred into madness in Salem, Mass., in 1698 during a time when innocent people are being accused of witchcraft.
“This is our risk show; it can be edgy, thoughtful and provoking,” Simson says.
This holiday season the theater offers the “The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever” from Dec. 4 to 6. The performance includes two, contrasting one-act holiday plays. The first story features a show about a woman who in charge of her church pageant and has to deal with a group of rowdy foster kids who take over the roles of Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men in the pageant. The second act is Truman Capote’s, “A Christmas Memory.” The play is Capote’s tribute to the aunt that raised him and illuminates how they spent Christmas during the depression.
“It’s both sentimental and beautiful,” says Simson.
During the holiday performance, there also will be a performance with a hand bell choir and singers along with hot spice cider, hot chocolate and candy canes. Both holiday shows are family friendly.
“Courtney is the force behind all of us,” explains theater board president Celia De Benedetti.
Simson hails from an educational background, which offers her the ability to support and teach young actors. Young people learn the depth of what it takes to put on a play.
“There is some much effort and detail that goes into each show and talking them through what goes into a show is important key to learning about theater production,” Simson explains.
Young people have a lot of opportunity to learn how to run the lights, sound boards and work behind the scenes with costumes, props and sets.
“We are nurturing young people and teaching them high-level tech,” says De Benedetti.
The theater also invites local school children and teachers to come to shortened performances during the year along with a 15-minute lecture about the show and a question and answer period with the cast.
This spring, the Truckee Community Theater will present Tennessee William’s “The Glass Menagerie” in April and a rock ‘n’ roll tribute to Elvis Presley with the production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in June.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities at the theater to build sets, paint props and sets, sell tickets and supervise the green room for children’s shows. Local talent is always sought after from children to adults to perform. The theater hosts casting calls and tryouts for all of its productions.
Simson is also applying for a grant to present new works of original playwrights.
“We look to produce original plays in the future,” says Simson.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit truckeecommunitytheater.com.
“The Crucible”
7 p.m. | Nov. 20 & 21
2 p.m. | Nov. 22
$25 adults | $20 senior | $15 17 & younger
Community Arts Center | Truckee
“The Best Christmas Pageant, Ever”
7 p.m. | Dec. 4 & 5
2 p.m. | Dec. 6
$25 adults | $20 senior | $8 kids | Discounted tickets until Nov. 20
Community Arts Center | Truckee
