The curtain rises on a revealing conversation about what truly happens behind the scenes of community theater productions. Anne Jackson, executive director of Arts One Presents, shares fascinating insights about the business operations that audiences rarely consider — from licensing fees that can reach $16,000 per show to the creative problem-solving required when working with limited budgets and venues.
Beyond performances, Anne reveals the extensive community engagement strategies that have become Arts One's signature — arranging meetings between the "Mayor of Munchkinland" and actual city mayors, staging promotional events at libraries and animal shelters, and creating memorable social media content. Their innovative Youth Driven Theatre program now places young people in charge of every aspect of production for "James and the Giant Peach" (Oct. 9-11), while their season closes with the holiday-themed "The 1940's Radio Hour" (Nov. 20-23).
As Anne eloquently states, "We love creating magic, and that is kind of what theater is." Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply curious about how community arts organizations operate, this conversation illuminates why supporting local theater through attendance, donations, and volunteering remains essential to keeping this magic alive in our communities.
