One of the largest community theatres in Florida, OCT has been entertaining and educating since 1950.
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Next on stage... but this time it's OCT on stage at the Reilly Black Box! ⬛️ This is our first "Rattlebox at the Reilly" show and we're positively bewitched by the idea. It's a small, intimate space, so call the Reilly box office ASAP at (352) 351-1606 and get your tickets.
Save the dates! There are two amazing roles for adult actors (1F/1M), Alexandra and Chris, in THE VELOCITY OF AUTUMN. More info coming soon...
PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP: Monday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m.
AUDITIONS: Tuesday, September 26 from 7-10 p.m.
Feeling festive? Student singers, all your info is here: https://fb.me/e/IWN1BRyx Get ready to fa la la la la this fall!🎄
Our first round of Academy Fall 2023 classes kicked off last week and are all running! Great news if you forgot to enroll or didn't hear about a class in time to sign up -- we still have some spots available, and you can still register. Sign up ASAP to join the fun! Call (352) 236-2274 or register online here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?class=ocal
Wow! What a weekend! I wanted to take an opportunity to thank our community, our community partners, donors and season ticket holders. This cast and crew have worked magic with the help of our incredible production team - big thanks to them and the OCT staff and Board of Directors for all the work that has made this a spectacular opening of our 73rd consecutive season.
We also welcomed R.J. Jenkins for the first session of our "Off Book" series. This season we are partnering with the Marion County Literacy Council to create more opportunities to expand our community's understanding of what literacy means and the important part it plays in our lives, every day. Thank you R.J.!
If you have not gotten your tickets yet, I hope you will take a minute to check out our schedule of performances and reach out to our box office to make your reservations - we can't wait to share this beautiful production with you!
Best,
Greg Thompson
Executive & Artistic Director
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
{actual footage of the cast diving into their beds last night}
WHEW!!! What an opening weekend! Standing ovation to the cast, crew, orchestra, and creative team of SWEENEY TODD for a fantastic opening weekend, and to all who came and supported them! While they're all taking a well-deserved rest the next few days, call (352) 236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com and get your tickets. Two more weeks to catch our thrilling opening musical of Season 73!
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
Did you see SWEENEY TODD this weekend? Are you intrigued? Haunted? Horrified? Dying to learn more about this lurid legend? Save the Wikipedia deep dive for later -- first, join us at 6 p.m. for OFF BOOK! R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council is going to talk us through the terrifying tale of "the demon barber of Fleet Street" and unlock the secrets of this sinister story dating back to the Victorian era.
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
People when they hear the plot of SWEENEY TODD... 😬
If you're all about that lurid life, 1) come see the show today at 2 p.m., then 2) stick around for OFF BOOK at 6 p.m. In this deep dive into the dark world of SWEENEY TODD, R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council will be our guide on a fascinating trip down a dark & twisty rabbit-hole. He'll share all the gory details of the Victorian horror story that inspired the musical -- such as, was there really a "demon barber of Fleet Street"? Come find out -- if you dare...
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
Pull up a chair tonight at 7:30 p.m. for SWEENEY TODD! After all, what could go wrong? Don't you worry your head a bit over all those nasty rumors about what's in those pies, love... And all those people who keep disappearing after stepping in to see Sweeney Todd for a shave? Purely coincidental.
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
“Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd…” Join us tomorrow at 6 p.m. for OFF BOOK, a "no reading required" book club with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council. This is a fascinating discussion devoted to the terrifying and tantalizing tale of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET. On the surface, this tale of a murderous barber looks like your standard Victorian penny dreadful horror story – but underneath the gore, extraordinary cultural forces are at work. It's an intriguing dive into the dark world of SWEENEY TODD and the lurid Victorian legend that inspired it!
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
In life, and in theatre, you have to expect the unexpected – because sometimes what you’re expecting comes a little early! As if opening weekend weren’t dramatic enough already, big congratulations are due for Daniel Roscoe (pictured at left), our Beadle Bamford, and his wife Haley, whose family has suddenly grown again. Due to the early entrance of this newest cast member, SWEENEY TODD director Greg Thompson (pictured at right) stepped into the role last night with 45 minutes notice and will be going on as Beadle Bamford again today. We know you all will give him your fullest support and share in our best wishes for the Roscoe family!
P.S. The show is PG-13, otherwise yes, we would be looking for a cameo-role opportunity for the newest Roscoe child.
SWEENEY TODD's got us all like... 👀
Ready to join us in the darkness this weekend? Visit ocalacivictheatre.com to grab your tickets in advance.
Director: Greg Thompson / Music Director: Jason Bartosic
Costumes: Amanda Jones / Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts / Sound: Jazmin Whipple
Props: Gina England / Photo: Dave Schlenker
Join us tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. OR Sunday evening at 6 p.m. for this season's first OFF BOOK, a book club with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council. This is a "no reading required" discussion devoted to the terrifying and tantalizing tale of "the demon barber of Fleet Street." It's an intriguing dive into the dark world of SWEENEY TODD and the lurid Victorian tale that inspired it!
After a fantastic opening night, SWEENEY TODD is live on stage now through September 24, ready to thrill and terrify! Fleet Street is the place to be this weekend. Call (352) 236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets. Thank you Ocala Gazette for these beautiful photos and a great feature!
From the opening notes of dissonant organ music, there’s no doubt that “Sweeney Todd” is a musical thriller that delves into the darker themes of the human experience. But there’s one thing you won’t miss in Ocala Civic Theatre’s (OCT) production of the Tony Award-winning musical: gratui...
Who welcomes you to opening night of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, tonight at 7:30 p.m.? Why, none other than the man himself, of course... Ready for a close shave?
It's not too late to get your tickets -- call (352) 236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com. Or you could cut it close and buy at the door -- if you dare...
Director: Greg Thompson
Costumes: Amanda Jones
Scenic: Tyler Stentiford
Lighting: Yannick Godts
Photo: Dave Schlenker
✨The Studio, our performance-focused class for ages 13-17, begins TOMORROW!!!✨ It is the coolest way for students to dig deeper into the songs and scenes they dig. The class culminates in a fall sharecase for friends and family on Sunday, October 29. We still have space in The Studio, so register now at https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
First glimpses of SWEENEY TODD!!! Thank you Ocala StarBanner for these great shots of our opening musical -- premiering tomorrow night!!! Call (352) 236-2274 or visit ocalacivictheatre.com for tickets.
Ocala Civic Theatre's season opener is "Sweeney Todd," onstage Sept. 7-24. A dress rehearsal was held Sept. 5.
Two great chances this week to dive deeper into the lurid lore of SWEENEY TODD!
1) Join us today at noon for BEHIND THE CURTAIN, a fascinating chat and a sneak peek into the world of SWEENEY TODD with show director and OCT Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson.
2) Join us Saturday morning or Sunday evening for OFF BOOK, a no-reading-required book-club-style discussion of the terrifying tale with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council.
And of course there's the main thing you need to do: Come see the show!!! SWEENEY TODD opens tomorrow night and runs through September 24.
We will not judge you if you bring a meat pie for your lunch tomorrow. We would even understand it. And applaud you for your commitment to a theme.
No matter what you bring for lunch, we're excited to see you tomorrow at noon for BEHIND THE CURTAIN! Join us for an hour in the dark and sinister world of SWEENEY TODD with OCT Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson (also the director of SWEENEY!). You’ll get fascinating insights and can ask all your questions about what makes this show so terribly, horribly special. We’ll also have some sweet treats to share. RSVP to (352) 236-2274 or e-mail [email protected].
Tickets are on sale now for WITCH, our next play! In this brilliant dark comedy by Jen Silverman, outcast Elizabeth Sawyer is tired of being blamed for sick cows, lost hens, houses afire. Some say she’s danced with the devil in the pale moonlight. Speak of the devil: Scratch is here to raise hell in a village where everybody’s soul is for sale… for the right price. But when she won’t be enticed, the clever devil discovers temptations of his own – and just might scratch that itch.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for ages 18 and younger. (Please note: WITCH is PG-13 and not recommended for children.) We are positively bewitched by our RATTLEBOX AT THE REILLY collaboration with the Reilly Arts Center, where WITCH will be performed in the NOMA Black Box Theater. Seating is limited in this intimate space, so jump on your broomstick and fly to the nearest phone to call the OCT box office at (352) 236-2274 and get your tickets. Broom's in the shop? Buy online any time at https://www.reillyartscenter.com/events/witch/.
Parents of students ages 9-12: Theatre Unplugged is S O L D O U T ! But we still have room in Theatre Lab, starting TOMORROW at 5 p.m.! This super-fun class is a thorough exploration of acting skills, techniques, and theatre terminology, with plenty of dramatic play. It's a fantastic way to build confidence for new or experienced young actors. Register today at https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
You kind of hope the cast is off book two days before opening, right? In this case, OFF BOOK means more than just knowing all your lines – it’s an exciting opportunity to take a deeper dive into the dark world of SWEENEY TODD and the tale that inspired it! This weekend we're hosting this season's first OFF BOOK, a book club with R.J. Jenkins of the Marion County Literacy Council.
Join R.J. on stage at OCT for a "no reading required" discussion devoted to the terrifying and tantalizing tale of SWEENEY TODD. On the surface, this story of a murderous barber looks like your standard Victorian penny dreadful horror story – but underneath the gore, extraordinary cultural forces are at work.
We know everyone is busy, so R.J. has agreed to host this discussion TWICE so that as many people as possible can join in the fun! He met with the cast for their own deep dive on Sunday afternoon, and now YOU are invited to “attend the tale of Sweeney Todd” on Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. or Sunday, September 10 at 6 p.m. Join us for what’s sure to be a fascinating exploration into this bloody good tale!
Meet the creative team of SWEENEY TODD! This brilliant group of visionary individuals is hard at work today in their all-day tech with the cast. Through the magic of their artistry with the direction, music, set, projections, costumes, lighting, sound, props, and technical wizardry, our stage is transforming into the delightfully dark world of this macabre musical, set in 1970s London. And honestly? It's bloody beautiful. ❤ Come see for yourself when we open this Thursday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m.!
Meet the cast of SWEENEY TODD! This amazing group of people is working hard today in their all-day tech rehearsal, along with the crew and creative team, to sweep you away to the dark corners of London's Fleet Street next week. And they can't wait to shock and delight you with our innovative reimagining of this chilling classic musical!
We're excited to see you this Wednesday for our first BEHIND THE CURTAIN on a Season 73 show! Join us on Wednesday, September 6 from noon to 1 p.m. to get your first glimpse at the world of SWEENEY TODD.
All through Season 73, we’ll host an hour-long chat with Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson the day before a show opens. It’s a fun chance to go "behind the curtain" before the curtain rises on opening night. Greg is also the director of SWEENEY TODD, so you’ll get fascinating insights into what makes this show special. And you can ask questions, too – like why did he decide to set this production of SWEENEY TODD in the 1970s? Just how gory is this going to be? What’s actually in those prop pies? (Speaking of food, we know you’re on your lunch hour – feel free to bring a sandwich. We’ll also have some sweet treats to share.)
So come see us next Wednesday for a sneak peek at the next show in the spotlight! RSVP to (352) 236-2274 or e-mail [email protected].
Announcing the cast of WITCH!
Janik Buranosky: Frank Thomey
Brian Creary: Scratch
Cheyenne Dever: Winifred
Wayne T. Dilts: Sir Arthur Banks
Christian Gonzales: Cuddy Banks
Joan Elizabeth McDonald: Elizabeth Sawyer
DIRECTOR: Greg Thompson
TICKETS ON SALE: September 5
PERFORMANCES: October 5-15
A lab is a great place to experiment -- and THEATRE LAB is an awesome place to test things out, mix things up, turn up the heat, find the fizz, and see what bubbles. Theatrically speaking, of course! This class creates a fantastic foundation in acting skills, for both experienced young actors and those new to the stage. We get started this Wednesday! Register now at https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
Homeschool parents and students: We have two sessions of one great class starting next week! On Tuesday afternoons, we'll be offering THEATRE LAB for ages 13-17, and on Wednesday afternoons we'll have it for ages 9-12. This is a fantastic class on the fundamentals of acting, perfect for all experience levels -- including none at all! The class will be offered again in the winter term, too. Register now at https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
Who's looking forward to a long weekend? 🌞
Download the flyer for this season's Academy classes here:https://ocalacivictheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FINAL-Academy-flyer-for-Season-73.pdf
Our final class that begins next week is for teens! 💥 Join The Studio and really shine up your skill set. Register here: https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
We also have a fantastic class for two different age groups of our homeschool learners! 💥 Register here: https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
Starting one week from today! 💥 Register here: https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
Sign up fast -- this class starts Tuesday and it's almost full! 💥 Register here: https://ocalacivictheatre.com/
Go behind the curtain with us next week when our opening musical, SWEENEY TODD, steps into the spotlight! Join us on Wednesday, September 6 from noon to 1 p.m. for the first BEHIND THE CURTAIN in this season’s show series. All through Season 73, we’ll host an hour-long chat with Executive & Artistic Director Greg Thompson the day before a show opens. It’s a fun chance to go "behind the curtain" before the curtain rises on opening night.
Greg is also the director of SWEENEY TODD, so you’ll get fascinating insights into what makes this show special. And you can ask questions, too – like why did he decide to set this production of SWEENEY TODD in the 1970s? Just how gory is this going to be? What’s actually in those prop pies? (Speaking of food, we know you’re on your lunch hour – feel free to bring a sandwich. We’ll also have some sweet treats to share.) So come see us next Wednesday for a sneak peek at the next show in the spotlight!
RSVP to (352) 236-2274 or e-mail [email protected].
Save the dates: Only three weeks until this year's GIVE4MARION! From Tuesday, September 19 at 10 a.m. through Wednesday, September 20 at 7 p.m., you can donate to OCT and make your donation go further -- in past years, through initiatives like matching moments and power hours. It's a great time to give and make the most of your gift. And we'll share a direct link to the easiest way for you to donate to OCT. Stay tuned for more info as we get closer!
Sign up ASAP -- classes begin September 5! 💥
Our education program has a new name: The Academy at Ocala Civic Theatre. 📚🎭 And registration is open NOW for our 2023-2024 classes! We had a great morning at our Behind the Curtain event talking with lots of parents and students about our upcoming classes and performance opportunities this season. Don't sleep on this chance to sign up -- classes begin the week of Labor Day! Visit https://ocalacivictheatre.com/ to learn more and register online. (And stay tuned -- we have info coming early next week on additional homeschool classes!)
Join us this Saturday, August 26 at 10 a.m. for our first BEHIND THE CURTAIN of Season 73! This first gathering of the season will explore what’s in store for our Education & Enrichment program. Beginning in September, the week of Labor Day (yes! that soon!), we’ll have four great classes for ages 9-17, after-school as well as a daytime class for our home-schooled students. And yes, we do have sharecases and performance opportunities in both terms! All that info will be released online this weekend as well.
So step “behind the curtain” with us this Saturday morning to learn more about our class schedule and instructors for the season, as well as an exciting peek ahead at next summer. We’ll have it all: dates, times, and descriptions of our fall and spring classes, plus the chance for you to ask all your questions and get the answers you need. And you can register for classes after the event.
It’s going to be a good morning to take a look at the bright future of OCT Education & Enrichment! ☀
4337 E Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL
34470
| Monday | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5:30pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5:30pm |
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More truck-training for the HANDS ON A HARDBODY cast… now taken to a whole new level! (Do we have to say it? We’re going to say it: Please don’t try this at home.) This high-octane musical will be cruising along on our stage from September 1-18. Hop in!
Here's the first time our HANDS ON A HARDBODY contestants took this truck for a spin last night! 🔥 They started off easy, but the "truckography" gets fancier...
The big day is here! 🌟 Good news: You can still get tickets for tonight's BEHIND THE MASK. If you plan to stop by or call (352) 236-2274 to purchase tickets, the box office is open shorter hours today, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. But you can buy online this afternoon at www.ocalacivictheatre.com. We can't wait to see you tonight at 6:30 p.m., all decked out in your creative black tie, ready to be wowed by the glorious voice of Broadway star Grant Norman, Maestro Bill Doherty on piano, some amazing French food, and the evening of enchantment that awaits!
Some of our board members had a cleanup day today of the theatre grounds! (Is there anything more immediately satisfying than pressure-washing?) Standing ovation and a big round of applause to all of them for their hard work. We should be in sparkling shape for BEHIND THE MASK Monday night and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, opening May 12! ✨🌹
Call us and get your tickets today!!! We are only four days away from the glittering gala event of the spring. ✨ So plan your creative black tie ensemble and get ready for an enchanted evening of fabulous French food, delightful libations, and an amazing performance by Broadway star Grant Norman!
It's going to be a glittering evening of enchantment! ✨🌹 Not to mention champagne, fabulous French food, and some glorious showstoppers from Broadway star Grant Norman. 🥂⭐️ Get your tickets now for BEHIND THE MASK -- and start planning your "creative black tie" costume for this gala to benefit OCT!
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Announcing the 2022-2023 season!
What's it like doing a one-person show??? Alex Dagg is here to tell us. Then come see for yourself when UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL opens this Thursday! 📚 The show runs March 3-20. (Join us opening night and you can enjoy a wine-tasting before the performance!) 🍷
Go behind the scenes with us to see what happens in the 90 minutes before a performance of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS: sound and light check, mic check, props check, and maybe a quick rehearsal of a scene, with actors in various stages of costumes, wigs, and makeup. Plus, hear from some of the cast what's their favorite thing about the show. It's a whirlwind of activity before the curtain rises on this whirlwind comedy!
Here's a fun little glimpse of dress rehearsal for A JOLLY HOLIDAY! Join us this weekend for this holly-jolly youth cabaret on the outdoor stage: Friday 12/10 and Sat. 12/11 at 7 p.m., Sunday 12/12 at 1:30 p.m. We are here to bring the Christmas cheer! 🎅
Have you seen IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE yet? Here's a glimpse of its charms from dress rehearsal two weeks ago. And if you haven't gotten your tickets yet... in the words of the song, "Won't you come out tonight, come out tonight, come out tonight..." 🌙 Well, OK, come out Thursday night at the soonest, because there's no show tonight. But join us this week or next for the wonders of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, and get into the holiday spirit! 🎄
Here's your first glimpse at a rehearsal for the radio play adaptation of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, opening next Friday night! Don't touch that dial... stay tuned for the magic of sets, costumes, lighting, and sound, all to come next week. Our show is an "all-star broadcast" of the beloved story "live" from Manhattan's WBFR studio on Christmas Eve 1946, and it's just as wonderful as the classic film you know and love. Let us take you back in time... join us for the wonders of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE! 🎄
...and we're sharing the love right back with our friends at Theatre On The Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, wishing them well on THEIR production of ALL TOGETHER NOW this weekend! Break a leg from across the world! 🌎🎭
What an awesome way to open our weekend of global theatre: The cast of ALL TOGETHER NOW at Theatre On the Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, sharing the love and wishing OCT well on our production! Theatres all over the world this weekend are performing ALL TOGETHER NOW, and we are excited to share in this adventure together! 🌍🎭
The world premiere of PAPER THIN opens TONIGHT!!! Here's your first look at the transformation from last week's rehearsal to this week's dress rehearsal. And now the magic happens! ✨
"I saw the light..." And now you'll see it a whole lot faster with this behind-the-scenes time-lapse look into light hang & focus for PAPER THIN. We are ready to shine the spotlight on our actors as we head into tech week and opening the show on October 14! 💡
Here's your first behind-the-scenes look at PAPER THIN! Climb up on the roof with us for a few minutes of rehearsal. ✨
Founded in 1950, Ocala Civic Theatre is one of the largest community theatres in the state and one of the top 20 community theatres in the country. OCT produces more than 12 fully staged, professional-quality live performances each season and also hosts touring companies. The Theatre is professionally staffed and volunteer-based, serving 65,000 people each season. We also reach more than 700 students ages 4-18 year-round through Education Department after-school classes, summer camps, and youth productions. The mission of Ocala Civic Theatre is to uplift, inspire, and entertain by providing quality theatrical experiences and performing arts education.
Located in the Appleton Cultural Center: 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Ocala, FL 34470 (352) 236-2274 www.ocalacivictheatre.com
Insomniac Theatre Company, Inc.
SW 34th Circle
West Port High School Omega Theatre Company
SW 80 Avenue
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