Tyler Civic Theatre Center

10/13/2026

One book. Thirty-six plays. A legacy that would change the world.

The pages have been gathered, the words remembered and the race to preserve Shakespeare’s work is nearly here. The Book of Will opens THIS FRIDAY at Tyler Civic Theatre!

Funny, moving and remarkably true, this powerful story celebrates friendship, perseverance and the people who refused to let Shakespeare’s words disappear. Don’t miss it!

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM (ASL is available!)

Get your tickets now:
https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18130

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
October 20–21 at 9:45 AM

Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students in grades 7–12 and their chaperones may attend the school performances at no cost. Contact the Tyler Civic Theatre Box Office at 903-592-0561 or [email protected] to reserve seats.

Photography by Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

Tyler Civic Theatre evolved from Tyler Little Theatre, formed in 1927. Stage productions were performed on a speaker's platform at Tyler High School and on the stage at the Women's Building on South Broadway. In 1939, the Little Theatre erected its own building at the corner of Houston and Glenwood....

10/13/2026

Thank you for having us in the studio! We are thrilled to offer this production to the East Texas community! Tickets are on sale now!!

https://www.ketk.com/community/east-texas-living/tyler-civic-theatre-presents-the-book-of-will/

Tyler Civic Theatre Center stopped by to share about their upcoming production of ‘The Book of Will.’ The show will be on October 16th-18th and October 22nd-25th. The link is in the comments.

10/13/2026

YOU KNOW HIS NAME. NOW MEET THEIRS.

William Shakespeare became one of the most famous writers in history—but his words might not have survived without the people who came after him.

The Book of Will shines a spotlight on those people.

Meet more of the incredible cast bringing their stories to life on our stage. These are the friends, family members, actors and unlikely heroes behind an extraordinary piece of theatre history.

You know Shakespeare.

Come meet the people who helped make sure the world would never forget him.

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones can attend FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.

Photography: Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

CAST BIOS:
LLOYD T. WILLIAMS (JAGGARD/BURBAGE) will be portraying the role of William Jaggard. This is his third show here on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage. He received his BFA from Ithaca College in New York. Lloyd is a native New Yorker.

JAKE SPADIE (ISAAC JAGGARD) is thrilled to make his return to the Tyler Civic Theatre stage. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Sam Houston State University and a Master's in Theatre from East Texas A&M University–Commerce, and is currently in his eleventh year at Chapel Hill High School as the Theatre Teacher and Fine Arts Chair. This marks his second show at TCT, where he last appeared as Leo in the 2016 production of 4,000 Miles. When he isn't directing or working on a production, Jacob enjoys playing video games, fishing, and spending quality time with family and friends. He wants to extend a special thank you to his beautiful wife, Allyson, for always believing in him and for encouraging him to get back out there and audition.

KATE DURBIN (ALICE HEMINGES) is beyond excited to work under her college professor once more. Some of her favorite roles have been at Tyler Junior College under Dr. Crawford’s (Doc’s) direction, including Audrey in Descendants the Musical and Alma in Summer and Smoke. Past TCTC roles include Lily St Regis (Annie) and Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). When she’s not performing, you can find Kate directing, stage managing, or teaching some of TCTCs conservatory classes. Kate would like to thank her family for always inspiring and supporting her, Caleb for sacrificing date nights and encouraging her in her crazy schemes, and Doc for continuing to trust her with such remarkable roles: “I love you all!”

10/12/2026

SAVING SHAKESPEARE TAKES A VILLAGE.

And apparently, a village filled with actors, poets, publishers, family members, friends…and a few people who make the whole process much more complicated than it needs to be.

Meet more of the cast of The Book of Will!

This talented group brings plenty of humor, heart and personality to a story about an almost impossible mission: gather Shakespeare’s plays and get them into print before they disappear for good.

History tells us they succeeded.

But HOW they get there? That’s the fun part.

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones can attend FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.

Photography: Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

CAST BIOS:
CC WEATHERLY (ELIZABETH CONDELL) is glad to be back on the TCTC stage as Elizabeth with none other than her mentor as her director! CC holds a BFA in Performance from the University of Texas at Arlington. And while she has had the gift of over a hundred productions on her belt, she likes the role of theatre teacher best. You can find her teaching at both Cumberland Academy Middle School and here for TCTC Act III Conservatory! Another few favorite roles include Ophelia (Hamlet), Viola (Shakespeare in Love) and Emily Webb (Our Town). She would like to thank her Mother & her talented students. ‘This one’s for you Doc, let’s dance a while underneath our butternut tree. I’ll bring the rosemary, for remembrance.’

BRIANA HOLDEN (REBECCA HEMINGES) is onto her second production with TCTC, her first being The Importance of Being Earnest. She has very much enjoyed being part of this wonderful cast and crew! Briana is excited to play such an admirable character as Rebecca Heminges. A character who knows how to be both gentle and firm, and always looking for a good laugh. She would like to thank all the beautifully strong ‘Rebeccas’ in her life who provided inspiration.

CODY CRAWFORD (BEN JONSON) is making his Tyler Civic Theatre debut! Cody has grown up in the theater department at Tyler Junior College. He has previously been in The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, Children of God, Scapino, The Olive Press, and Summer and Smoke, among others at TJC. Along with graduating from TJC, he also received his bachelor’s from Texas Tech. Currently teaches for Stellar Virtual Schools, attends First Christian Church, is a board member for the TJC Alumni Association, and enjoys spending time with his wife Kathryn, and son, Theo. I want to thank them for allowing me to branch out and have some fun with others who share the love of this experience.

10/12/2026

AUDITIONS ARE COMING!

It’s time to get ready for a little Christmas magic! Tyler Civic Theatre Center is excited to announce auditions for our FINAL production of the 2026 season — One Christmas Eve at Evergreen Mall!

AUDITIONS
October 19 & 20
Click the link for more audition info: https://www.tylercivictheatre.com/shows/auditions/

Then mark your calendars to join us this December as we close out an incredible 2026 season with a story filled with holiday spirit, humor and heart.

PERFORMANCES
December 4–6 & 10–13

Tickets are available now:
https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18234

Whether you’re hoping to join us on stage or planning to join us in the audience, SAVE THE DATE. Christmas is coming to Tyler Civic Theatre Center!

10/12/2026

MEET MORE OF THE CAST!

One of our favorite parts of every production is getting to introduce YOU to the talented people who make Tyler Civic Theatre so special.

The Book of Will brings together a fantastic group of East Texas performers, and we can’t wait for you to see what they’ve created together. From laugh-out-loud moments to some truly beautiful ones, this cast delivers a story with plenty of personality, heart and surprises along the way.

Meet a few more of the faces you’ll see on stage—then come cheer them on in person!

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones can attend FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.

Photography: Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

CAST BIOS:
KEITH WESTMORELAND (ED KNIGHT/ SIR EDWARD DERING) is thrilled to be returning to the TCT stage, previously appearing this season as Bill O’Wray in Trouble in Mind after a 20 year hiatus from performing. Previous productions include roles in Baby, Harvey, The Man Who Came To Dinner and the long running improv troupe ComedySportz. Thanks always to Sharon for her continued love and support.

ROBERT LONG (RALPH CRANE) has been acting since 2011. This is his first play at TCTC. For the last few years he’s been acting in Winnsboro, where he’s played Scrooge three times, Romeo, Borachio in Much Ado About Nothing, Jack in Dancing at Lughnasa, Jim in The Glass Menagerie, Howard in Picnic, and Velasco in Barefoot in the Park. He moved to East Texas from Mesquite in 2023 and was seen before that at theaters in the Dallas area. While there, he was nominated for a Column Award for playing seven different weirdos in Hairspray, so we know where his talent lies.

10/11/2026

THE FACES BEHIND THE FOLIO.

Shakespeare may have written the words, but it took a determined group of friends, actors and believers to make sure those words survived.

Meet more of the cast of The Book of Will!

These talented performers are bringing to life the real people behind one of the most fascinating chapters in theatre history. Their mission? Track down Shakespeare’s plays, piece them together and get them into print.

Simple, right?

Come see what happens when friendship, loyalty, stubborn determination—and more than a little chaos—come together to save Shakespeare.

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones can attend FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.

Photography: Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

CAST BIOS:
BRIAN PEARSON (BARMAN, MARCUS, COMPOSITOR) is a Texas A&M graduate who works as a financial advisor. This is his fifth show this season, having previously performed in When the World Ends, Into the Woods, The Descendants and Trouble in Mind. He also performed in five TCTC shows in 2025. An avid runner and musician, Brian and his wife, Beth Lytle, also in this show, rescue and foster cats. Brian credits Beth for launching his theater journey.

KEVIN KRUGER JR. (Boy Hamlet/ Crier/ Fruit Seller) is excited to be part of The Book of Will. He has previously appeared on the TCTC stage as Eddie in Trouble in Mind and as part of the chorus in When the World Ends. He has also been building experience in film. Outside of acting, Kevin is a U.S. Army veteran and is currently studying theatre as he continues working toward a professional acting career. He’s grateful for every opportunity to grow, perform, and be part of the East Texas theatre community, and would especially like to thank his partner, Paige Wickens, for her constant support.

DOUG RITCHESON (RICHARD BURBAGE) is returning to the stage for the first time since high school. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Doug is a husband and father and spends his spare time practicing law. Previous roles include Captain Hook in "Peter Pan," and Lenny in "Of Mice and Men." He is extremely grateful to Doc for the opportunity to act again. Most importantly, Doug would like to thank his wife, Katie, and their girls Lilly and Sadie for their never-ending love and encouragement.

10/11/2026

MEET THE CAST of The Book of Will!

The story may begin with Shakespeare, but The Book of Will belongs to the people who refused to let his words disappear.

We’re excited to introduce the talented local actors bringing those people—and their remarkable story—to life on the Tyler Civic Theatre stage!

Get to know our cast, then come see them in action as they take you back to 1620s London for a story filled with friendship, determination, plenty of laughs and a whole lot of heart.

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones can attend our school performances FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.

Photography: Harold Vincent with Kingdom Photography

CAST BIOS:
BETH LYTLE (ANNE HATHAWAY SHAKESPEARE) made her theatre debut in 1991 when Doc cast her in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at TJC and changed the trajectory of her life. She taught middle school and high school theatre in the mid 90s, has acted in many productions from college to community theatre, and currently works part time as the Production Manager at TCTC. In her spare time, she fosters about twenty billion cats. Beth is deeply grateful for the community of theatre family at TCTC and all the ways we show up for each other.

PAIGE WICKENS (SUSANNAH SHAKESPEARE) is thrilled to be a part of this production and such a talented cast! She has loved performing in one form or another since she was a wee lass and is excited to continue pursuing her passion for theater here. Originally from Washington State, she now lives in Quitman with her wonderful partner, Kevin, who is also appearing in the show. Paige is currently attending TJC and is working toward a degree in psychology. She would like to thank her family, friends, and everyone who has supported her along the way. She hopes you enjoy the show!

LAURA K. ALEXANDER (EMILIA BASSANO LANIER) is delighted to make her Tyler Civic Theatre debut in The Book of Will, a theatrical homecoming after many years away from the Tyler stage. She studied acting at NCSA and later trained in New York and Los Angeles. Past work includes principal roles at TJC Theatre, Helena in Doc Crawford’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and her one-woman shows Leela Vox Paradox and Embody. Now based in Austin, Laura’s creative life spans radio, voiceover, songwriting, poetry, prose, and scripts. She is deeply grateful to return to the magic of live theatre, and to honor one of her first theatrical loves: our Will.

10/11/2026

A little Hocus Pocus fun tonight! Partnering with Liberty Hall in downtown Tyler. Arts supporting the arts!!!!

10/09/2026

What makes The Book of Will worth seeing?

We’ll let our cast tell you.

This is more than a story about Shakespeare. It’s a story about the people who loved his work enough to fight for it—the friends, actors and believers who refused to let some of the greatest words ever written simply disappear.

It’s funny. It’s touching. It’s filled with characters you’ll love. And you don’t have to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy a minute of it.

Take it from our cast: you’ll want to see this one.

THE BOOK OF WILL
October 16–17 & 22–24 at 7:30 PM
October 18 & 25 at 2:30 PM

Tickets: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=18231

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES: October 20 & 21 at 9:45 AM
Thanks to a generous anonymous grant, students and chaperones attend FREE! Recommended for grades 7–12.