From designers, to actors, to Theatre School students, scores of people find an outlet for their creativity at Denton Community Theatre (DCT). Now in its 38th Season, DCT offers quality entertainment, educational programs and volunteer opportunities for all ages. Producing six to eight live shows per year, hosting special events, providing classes and seminars for children and adults is a challenge for this small nonprofit organization, but they do all this and win awards doing it. In 2007, their entry of Crowns in the American Association of Community Theatre’s national competition won 1st Place. The cast and crew then traveled to Heidelberg, Germany as the sole U.S. representative for the international theatre festival.

Only a few Denton actors physically travel outside of the metroplex, but live theatre takes audiences to times and places unlike any other experience. Recently, DCT took their audiences to the 4077th in the stage adaptation of MASH, to Transylvania and London with Dracula, and to the hills of Austria in The Sound of Music. Next, Denton audiences will spend time in 1930’s Alabama in To Kill A Mockingbird, an enchanted forest in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Dogpatch, USA with the production of L’il Abner. These journeys are provided by volunteer actors, designers, and crew members and although regular patrons often look forward to familiar performers, every show includes new faces both onstage and backstage. No experience is required to come and play – the veterans are always excited to teach the novices. Embracing new talent keeps the organization dynamic and fresh.

Opportunities to learn “on the job” are abundant for anyone who volunteers to work on a production. Auditions are open to anybody interested in performing; backstage workers are always needed. For those who want to help out, but are not available for a big commitment of time, there are volunteer openings for concessions workers and a box office assistant during each show. DCT also provides free seminars, held the second Saturday of each month. Past topics have included audition techniques, stage lighting, musical theatre, sound design, costuming, among others.

The youngest of DCT’s family stretch their creative muscles in classes designed to explore various aspects of theatre. These budding thespians also have opportunities to perform on the “big stage” in their own productions. Classes are offered in the fall, winter and spring on Saturday mornings. Summer heralds DCT’s Theatre School’s musical theatre camp which has become more popular each year.

Whether you fancy yourself an actor, a “techie,” or an enthusiastic audience member, there is a place for you at Denton Community Theatre. Be sure to check out their website for audition and show information, or email them. The Box Office is open for ticket sales Monday-Friday from 1pm to 5pm – tickets can be purchased over the phone with a credit or debit card. DCT – take a bow.