Show Time

By Keylee Fillingim

Whether you’ve been lucky enough to experience shows on Broadway or participated in local productions growing up, the theater is a feel-good place for so many. As the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre expands and enjoys ever-growing success, don’t miss out on the opportunity to create memories with your loved ones, as the experience is so much more than simple entertainment.

With a total of 65 thousand audience members, the Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT) has a lot to brag about (and is clearly doing something right). Talk to any parent with a child involved and it’s clear this program offers so much more than one might assume. As its very committed founder, Erin, shares, “It’s a place for children to grow through performing arts and to find their voice. We strive to prepare our students for the highest level of college or professional training they seek to achieve. But, more importantly, we hope to instill dedication, commitment, team building, empathy, problem solving skills, and compassion.”

Believing in the power of education through performances (which almost always results in an enthusiastic standing ovation), the kids of ESRT work tirelessly to bring professional style acting, dance, and vocal talent to the Eastern Shore. But producing Broadway-worthy shows is no easy feat. Enter the behind the scenes team: the Auxiliary. Established in 2015, this group of volunteers is often referred to as the “face” of ESRT. “If you want to know who sets up the shows and makes them run so smoothly, it is the helping hands of the Auxiliary,” says Leslie Guilian, Auxiliary president. “We also raise funds to provide scholarships for theatre students. We serve as volunteers but also as ambassadors of the organization as a whole.” She adds that anyone with a passion for the arts can join the Auxiliary, as membership is open to anyone interested; you don’t need previous theatre experience.

Celebrating its seventh year of bringing first-rate productions to the Eastern Shore, ESRT is beyond excited about the 2019-2020 season. “This year promises to be even bigger with even more surprises,” Erin beams. “Think new characters, new stories, and possibly a new location.” Of course, ESRT will continue to provide the highest quality training for its students with new classes, workshops, and opportunities for the students and audiences. “We want each performer to grow professionally as they work with other talented members of our ensemble and take advantage of the outside professionals who team up with ESRT each season to help us train and prepare,” Erin adds.

So, whether you have a child interested in performing, or you’d personally like to get more involved in your community, Erin and her team have a place for all. As for us, we’ll be in the audience proudly grinning with all the feels that come from being blown away by another gem right here in our backyard. Watch out, Broadway!

Upcoming Shows:

Disney’s The Lion King, JR

November 1-3, 2019

Needing no introduction, children and adults alike adore this coming of age tale about the adventures of Simba, a young lion who takes back his homeland. Junior shows are adaptations of full-length musicals for children ranging from 3rd to 12th grade to perform. Perfect for young audiences, the show runs just one hour.

Disney’s Beauty and The Beast

May 7-9, 2020

A Disney legend, the entire family will enjoy the lessons of learning to love and be loved in return sewn into a fabulous stage production. Who could forget the spirited, headstrong Belle and the enchanted Mrs. Potts? Be their guest at the 7th annual Theatre on the Bluff performance overlooking Mobile Bay at sunset!

Circus of Dreams: The Experience

Special event: June 2020

Writing a new show for every venue, this ESRT original production is a one-of-a-kind night of magic. Part couture, part avant-garde, part carnival, this is a more adult-friendly show that is new and not to be missed! This revered performance has pleased crowds from USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital to the Fairhope Yacht Club.