SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

South Bend Civic Theatre counts on its volunteers to produce one of the most ambitious theatrical schedules in local community theatre and in the state. This is your chance to become involved with one of the premiere community theatres in the United States.

LEIGHTON AUDITORIUM ST. JOE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s Tony-nominated hit play breathes new life into the U.S. Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.

AUDITION

Acting auditions are cold readings (scenes/monologues) from the scripts. Musical auditions involve singing and dancing portions to their process.

SBCT is committed to reflecting the diversity of the community by color-blind casting whenever possible (unless dictated by the particular script) and encourages and welcomes actors of all backgrounds to audition.

CIVIC YOUTH CLASSES

Creative Drama is an integrative process that develops imaginative thought and creative expression in children. Through the use of movement, pantomime, improvisation, story dramatization and group discussion, children acquire language and communication skills, social awareness, problem-solving abilities, self-concept enhancement, and an understanding of theatre.

CIVIC ADULT 18+ CLASSES

The Adult Connection is specifically designed to discover the actor in you in a supportive and creative environment. Whether you’ve never been on the stage before, or just want to brush up on your acting skills by reinforcing fundamental acting techniques, these courses will provide the tools necessary to succeed on the stage. Classes focus not only on providing valuable theatrical skills which bridge into your professional life, but also an incredible way to socialize and build connections with other adults.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE CIVIC?

The Savannah Sipping Society
SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
Staged Reading

South Bend Civic Theatre presents a staged reading of The Savannah Sipping Society, a hilarious comedy about four middle-aged women trying to re-define themselves, meeting by chance in an unlikely friendship formed over cocktails. As they gather on a porch in Savannah, Georgia, they share their stories and struggles, providing support and laughter for each other. 

The play explores the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the power of sisterhood.
Each character has their own unique personality and story, making the play relatable and entertaining for audiences of all ages.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming and funny play to see with your friends, The Savannah Sipping Society is a must-see.

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WARNER STUDIO
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 1

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s Tony-nominated hit play breathes new life into the U.S. Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

LEIGHTON AUDITORIUM
ST. JOE PUBLIC LIBRARY

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
OCTOBER 13-29

Regional Premiere! Take a magical journey into Willy Wonka’s scrumptious and fanciful candy factory. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a new musical based on the 1964 children’s novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. Includes the classic songs “The Candy Man” and “Pure Imagination” along with delicious new musical numbers from Marc Shaiman, the Tony-winning genius behind Hairspray.

WILSON AUDITORIUM
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

BETTER HOMES
NOVEMBER 10-19

World Premiere! Based on Gabrielle Robinson’s “Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage,” playwright Caleen Jennings has woven together a “great work of black joy!” In 1950, a group of African American workers at the Studebaker factory in South Bend met in secret. Their mission: to build homes away from the factories and slums where they were forced to live. Witness this triumphant true story come to life on stage as these courageous families rise against the entrenched racism of the time.

WARNER STUDIO THEATRE
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

HOLIDAY INN
DECEMBER 8-17

A new family-friendly holiday tradition. Presented in hybrid concert/performance style and based on the iconic film, this joyous musical features laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs, including Blue Skies, Easter Parade, Steppin’ Out With My Baby, Heat Wave, Be Careful, It’s My Heart, Cheek to Cheek, Shaking the Blues Away, White Christmas and many more!

WARNER STUDIO
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

A Double Wide, Texas Christmas
DECEMBER 12, 2023
A Staged Reading

A Doublewide, Texas Christmas is a heartwarming holiday play that takes place in a small, wannabe town in Texas where interesting characters and funny situations are carried out in the most outrageous way. The story revolves around two best friends, Big Ethel, and Georgia Dean, who are determined to win the local nativity scene decorating contest––as it would reaffirm that their town was, in fact, an official town. As their rivalry heats up, they begin to involve the other ten residents of the trailer park in their shenanigans, leading to a series of hilarious mishaps. Filled with humor, heart, and holiday cheer, A Doublewide, Texas Christmas is a charming play that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.

WARNER STUDIO
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

PAST SHOWS

Guys and Dolls at South Bend Civic Theatre

Guys And Dolls

CLASSICS IN THE COURTYARD:
Pride and Prejudice: AUGUST 11-27

This year’s Classics in the Courtyard pairing features Pride and Prejudice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

RICHARD PFEIL FAMILY COURTYARD
ST. JOE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Guys and Dolls at South Bend Civic Theatre

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

CLASSICS IN THE COURTYARD:
Pride and Prejudice: AUGUST 11-27

This year’s Classics in the Courtyard pairing features Pride and Prejudice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

RICHARD PFEIL FAMILY COURTYARD
ST. JOE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

Guys and Dolls at South Bend Civic Theatre

Guys And Dolls

JUNE 16 – JULY 2

Guest performer Maestro Alastair Willis, of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, in the role of high roller Sky Masterson takes a bet on making missionary Sarah Brown fall for him, but he never gambled on falling in love himself.

Enjoy such musical classics as “Luck Be a Lady, “A Bushel & A Peck”, and “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat”.

WILSON AUDITORIUM
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

tiny beautiful things

(Reading)
JUNE 1st at 7:30pm

Based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, Tiny Beautiful Things follows the relationships between an anonymous advice columnist named Sugar and the many real-life readers who pour out their hearts to her. Tiny Beautiful Things is a play about reaching when you’re stuck, healing when you’re broken, and finding the courage to take on the questions that have no answers.

Contains strong language and adult content.

 

WARNER STUDIO
SOUTH BEND CIVIC THEATRE

BACKSTAGE ACCESS

Congratulations!

First and foremost, we want to thank everyone who came out to audition for this production. We have heard from the Directing Team that the decision was extremely difficult this round due to all the incredible talent! Bravo!

If you are cast in this production, please expect a follow-up email with important forms to fill in before the first rehearsal at South Bend Civic Theatre, Monday, July 10 @ 6:30PM

The cast list for The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, is as follows:
Sheree: Karla Fales
Dinah: Elise Davis
Lexie: Jacquetta Page
Vernadette: Shelly Overgaard
Jeri Neal: Jill Hillman

If your name is not on this list, we have several auditions and volunteer opportunities in the works! Stay tuned to South Bend Civic Website and socials!
If you have any follow-up questions, please feel free to reach out to Olivia at olivia@sbct.org

The Sweet Delilah Swim Club

THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB

Follow the close friendship of five unforgettable southern women over the span of thirty-three years. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges (men, sex, marriage, parenting, divorce, illness, aging) that life flings at them. A hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.

CAST:
Sheree: Karla Fales
Dinah: Elise Davis
Lexie: Jacquetta Page
Vernadette: Shelly Overgaard
Jeri Neal: Jill Hillman
Directed by: Leigh Taylor

Better Homes The Play

BETTER HOMES: THE PLAY

PRESENTED IN THE WARNER STUDIO THEATRE AND THE HISTORY MUSEUM

WRITTEN BY: Caleen Jennings

PRESENTED IN: The Warner Studio Theatre

DIRECTORS: Laurisa LeSure and Bo Peterson

Synopsis:

Based on Gabrielle Robinson’s “Better Homes of South Bend: An American Story of Courage,” Better Homes tells the story of a group of African American workers at the Studebaker factory who met secretly in 1950. Their mission? Build homes away from the factories and the slums where they were forced to live. 

This triumphant true story explores the Great Migration, redlining, and the role systemic racial injustice has played in the development of South Bend’s Black community.

WORLD PREMIERE


Hearing Assistance Available

Asistencia auditiva a su disposició
Aide à l’audition disponible

This facility is equipped with a hearing
assistance system. Please ask for a receiver.

Este establecimiento está equipado con un sistema de
asistencia auditiva. Por favor solicite un receptor.

Cet établissement est équipé d’un système d’aide
à l’audition. S.V.P. demandez un récepteur.

 

Find a home at the CIVIC