For a growing town of around 138,000 – Eugene, Oregon has a rich tradition of supporting community theatre. The local companies and nonprofit theatre groups have nurtured talent and produced both well-known and new plays for appreciative audiences in Eugene and the surrounding communities. Here is an overview of Eugene’s community theatre companies and how to find out what the current running productions are:
Actor’s Cabaret is one of the busier amateur theatre companies in Eugene – offering a variety of plays and productions, classes and dinner theatre on its two stages in downtown Eugene. Actor’s Cabaret or “ACE” is located at 996 Willamette Street – on the corner of 10th and Willamette across from the Downtown Athletic Street and the McDonald Theatre. To find out what’s currently playing, upcoming classes and other details, visit the website at http://www.actorscabaret.org or you can call 541-683-4368.
Encore Theatre is a volunteer company of seniors in the Eugene area. This influential troupe has been a busy and energizing source of theatre in Eugene. Currently taking a little hiatus from performing, you can still find out about the company at http://www.encoreeugene.net or call at 541-342-1630.
Lord Leebrick Theatre Company also keeps a busy performing schedule. This community theatre was founded by Randy Lord and Chris Leebrick in the early 1990’s and remains a vibrant part of the Eugene cultural arts scene. To find out what is currently playing and upcoming projects, the web address is http://www.lordleebrick.com or you can call 541-684-6988.
Very Little Theatre is the oldest community theatre in Eugene. 2006 marks the beginning of the 78th season for this amateur company! Supported by members and a strong community backing, Very Little Theatre producing several small, new, and established plays each year. To find out what is currently playing, or how to audition or other information about the company, try the website at http://www.thevit.com or you can call at 541-344-7751. The theatre is located at 2350 Hilyard in South Eugene.
Rose Children’s Theatre is a thriving company focusing on providing performing and acting opportunities, as well as performances, for the younger acting set. The performances will now be at the new Wildish Theatre in downtown Springfield. To find out about classes, auditions and upcoming productions, the website is http://www.therct.com/ and the phone number is 541-431-0444.
Although not technically community theatre, Lane Community College Theatre department also has a full schedule of productions each year utilizing students and community members in Eugene. http://www.lanecc.edu/perarts/theatre/index.htm is the website for the theatre department and there are links on this page to performance information, as well as classes and other info. Or, you can call 541-463-5202. The theatre department performs on the Lane Community College campus at 4000 East 30th Avenue in Eugene.
Community theatre is alive and well in Eugene, Oregon. Supported by individuals and area businesses – and utilizing the talents and efforts of hundreds of volunteers in the community, amateur theatre adds to the overall fabric of the cultural and performing arts in Eugene.
