The 29th summer musical produced by the Fredericksburg Theater Company will open less than six months from now on June 13, and Executive Director Jeryl Hoover and the board of directors are gearing up for it to be as transformational for the local arts scene as “South Pacific” was in the summer of 1997.
The 29th summer musical produced by the Fredericksburg Theater Company will open less than six months from now on June 13, and Executive Director Jeryl Hoover and the board of directors are gearing up for it to be as transformational for the local arts scene as “South Pacific” was in the summer of 1997.
“We have been given a new life after the pandemic shutdown that affected us for five years,” Hoover said. “Several loyal donors, some new ones, and an anonymous foundation gift have pulled us up out of all debt and set us on a new path of growth and influence in Fredericksburg. We are now the proud owners of our theater and the land it sits on.”
FTC began producing largescale family-friendly summer musicals in St. Joseph’s Halle in the summer of 1997, and the tradition continued at the FHS Auditorium through 2008. Close to a thousand community residents of all ages participated in those years, many of whom have gone on to pursue a career in theater.
Hoover defined the next era as one of growth in programming and improvement of the facilities. He listed the first major step of growth in launching a new yearround young theater program for kids from third grade through high school.
“This won’t just be performing kids but also those who want to learn the behind-the-scenes technical side because every community theater needs more of those in the volunteer pool just as much as performers,” he said.
Plans also include adult workshops to learn skills for performing such as the basics of stage acting. That program is scheduled to begin by the opening of Season 30 in June 2026.
“Shrek – the Musical” is the choice to open Season 29 this summer in June. From the motion pictures produced by Dreamworks, this stage version features a cast of 50-60 adults and children over 10 years of age.
“We’re going all out to make this a jaw-dropping production with all the whistles and bells,” said Hoover, who is producing the show. “Sets, costumes, special effects, and the best talent we can draw will all come together to make this a blockbuster summer musical to talk about for years to come.”
Auditions open on Saturday, Feb. 1, and continue through Sunday and Monday, Feb. 2-3.
For more information about auditions, including what they will entail, interested persons are invited to the FTC website at fredericksburgtheater.org and click on the “Audition” menu.
“At FTC, we make auditions fun and inviting, and we’re always thrilled to see new faces and hear new talent,” said Hoover.
