Behind the Curtain: The Passion and Grit Keeping CCT Alive

How a dedicated team of volunteers keeps the arts thriving—one production at a time.

By R. Gabriel Villalobos

Perched atop a ladder on the stage, high in the shadows, a silhouette was reaching up into the lighting grid. She called out to her stagehand, “OK, that one should have power now!” That voice belonged to Mannie Bemis, board member, sometimes director, sometimes stage tech, sometimes actor.

“We do a little bit of everything. We have to wear a lot of hats behind the scenes, not just on stage,” she grinned.

Board member Mannie Bemis remembers how their former president was so talented and skilled at selecting productions, assembling casts, directing plays, and conducting the business of the theater overall.

“We sort of had all of those responsibilities fall into our laps when she left,” Carolyn Olsen, president of the organization, chimed in.//

How theater helps to shape young lives in Carlsbad

Their upcoming production, The Shoemaker and the Elves, was chosen so that they could accommodate the participation of a large group of children. Working with little ones is a passion for these ladies. Tilting her head, beaming, Bemis remarked, “Seeing kids come in, find a role, and work together creatively to bring a story to life is just wonderful.”

“Even if the kids don’t go into theater or acting professionally, the experiences that they accumulate in the theater are valuable to them in their daily lives,” said Olson.

Bemis and Olson described the skills and wisdom that actors and theater staff take home after participating in theater productions. It’s clear that, for these devoted ladies, working together with one group after another is an exciting way to build community.

The support it takes to keep the curtain rising

The home of Carlsbad Community Theater is an antique structure, an outcropping from the city’s past. Originally the commissary for the WWII era army airfield, it was donated to the theater’s organization and brought back to life as the HQ of the city’s performing arts community in 1960.

Maintaining the theater is not something that a small group of people can do alone, though. It takes support from the community on a larger scale. The building itself is showing its age. Rain damage has caused the roof to start leaking, and it’s time to start looking for new seats for the theater.

“The lodger’s tax has been a bright spot in the city’s policies, which has allowed us to continue our programming in recent years,” said Olson. Between that and the support of corporations, these hard-working people have been able to keep up with many of the demands that come with historical structures.

Conoco Phillips generously supported the theater to buy and install a new sound system and to replace the flooring of the stage. The Carlsbad Foundation and Chevron funded a catalyst grant that provided their new lighting system, and Simco got them a new electric piano.

On the horizon for the theater and its people

A kickoff party happening in August will help raise money and spread the word about the upcoming season. This party is a celebration of the past year’s activities and a preview of what’s ahead. The party is open to the public.

“We have four productions every year, so there are a lot of opportunities for people of all ages to learn stagecraft and experience the limelight,” Olson said.

Three shops in town sell tickets for their upcoming production, which opens Friday, July 18. People can also get tickets online by visiting the CCT website.

“We’ve made it as easy as possible for people to support our mission and enjoy the show,” Bemis said. To purchase tickets for the show in Carlsbad, one can visit Angee’s Flowers, The Blue House Bakery & Cafe, or Treasured Moments. Additional evening and matinee shows are scheduled for July 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27.

This is a group of people who feel great about what they’re doing. They’re building community, one production at a time. They hope to see more theater-curious souls come through the doors, whether they end up joining the audience or performing in the next cast.