theatre

Alex Miller is a professor at Millikin University and the founder and executive director of Shakespeare Corrected which stages theatrical productions of Shakespearean plays featuring correctional facility inmates. Miller spoke to Community Voices about how the experience profoundly effects the students who help bring about the productions.

The Springfield Theatre Centre will present "The Color Purple" on May 12-14 and 19-21. Director Nicole Pittman and cast member Brianna Gude-Price spoke to Community Voices about the show and its significance in Black communities. Gude-Price also shared what it is like to portray the character Shug Avery.

Heather Massie is a New York- based actress who wrote the one-woman play "HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr." Massie will perform in the play on the Millikin University campus on April 21. She spoke to Community Voices about Hedy Lamarr and the importance of featuring women in science in her work.

Dr. Nicole Florence is currently a bariatrician in Springfield. She discusses her passion for caring for patients and her stage debut in the Hoogland's Production of "Our Town." Dr. Florence also gives an update on the documentary "No Title for Tracey."

Kathryn Harris and Patricia Davis portray Sadie and Bessie Delany in the play "Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years." They spoke to Community Voices about the sisters who lived to be more than 100 years old, and what it's like to perform on stage together again.

Doug Hahn is a well-known theatre director and musician in Springfield. He spoke to Community Voices about his musical interests and how he spends his time as a holiday tree decorator, bridge player, and farmer.

The Lincoln Community Theatre is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Board members Brandon Davis and Brittney McLaughlin spoke to Community Voices about the free gala performance to celebrate the anniversary. They also shared their behind-the-scenes experiences performing with the Lincoln Community Theatre.

John Stephens is the executive director and producer of the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Ill. He spoke to Community Voices about the theatre and explained how it is the only Actors’ Equity Association affiliated theatre between Chicago and St. Louis. He also talked about the friendships he’s made with Broadway performers during his time at the Little Theatre.

The UIS Performing Arts Center has created a new program called Our Stage / Our Voices. Director of Artistic Programs Carly Shank and Artist in Residence Reggie Guyton spoke to Community Voices about the program and how it will help give a voice to under represented communities in the performing arts.

Donna Jefferson is a local playwright who wrote the play "Mama's Day" after the passing of her mother. The play runs May 20-22, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Jefferson spoke to Community Voices about what inspires her writings and how to find inspiration in nature.