History
ACT Theatre Company was founded in 2001 by Ann Spangler, Rich Perkins, and Diane Bechtel Perkins so they could share their love of theatre with the community. The original premise was to create a training ground for young thespians. Over the years, our program has expanded to include aspiring stage managers, technical directors, costumers, set designers, and publicists. It is with great pride that we note several of our alumni have established professional careers in theatre, music, technical design, and broadcasting.
From popular Broadway shows, to Christmas classics, we have brought live theater to the Gibson City area for over 20 years. We even produced two shows written by members of our board! Our first show, "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown," was performed the last weekend of July 2001, by 6 teens, on a shoe-string budget, in the North Park Pavilion. Since then, we have also put on shows at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Percfection Coffee House, Anchor Lutheran Church, and Railside Golf Club. We rehearsed at the United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, The American Lutheran Church of Gibson City, Railside Golf Club, our own homes, and garages. Our gypsy-like tendencies have never diminished our determination to put on a great show.
Our board of directors has always been the backbone of every production. We'd like to thank these former board members for all their time and hard work: Rich Perkins, Diane Bechtel Perkins, Heidi Brown, Dave Gill, Teresa Steidinger, Chris Brucker, Jeff Gibbons, Mike O'Brien, Jamie Hyatt, Shawna Pondel, and Tammy Fanson.
We are deeply grateful for the community support we have received, and is our intention to continue entertaining you for years to come. See you in the park and don't forget your lawn chair!
From popular Broadway shows, to Christmas classics, we have brought live theater to the Gibson City area for over 20 years. We even produced two shows written by members of our board! Our first show, "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown," was performed the last weekend of July 2001, by 6 teens, on a shoe-string budget, in the North Park Pavilion. Since then, we have also put on shows at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Percfection Coffee House, Anchor Lutheran Church, and Railside Golf Club. We rehearsed at the United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, The American Lutheran Church of Gibson City, Railside Golf Club, our own homes, and garages. Our gypsy-like tendencies have never diminished our determination to put on a great show.
Our board of directors has always been the backbone of every production. We'd like to thank these former board members for all their time and hard work: Rich Perkins, Diane Bechtel Perkins, Heidi Brown, Dave Gill, Teresa Steidinger, Chris Brucker, Jeff Gibbons, Mike O'Brien, Jamie Hyatt, Shawna Pondel, and Tammy Fanson.
We are deeply grateful for the community support we have received, and is our intention to continue entertaining you for years to come. See you in the park and don't forget your lawn chair!
2024 Board of Directors
Dean Kidd -- President
Megan Whitehouse -- Treasurer
Cathy Steidinger -- Secretary
Melanie Dammkoehler -- VIP Donor Relations
Todd Thomas -- Technical Director Emeritus
Walker Willis -- Technical Director
Amanda Broaddus -- Music Director
Ann Spangler -- Creative Director, Founder
Megan Whitehouse -- Treasurer
Cathy Steidinger -- Secretary
Melanie Dammkoehler -- VIP Donor Relations
Todd Thomas -- Technical Director Emeritus
Walker Willis -- Technical Director
Amanda Broaddus -- Music Director
Ann Spangler -- Creative Director, Founder