Canton Community Theatre: A Brief History

The cast of Company, which premieres at the Canton Community Theatre on July 27

By Corey S. Shore

For those of us who grew up in the world of theater, whether in grade school, college or beyond, a theatrical space and community often became a home and a second family. Surrounded by people who loved doing the same things we did, we thrived in a safe and creative environment. For many, this opportunity and space faded after formal schooling was finished. While some may have continued to keep theater in their lives, it was often to a lesser degree, though they wished it could be more.

It was just this feeling that struck several parents in Canton as they supported their own theatrical children in the Canton school system. Out of their desire to recreate a space where not only youth, but adults who were professionally focused in other areas could once again create in the way they did as children, Canton Community Theatre (CCT) was born.

Formally established in 2002, this wandering theatre troupe began performing wherever they could, producing their first summer musical, The Music Man, at Canton High School and even transforming a local ice rink into a theatrical space for their productions of The Wizard of Oz and Oklahoma. From the beginning, CCT has focused on getting members of the community involved as actors, directors, designers and more. Today that community continues to expand, as does the theater and its caliber of performance and accessibility to those who wish to be involved. Now housed in a familiar Cobb’s Corner location, artists from the greater Canton area flood the doors of the theater as participants and patrons. Longtime board member and director Renee Hanscom proudly explains, “We are all volunteers; it’s fun for us … We want everyone who walks through that door, whether you’re onstage, doing tech, or a patron to have fun.”

And this community is all about fun. Even with the focus that goes into producing great theater, the members of CCT always manage to enjoy themselves every step of the way, making friends and lifelong connections that span years in and out of performing. Great people walk through these doors and great people keep coming back because everyone has a place here.

Whether you have a day job in writing, economics, teaching, or anything else, the theater is a place where everyone can come in on equal footing to play and grow together. You could see our sign on the door and walk in off the street for the first time saying, “I would like to get involved,” and there will be a place for you here. When I first learned about CCT I auditioned on a whim, simply looking for something to do during my summer break from college other than just working. I never imagined how quickly I could fall in love. Since then I have met and continue to meet people whose dedication surpasses the ordinary and whose passion permeates every room. Each time I walk into the theater I am met with laughter from ongoing conversations and a welcoming wave. It is for me, as it is for many others, home, and we would love for you to come and join our family.

Whether you have been doing theater all your life, have taken a long break from it, or were simply too nervous to participate on or off stage in the past, I encourage you to come spend some time at CCT. You will always be welcomed. Get involved in any capacity and progress as you feel comfortable. We are here, and we are thriving because of community members like you who saw our sign and took a chance.

Canton Community Theatre is an integral part of this community, participating in outreach events such as the Holiday Stroll at Village Shoppes, summer theater workshops for children, and hosting numerous fundraisers for other local artists. Its mission statement reads:

The Canton Community Theatre was founded with a simple mission at its core: to provide the Canton, Massachusetts area with quality theatrical experiences and to entertain and enlighten the residents of the community. Throughout our season we strive to provide cultural exposure through a variety of plays and musicals, and seek to start dialogues amongst our audiences about life, relationships, and values.

Such dialogue and cultural exposure is achieved through their show selection, which features the classics but also brings in works that board member and assistant music director Robert Cattel describes as “interesting and really challenges us.” Mr. Cattel proudly states, “We raised the bar for ourselves personally … we’re putting on shows that people want to be in.”

The upcoming summer musical is the famed Company with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, and originally directed by Harold Prince. This is Canton Community Theatre’s second production of this piece, which they originally performed in 2006. This summer features a new cast and will be showing at their location at the Village Shoppes at Cobb’s Corner, 95 Washington Street in Canton, on: July 27 & 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 2 p.m., August 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m., and August 5 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.cantoncommunitytheatre.org, and the organization can also be found on Facebook (@CantonCommunityTheatre).

Come join us for this production to see what we do, or feel free to get in contact with us online to learn more about our community and how to get involved. You’re already a part of this great Massachusetts area; now we’d love to have you as a part of our theatrical family.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=39441

Posted by Guest on Jul 21 2018. Filed under Featured Content. Both comments and pings are currently closed.