Sands Theater Center
Cultural Arts Center600 N. Woodland Boulevard
DeLand, Florida |
Theater Center, Inc. was organized as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985. It originated from Storybook Theater Company, a youth theater company established in DeLand in 1981. Theater Center, Inc. was developed to include not only the Storybook Theater Company but also the Sands Theater Company with a mission to provide live community theater experiences.
At the same time as this incorporation, a community-based campaign to build a performing and visual arts center-The Cultural Arts Center (CAC) began. In 1991, the theater joined with the Museum of Florida Art to open the completed CAC facility which is located in the heart of the Stetson University campus. Attendance at Theater Center, Inc. productions immediately tripled. In 2004, Theater Center, Inc. changed its name to Sands Theater Center, Inc. and took over the restoration of the Athens Theatre, an historical 1922 vaudeville house in DeLand. A capital campaign coupled with federal, state, county and city funding achieved the goal of reopening this historic facility in downtown Deland on January 6, 2009. Although the original intent from 2004 through 2009 was to keep both the CAC Theater and Athens Theatre active with an expanded performance and program schedule; the financial reality of keeping two theatres in operation required a re-evaluation. Sands Theater Center, Inc. moved from the CAC Theater to the Athens Theatre in January 2010. |
Rivertown PlayersThis is the Community Theater Division of Sands Theater Center, Inc. The goal of this division is to use theater and theatrical productions to enhance the quality of life in Volusia County and to provide experienced and aspiring performing artists with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop their skills. This division employs professional directors (local, national and international) and holds open auditions to anyone wishing to perform. A wide variety of community volunteers assist in set design, costuming, ushering, marketing and other secondary performance positions required for each stage show. The productions are chosen to appeal to a wide audience with affordable tickets. Season tickets are offered at a discount, student tickets are sold at reduced prices and group discount tickets are available throughout the season. Plays are selected through a committee process with an eye towards new or unusual works as well as popular pieces. Scrooge! The Musical
Music Director keyboard, percussion December 2004 Sister Amnesia’s Nunsense Jamboree
Music Director piano, percussion September 2004 Smoke On the Mountain
Musical Director May 2003 Stage IIPicasso at the Lapin Angile
“Charles Schmendiman” April 2005 Twelfth Night
“Feste” North Central Florida Tour April 2001 |
Storybook Theater CompanyThis is the Youth Theater and Educational Division of Sands Theater Center, Inc. The goal of this division is to use theater and theatrical techniques to advance the education of children. This division serves young people each year through a variety of programs. A professional staff designs and conducts programs directed towards specific needs. These needs include an emphasis on oral language development, social skill development and cultural diversity. Programming includes drama camps, school tours, library tours, youth theater productions, spring break camp, summer camp and workshops. The Magic Pinata
Musical Director North Central Florida Tour September 2005 - May 2006 Edgar Allen Poe
Playwright North Central Florida Tour September 2005-May 2006 Noonie’s Masterpiece in Purple
“Picasso” & “Uncle Ralph” May 2005 The Frog Prince
Composer “Henri” North Central Florida September 2004–May 2005 Aesop’s Fables
Actor North Central Florida February – May 2005 Fisherman & His Wife
“The Magical Fish” North Central Florida September – November 2004 Winnie The Pooh, the Musical Comedy
Director / Music Director June 2004 Devon’s Hurt
“Devon” North Central Florida February – April 2004 The Princess & the Pea
The Prince, “Steve” North Central Florida February – April 2003 The Secret Garden, musical
Musical Director keyboard December 2002 Ama and the White Crane
Foley “Demon” October 2002 Guys & Dolls, Jr.
Musical Director June 2001 Rumpelstiltskin – stage show
Composer Title Role North Central Florida Tour February – April 2001 |