Open Door Stage & Screen has had an incredible start to the year, filled with meaningful moments both on and off the stage. Whether it’s an in-house performance directed by one of our own actors, the launch of a public production, or a collaborative visit with a potential community partner, the energy Stage & Screen is bringing to this season has been unmistakable. Every cast member, volunteer, and mentor is helping shape a season that feels alive — full of exploration, creativity, and growth.

Here’s a look at what’s happened so far and what’s making this year so special!

In-house Performances (So Far)

Our in-house performances have always been a space for our actors to try something new — whether that’s stepping into the spotlight for the first time, directing their peers, or diving into a brand-new script. This season has already featured three unique shows, each directed by an actor in our program and brought to life by our talented cast.

The Klumps

We kicked off our 2025 in-house season with a production that delivered big laughs and high energy: The Klumps, directed by actor Remington Goudy. The show struck the perfect balance of humor, music, and over-the-top fun. Remmy’s vision as a director helped set the tone for the rest of the season — one that encouraged actors to stretch themselves creatively and embrace their roles with confidence.

Willy Wonka

From candy-coated costumes to larger-than-life characters, our in-house performance of Willy Wonka was an absolute delight. In her directorial debut, actor Morgan Hinkle’s production transported the audience to “a world of pure imagination.” The performance was a hit from beginning to end, with Morgan leading the charge and discovering new strengths along the way.

Beauty and the Beast

This season’s third in-house production brought a timeless classic to the stage: Beauty and the Beast, directed by actor Malcom Hardy. With his guidance, the performance offered a fresh take on the familiar tale, blending emotional depth with moments of levity and joy. Malcom’s direction brought out powerful performances from the entire cast and allowed the story to feel personal and resonant.

Each of these in-house performances is more than just a show — they’re a chance for our community to grow together, support one another, and see what’s possible when everyone is given the opportunity to lead.

First Public Performance of the Season

Tartuffe

With biting humor, razor-sharp satire, and plenty of unexpected twists, Tartuffe marked the debut of this year’s public performance season. The play explores themes of trust, hypocrisy, and manipulation — all wrapped in a fast-paced, character-driven script that kept audiences on their toes. The performance was a standout moment for our actors, many of whom embraced more complex characters and layers of storytelling and humor than ever before.

Actor Spotlight: Amy Flanagan’s Journey

Every season brings new faces and fresh growth, and this year, Amy Flanagan has quickly emerged as one of Open Door Stage & Screen’s most inspiring stories.

Amy first joined the program in late 2024, learning to sew under the mentorship of Theatrical Coordinator Aaron. With a natural eye for detail and an eagerness to help, Amy quickly became a key player in this program’s costuming. But her journey was just beginning.

Soon after, she expressed interest in being on stage herself. She began with supporting roles in in-house playlets, gaining confidence and experience in front of an audience. When an actor had to step out of a role in A Christmas Carol, Amy stepped in without hesitation — and delivered a performance that surprised no one who had already seen her commitment and professionalism in action.

Amy’s performance in Tartuffe this spring was a defining moment. She auditioned and was cast as Dorene, a quick-witted and bold character. She approached the role with curiosity, creativity, and an incredible sense of self-awareness. From the start, she found the character’s accent and cadence naturally and became deeply involved in how Dorene interacted with the world of the play.

“Amy asked thoughtful questions, was always open to trying new things, and really dove into the comedic rhythm of the show,” shared Creative Director Cary. “That kind of actor is a gift to a director — it opens the door to deeper exploration and more fun.”

Amy’s instincts onstage were spot-on. She consistently knew where to be, how to engage with fellow actors, and how to bring her character to life in ways that supported the story. She was also quick to understand the technical side of things, asking important questions like when to strike a prop to maintain the illusion of the scene. Her presence brought stability and a calm, collaborative energy to the cast — especially helpful to others working through performance anxiety or nervousness.

Amy continues to be a tremendous support to her peers and a huge driving force in our productions. She’ll return to the stage soon for an in-house performance of Peter and the Wolf and is already preparing for the next public performance, A Devised Piece. She remains enthusiastic, open to new experiences, and eager to grow!

Community Engagement

Exploring New Creative Spaces

This season, our Stage & Screen team has been actively exploring new spaces to expand our community performance and rehearsal opportunities. From a thoughtful visit to Graves Piano to welcoming tours at the Abbey Theater of Dublin and the Hilliard Civic & Cultural Arts Center, each experience has opened the door to exciting possibilities. We are so grateful for the time, hospitality, and conversations shared with each organization — and we are hopeful about what future partnerships could bring for our actors and productions.

Colliers Columbus Volunteers

The energy from our community has also shown up in amazing ways through volunteering. Recently, a group from Colliers Columbus spent the day with Stage & Screen — interviewing our actors, lending a hand with painting and backdrop construction, and even participating in a read-through of Tartuffe. Their involvement didn’t stop there — they returned to attend the show’s opening performance, showing their support from both behind the scenes and in the audience. Their presence made a lasting impression, and our actors had such a great time connecting with this thoughtful and enthusiastic group.

Building New Skills

As Stage & Screen continues to evolve, we’re excited to incorporate more film and video production into our work. Recently, our actors joined Theatrical Coordinator Samuel for a hands-on training session with new film equipment. Everyone took a turn behind the camera — learning how to set up, operate, and work with the gear that will help power future projects. It was a fun, empowering experience and just another way our program supports well-rounded creative development.

From the first lines of a new script to the final bow, this season at Open Door Stage & Screen is already bursting with unforgettable moments. Whether you’ve joined us in the audience, supported behind the scenes, or partnered with us to expand what’s possible, we are so grateful to have you along for the journey.

Stay tuned for more — the curtain’s only just gone up.

Want to catch the magic live? Find all the details on our upcoming shows below!

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