A new non-profit organization will soon be launching in Carrollton. The REAL Theatre is an organization committed to the creation of performing arts experience in pursuit of community connection and discovery through core values “raw, elemental, artistic, and live” which spell out the acronym REAL. The organization fulfills their mission through professional guest artist engagements, adult educational programming, theatrical performances, and writer’s workshops by providing performing arts experiences that enrich, empower, and engage the community. Patrick Yuran and Douglas Chanselle-Hary are co-artistic directors of the organization, and Ed Thrower is the production/technical director. Yuron shared that he was introduced to the performing arts by a performance of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit that he was not expecting to see at the old auditorium at Carrollton High School in 1982. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in drama education.
The organization has numerous events planned for 2024. On March 1, the inaugural season will launch with a production of LOVE LETTERS by A.G. Gurney. Douglas Chanselle-Hary had this to say about the upcoming production, “We are incredibly excited to launch our inaugural season with a production of LOVE LETTERS by A.R. Gurney features four different casts composed of prominent Carrollton community members. It also brings me great joy to reprise my role during the Sunday matinee after having presented this wonderful work with Hollywood star Andie MacDowell nearly 25 years ago!”
Then on March 23, Conversations with Cicily Daniels will take place at The Depot on Bradley. She is a Yale University graduate with a variety of Broadway productions under her belt like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Caroline or Change, and All Shook Up. She is the first person of color to play Ursula from The Little Mermaid on Broadway. She is going to tell stories of her performances and sing songs from them as well. The Broadway Bradshaws, Lindsay and Jared, will perform four performances between April 12 and 14 at The Depot on Bradley. Lindsay most notably was in Wicked on Broadway for 13 years. She was Glenda the good witch, which she understudied and performed. Jared was in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Jersey Boys. They are going to perform popular hits from shows they have been a part of. Co-director Chanselle-Hary will host a three-day master class in acting October fourth through sixth. Topics of discussion will include the art of emotional depth, character development, and the subtle nuances that make performances unforgettable.
There are many more events occurring throughout the entire year. To keep up with The REAL Theatre’s events, check out their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p/The-REAL-Theatre-61550191313902/.
