Come celebrate with us! Stop by Mill Race Theatre Company's booth to see some friendly faces and talk about local events and performing opportunities through community theatre. We can't wait to see you! You may even be some of the first people to get your hands on tickets to our first production of the season - In Praise of Sparrows written and directed by Columbus’ very own Nicole Cunningham! For more details on the event as a whole, check out https://www.columbusinpride.org/

Help us bring the Sparrows set to life!

No experience is required, we will teach you some new skills and have jobs for all ability and comfort levels. We also have some tools, but bringing your own (like electric saws and drills) will also be very helpful! Please wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to sign a waiver.

WHERE:

• MRTC’s Hangar Storage Unit - 2705 Arnold Street Columbus, Indiana 47201
  (Across the street from Columbus Animal Care Services)

WHEN:

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 6th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 13th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 27th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Sunday, September 28th, 2025 12 PM - 5 PM - Load in Day starts at the hangar, moves to East High School

Join us for dinner at Panera Bread and support Mill Race Theatre Company!

Present the attached flyer (in the discussion section) at checkout when dining-in or use the code FUND4U at panerabread.com, in the Panera App, or at the kiosk in-cafe and a portion of your bill will be donated to MRTC!

Online orders placed all day will count toward our total sales!

3056 Columbus Center, Columbus IN location only.

Hope to see you there!

Help us bring the Sparrows set to life!

No experience is required, we will teach you some new skills and have jobs for all ability and comfort levels. We also have some tools, but bringing your own (like electric saws and drills) will also be very helpful! Please wear closed-toed shoes and be prepared to sign a waiver.

WHERE:

• MRTC’s Hangar Storage Unit - 2705 Arnold Street Columbus, Indiana 47201
  (Across the street from Columbus Animal Care Services)

WHEN:

• Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 6th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 13th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Saturday, September 27th, 2025 9 AM - 12 PM

• Sunday, September 28th, 2025 12 PM - 5 PM - Load in Day starts at the hangar, moves to East High School

Join us for dinner and a sweet treat at Culver's, August 20th, 5-8pm!

Culver's is donating a portion of the evening's proceeds to MRTC and our world premiere performance of "In Praise of Sparrows"- written and directed by Nicole Cunningham.

Come say "Hi!" to some of your fellow MRTC #theatrefam and friends helping serve in the dining room that night too!

Hope to see you there!

Board Members meet monthly on the second Thursday to discuss active initiatives, program scheduling, marketing events, and opportunities, etc. To learn who is on our Board - visit our Board Members page.

WHEN: Sunday, August 10th at 5PM or Monday, August 11th at 6PM. Choose ONE date to audition.

WHERE: Fairlawn Presbyterian Church (2611 Fairlawn Drive Columbus, IN 47203)

WHO: Actors, aged 10+. 22 speaking parts available for a diverse cast.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
October 3rd, 2025 - 7:30PM
October 4th, 2025 - 7:30PM
October 5th, 2025 - 2:30PM
at Columbus East High School’s Auditorium

WHEN: Sunday, August 10th at 5PM or Monday, August 11th at 6PM. Choose ONE date to audition.

WHERE: Fairlawn Presbyterian Church (2611 Fairlawn Drive Columbus, IN 47203)

WHO: Actors, aged 10+. 22 speaking parts available for a diverse cast.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
October 3rd, 2025 - 7:30PM
October 4th, 2025 - 7:30PM
October 5th, 2025 - 2:30PM
at Columbus East High School’s Auditorium

Our Executive Board Members (President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer) meet monthly on the first Wednesday to prepare for the larger board meeting the following week and establish an agenda. To learn who is on our Executive Board - visit our Board Members page.

Board Members meet monthly on the second Thursday to discuss active initiatives, program scheduling, marketing events, and opportunities, etc. To learn who is on our Board - visit our Board Members page.

Our Executive Board Members (President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer) meet monthly on the first Wednesday to prepare for the larger board meeting the following week and establish an agenda. To learn who is on our Executive Board - visit our Board Members page.

GET TICKETS HERE!

Synopsis: Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score that also pays homage to the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Show Rating: PG
Book By: David Greig
Music By: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics By: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Based on The Novel By Roald Dahl
Songs From The Motion Picture By Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

Directed By: Mikki Maurey
Music Directed By: Megan Kane
Choreographed By: Bryssa Helton & Sadie Cope

SHOW DATES:
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 18th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

Where: Columbus East High School Auditorium (230 S Marr Rd, Columbus, IN 47201)

TICKETS:

• Season Ticket Holders: have been contacted via email with steps to secure their desired show date. If you did not receive your email, please reach out to seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

• General Admission tickets: will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
  Tickets are on sale now! Secure your tickets here!

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

GET TICKETS HERE!

Synopsis: Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score that also pays homage to the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Show Rating: PG
Book By: David Greig
Music By: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics By: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Based on The Novel By Roald Dahl
Songs From The Motion Picture By Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

Directed By: Mikki Maurey
Music Directed By: Megan Kane
Choreographed By: Bryssa Helton & Sadie Cope

SHOW DATES:
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 18th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

Where: Columbus East High School Auditorium (230 S Marr Rd, Columbus, IN 47201)

TICKETS:

• Season Ticket Holders: have been contacted via email with steps to secure their desired show date. If you did not receive your email, please reach out to seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

• General Admission tickets: will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
  Tickets are on sale now! Secure your tickets here!

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

GET TICKETS HERE!

Synopsis: Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score that also pays homage to the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Show Rating: PG
Book By: David Greig
Music By: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics By: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Based on The Novel By Roald Dahl
Songs From The Motion Picture By Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

Directed By: Mikki Maurey
Music Directed By: Megan Kane
Choreographed By: Bryssa Helton & Sadie Cope

SHOW DATES:
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 18th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

Where: Columbus East High School Auditorium (230 S Marr Rd, Columbus, IN 47201)

TICKETS:

• Season Ticket Holders: have been contacted via email with steps to secure their desired show date. If you did not receive your email, please reach out to seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

• General Admission tickets: will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
  Tickets are on sale now! Secure your tickets here!

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

GET TICKETS HERE!

Synopsis: Based on the famous novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory features an original score that also pays homage to the 1971 film with songs from the motion picture including "Candy Man," "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Oompa Loompa Song," and "Pure Imagination." The world-famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

Show Rating: PG
Book By: David Greig
Music By: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics By: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman
Based on The Novel By Roald Dahl
Songs From The Motion Picture By Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley

Directed By: Mikki Maurey
Music Directed By: Megan Kane
Choreographed By: Bryssa Helton & Sadie Cope

SHOW DATES:
Thursday, July 17th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Friday, July 18th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 20th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

Where: Columbus East High School Auditorium (230 S Marr Rd, Columbus, IN 47201)

TICKETS:

• Season Ticket Holders: have been contacted via email with steps to secure their desired show date. If you did not receive your email, please reach out to seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

• General Admission tickets: will be $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
  Tickets are on sale now! Secure your tickets here!

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

When: Saturday, June 21st 11AM - 12:30PM

Where: First United Methodist Church (618 8th St, Columbus, IN 47201)

What: Mastering Music Direction - A series Mill Race Theatre Company has offered for high school students and adults in the Columbus, Indiana area since 2023. This will be a combined class with adults and high school students.

Cost: $12 for students (register here), $20 for adults (register here). - You must register in advance to attend this class.

What to expect: Participants will be guided through the basics of music directing (vocal and pit), shown examples of how to cut audition excerpts, choose appropriate warm-ups, be given industry tips and tricks, and more

How to prepare: All items are optional, but it is recommended to bring a notebook for taking notes, a pencil, and a highlighter. Additionally, you can review our participation waiver in advance here. Paper copies will be present at the master class. A waiver must be signed by each participant or by a parent/guardian for minors.

Clinician leading the workshop: Jenny Gafron (She/Her)

Clinician’s Bio: Jenny Gafron is excited to be back volunteering for MRTC again. In addition to being a professional music director and teacher, Jenny also spent several years as an MRTC Board Member and participant, performing in Twelfth Night in 2022 (“Fabian”) and Seussical (“Wickersham #1”) in 2023. Jenny began Music Directing in 2016 when she began her teaching career as a choral and musical theatre educator in Indianapolis. While in Indiana, Jenny founded two award-winning show choirs and led two high school show choir programs (including Columbus’ own, North High School) to many top five and grand champion placements. Jenny has 20+ years of theatre experience and earned her Bachelor of Music, in Music Education (vocal emphasis), degree from Millikin University. She currently teaches middle school music and choir in the Chicago suburbs, directing and music directing their annual musical, as well.

Board Members meet monthly on the second Thursday to discuss active initiatives, program scheduling, marketing events, and opportunities, etc. To learn who is on our Board - visit our Board Members page.

Help support our production of "Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by eating lunch, dinner or both at Applebee's Grill and Bar on June 12th from 11am to Close!

Just present the posted flyer (in the discussion section) when you order either dine-in or carry-out OR use the code DOINGOOD at checkout for online/mobile orders on June 12th. 15% of your check will go to MRTC!

Hope to see you there!

*Valid on Dine-In and To-Go orders, not valid on delivery. Valid at location listed above and June 12th only. 15% donation excludes tax and gratuity.

Our Executive Board Members (President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer) meet monthly on the first Wednesday to prepare for the larger board meeting the following week and establish an agenda. To learn who is on our Executive Board - visit our Board Members page.

Come have dinner at Chipotle and help support MRTC and our upcoming production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory!

On Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Chipotle at 3040 Columbus Center is donating back 25% of sales from Dine-In, Takeout & Pick up orders to Mill Race Theatre Company!

To Participate via Online Ordering, use the code: YF49P2T. Note: it will only work in the Chipotle app or directly on the website, not through DoorDash or other delivery services.

We hope you can join us in eating out for a good cause!

P.S. Please feel free to invite -- and share this event with -- your friends and family.

WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2025 beginning at 5PM OR Sunday, June 1st, 2025 beginning at 3PM. Choose ONE date to audition. Callbacks will be Monday, June 2nd , 2025 (if needed).

• AGE GROUP AUDITION TIMES:

  • Ages 8-12:

    • Saturday: 5PM - 6PM

    • Sunday: 3PM - 4PM

  • Ages 13+

    • Saturday: Begins at 6PM

    • Sunday: Begins at 4PM

WHERE: New Hope Church (1404 W 400 N Columbus, IN 47203)

WHO CAN AUDITION: Anyone ages 8-98! The Kids chorus will be ages 8-12 and all other roles will be ages 13+.

View the event to get more details.

WHEN: Saturday, May 31st, 2025 beginning at 5PM OR Sunday, June 1st, 2025 beginning at 3PM. Choose ONE date to audition. Callbacks will be Monday, June 2nd , 2025 (if needed).

• AGE GROUP AUDITION TIMES:

  • Ages 8-12:

    • Saturday: 5PM - 6PM

    • Sunday: 3PM - 4PM

  • Ages 13+

    • Saturday: Begins at 6PM

    • Sunday: Begins at 4PM

WHERE: New Hope Church (1404 W 400 N Columbus, IN 47203)

WHO CAN AUDITION: Anyone ages 8-98! The Kids chorus will be ages 8-12 and all other roles will be ages 13+.

View the event to get more details.

Come have dinner at Noodles and Company and help support MRTC and our upcoming production of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory!

On Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Noodles & Company at 3040 Columbus Center is donating back 25% of sales from Dine-In, Takeout & Pick up orders to Mill Race Theatre Company!

RSVP & all details here: https://grouprai.se/s297338

We hope you can join us in eating out for a good cause!

P.S. Please feel free to invite -- and share this event with -- your friends and family.

When: Saturday, May 17th 2PM - 4PM

Where: Dancers Studio (1804 22nd St, Columbus, IN 47201)

What: Audition Techniques - The fourth in a series of Master Classes by Miill Race Theatre Company for adults (in this case actors ages 13+ as 13+ are considered for adult parts in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). This will be a more advanced audition techniques class.

When: Saturday, May 17th 1PM - 2PM

Where: Dancers Studio (1804 22nd St, Columbus, IN 47201)

What: Audition Techniques - Mill Race Theatre Company has offered 9 master classes for high school students. This is our first student master class for actors ages 8-12 in the Columbus, Indiana area. We are also offering a more advanced version of this class for actors ages 13+ - learn more on our Adult Master Class Page here.

Cost: FREE - We’re pleased to make this class free and accessible to all in partnership with the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory production staff. You must register in advance using the form on this page in order to attend this class.

What to expect: Interested in auditioning for this summer's production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Interested in learning more about auditioning in general? Join MRTC Masters this Saturday, May 17th to learn more! 

How to prepare: Kids do not need to prepare their own song. A cut of music will be shared with the kids for them all to learn together. The kids class will not include movement or dancing, however kids are still encouraged to wear comfortable clothes. Shoes will need to be taken off to enter the dance studio room, so wearing or bringing socks may be a good idea, though not required. Parents are encouraged to drop off and pick up their child, but may stay if they’d prefer.

Clinician leading the workshop: Brittany Marie Davis

Clinician’s Bio: Brittany Michelle Davis is an actor/singer/dancer based in Indianapolis. IN. She has been dancing since the age of four, specializing in tap and musical theatre dance styles. While pursuing her Bachelor's of Music in Musical Theatre from Anderson University (graduated 2021), Brittany fostered and expanded her love for dance and its function of storytelling in musical theatre. As a current choreographer and constant student of dance, Brittany is excited to share her love of dance and story building through this master class!

Board Members meet monthly on the second Thursday to discuss active initiatives, program scheduling, marketing events, and opportunities, etc. To learn who is on our Board - visit our Board Members page.

Our Executive Board Members (President, Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer) meet monthly on the first Wednesday to prepare for the larger board meeting the following week and establish an agenda. To learn who is on our Executive Board - visit our Board Members page.

Show Synopsis: Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny play.

Written By: Steve Martin
Directed By: Josh Hogan

Show Dates:

Friday,May 2nd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: This play is rated R: Adult Language, Suggestive Content, Drug & Alcohol Use .

TICKET OPTIONS

• $40 Date Night Package includes: TWO (2) tickets, a popcorn and two non-alcoholic drinks or snow cones. You can purchase your Date Night Package here.

• $18 General Admission Tickets can be purchased here.

Season Ticket Holders received an email to secure their desired show date prior to tickets going live for the general public. If you did not get it, please contact seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

Show Synopsis: Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny play.

Written By: Steve Martin
Directed By: Josh Hogan

Show Dates:

Friday,May 2nd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: This play is rated R: Adult Language, Suggestive Content, Drug & Alcohol Use .

TICKET OPTIONS

• $40 Date Night Package includes: TWO (2) tickets, a popcorn and two non-alcoholic drinks or snow cones. You can purchase your Date Night Package here.

• $18 General Admission Tickets can be purchased here.

Season Ticket Holders received an email to secure their desired show date prior to tickets going live for the general public. If you did not get it, please contact seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.

Show Synopsis: Corky and Norm are excited to host Gerald and Laura at their home in the valley outside Los Angeles to watch a once-in-a-lifetime meteor shower. But as the stars come out and the conversation gets rolling, it becomes clear that Gerald and Laura might not be all that they appear to be. Over the course of a crazy, starlit dinner party, the wildly unexpected occurs. The couples begin to flirt and insanity reigns. Martin, using his trademark absurdist humor, bends the fluid nature of time and reality to create a surprising and unforgettably funny play.

Written By: Steve Martin
Directed By: Josh Hogan

Show Dates:

Friday,May 2nd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 - 7:00 PM
Sunday, May 4th, 2025 - 2:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE: This play is rated R: Adult Language, Suggestive Content, Drug & Alcohol Use .

TICKET OPTIONS

• $40 Date Night Package includes: TWO (2) tickets, a popcorn and two non-alcoholic drinks or snow cones. You can purchase your Date Night Package here.

• $18 General Admission Tickets can be purchased here.

Season Ticket Holders received an email to secure their desired show date prior to tickets going live for the general public. If you did not get it, please contact seasontickets@millracetheatre.org.

Concessions will be for sale by cash or card.