Here at the Performing Arts Center on the Square, we believe that theater is for people of all ages! Our shows always fall under one of two categories, Main Stage productions and KidStage productions.

Our Main Stage productions are for community members of all ages and experience levels. Whether you have been on the stage 100 times or are looking to try something new, you have the opportunity to shine. The fear of public speaking is the number one phobia in the world. Theater offers an encouraging and safe environment to grow and gain confidence in yourself. Never let fear stop you! If you're still not interested in performing, we are always looking for people interested in sound, lighting, costume, make-up, hair, set construction, and more.

At PACOTS, we believe that theater education should begin early. That's why our KidStage program specializes in theater education. KidStage teaches the basics in many areas of theater, from acting, singing, and dancing, to sound, lighting, costumes, make-up, hair, and set construction. Theater is beneficial to children in many ways, including gaining confidence, finding their voice, making friends, and giving them lifelong memories.

Upcoming at Center on the Square! 

AUDITION NOTICE!!! Performing Arts Center on the Square will host auditions for our first MainStage show of the season, Wait Until Dark NEXT week, September 10 and 13 at 7:30 at our theater on 219 W Arch Ave. Show dates for Wait Until Dark are November 14-17, 2024. 

Wait Until Dark is a suspenseful thriller that follows the story of a blind woman named Susy Hendrix who is terrorized in her own home by a group of criminals searching for a doll filled with illicit drugs.
Set in a Greenwich Village basement apartment. The play builds tension through clever manipulation of light and darkness, culminating in
a gripping and unforgettable climax.

Casting Breakdown: 

• Susy Hendrix: (Female, 20s-40s) Recently blinded and adapting to her new reality. Resourceful, intelligent, and determined to defend herself against the criminals.
• Sam Hendrix: (Male, 30s-40s) Susy's husband, a professional photographer. Caring and supportive, he unintentionally sets the plot in motion.
• Roat: (20s-50s) The antagonist, a sinister and manipulative conman with a chilling calmness. Master of disguises, uses cunning to control the situation.
• Mike Talman: (20s-50s) A criminal with a sense of morality. Shows moments of compassion towards Susy.
• Carlino: (20s-50s) A thug working with Mike and Roat. Not the brightest.
• Gloria: (Female, 13-16) A young girl living in the apartment above Susy. Strong-willed, curious, and resourceful.

Please email [email protected] to obtain a copy of the sides and an audition form prior to the audition - or for any other questions. You are only required to be at one day of auditions.We welcome all interested actors to audition, but please review the
character descriptions carefully to ensure there is a role that suits your
interest. We want to make sure everyone has the best chance of being cast in a part that fits them well.

The Fall Session for KidStage at Performing Arts Center on the Square is gearing up for a great semester. Open to those in 2nd-12th grades, we are kicking off this year with the show "The Enchanted Bookshop" to be performed October 24-27. A quick synopsis of The Enchanted Bookshop: "During the day, A Likely Story may look like any other used bookstore. But at night, it’s a place where magic happens. That’s when the characters inside the books come alive. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes. So when a pair of smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters are torn. Should they warn Margie and risk disappearing forever? Or can they find a way to defeat the crooks without being seen? Featuring additional appearances by such beloved literary characters as the Queen of Hearts, Long John Silver, and Doctor Dolittle, this charming comedy celebrates the joy of reading in a fresh, fun-filled way." As you can see, it's going to be an exciting fall!

If you have someone who wants to participate in our fall session of KidStage, please make sure they attend the parent meeting/auditions and sign up. The parent meeting and auditions will be Sept 3 and 5 at 6:00 - only one of the two dates need to be attended. For more information and to sign up, follow this link: https://forms.gle/GFkZqLV9ypdET8748

We are looking forward to a fabulous fall session with some fun and talented kids - we hope you will consider joining us!

For the most up-to-date information on KidStage, audition and show dates, volunteer opportunities, and more, join our email list here! You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram. If you are interested in volunteering at PACOTS, give us a call or send an email. As a non-profit organization, we are always looking for volunteers to give us a helping hand. We can also sign off on any community service hours you need!

A Look at our Past Productions:

For pictures of more of our past productions, click here!