A New Acting Troupe Comes to Town

Live theatre is coming to Sullivan, Indiana! Sullivan County native Christopher Stevens, an actor and director, said, “I’ve been asked for several years to please bring a live stage show back home. Finally here in 2024 we’ve been able to form a community theatre troupe — the Sullivan County Players. I’m beyond excited!”

“Not only will we stage one show, we’re producing three! Thanks to Pastor Peter Bales and his ministry at Crossroads Church, SCP will perform on the historic stage of the Sherman House Theater,” Stevens said.

First up is the touching drama-comedy “On Golden Pond” written by Ernest Thompson and runs April 26 and 27. “Be prepared to laugh and cry,” Stevens warned. “Pond is a definite crowd pleaser that has a history of selling out. Last time I directed Pond, we had to include a standing room only section. So, get your tickets early to ensure a seat.”

Next up is the family comedy “Over the River and Through the Woods” written by Joe DiPietro and runs October 11 and 12. Stevens said, “For those unfamiliar with River, it’s about love, laughter, and lasagna. The second act includes a side-splitting game of Trivial Pursuit. And, there’s a dinner scene that’s not to be missed. It’s such a fun show.”

Finally, the players will present Charles Dickens’ classic tale of redemption “A Christmas Carol” on December 6 and 7. “This is a brand new adaptation I wrote and I’m thrilled to present it for the first time in my hometown. It calls for a huge cast of all ages plus I’ll need singers, so I’m looking for lots of folks who’ll bring this show to life,” said Stevens.

Ticket sales, sponsorships, and SCP’s donor program will go towards a special endeavor. “It’s been a lifelong dream to establish a scholarship fund for Sullivan County youth, as well as non-traditional students, the opportunity to study Performing Arts — acting, dancing, voice, music,” Stevens said. “This is the first step toward making that happen.”

This summer, SCP will offer a two week immersive youth acting summer camp culminating in a public performance of the comedy “Once Upon a Crime: Goldilocks on Trial” which Stevens wrote. “Both kids and adults enjoy the play’s goofy humor and terrible puns. This show always sells out.” SCP will have more details on dates and camp location coming soon.

With the 2024 season announced, SCP needs local talent to fill acting roles. Each show will have open auditions. No experience is required. “I believe in giving everyone a shot. As a young aspiring actor, a director gave me a chance. Since then, I vowed to audition anyone who shows interest. ‘On Golden Pond’ auditions will be held on Saturday February 24. We have several key roles available. To sign up, just shoot us an email,” commented Stevens. That email address is sullivancountyplayers@yahoo.com. “Everyone is encouraged to like us and follow us on Facebook,” added Stevens.

Stevens, a 1985 SHS graduate, earned his theatre degree from Lincoln Trail College in Robinson, Illinois then earned a BS in English from Indiana State University. He also studied acting at HB Studio in New York under Uta Hagen. In addition, he took mime lessons from Red Skeleton and learned sketch comedy from Jack Burns.

”I guess you could say acting and performing runs in the family. My DNA includes circus performers, vaudeville actors, singers, musicians, and the like,” he said. “I think most people are familiar with my third cousin — Barbara Stanwyck (born Ruby Catherine Stevens) who was a Hollywood and TV actor. Barbara’s brother Bert was an actor, but never achieved the greatness of his baby sister. Barbara’s eldest sister, Laura Mildred, was a New York-based showgirl. There’s just something in those Stevens’ genes that drives some of us towards entertaining people.”

Stevens in an accomplished, award-winning actor. His resume includes roles such as Willy Loman (“Death of a Salesman”), Big Daddy (“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”), Scrooge (“A Christmas Carol”), Teddy Brewster (“Arsenic and Old Lace”), Falstaff (“Merry Wives of Windsor”), Oscar Madison (“The Odd Couple”), Lennie Small (“Of Mice and Men”), Uncle Fester (“Addams Family Musical”), and many other notable characters.