For more than 35 years, Town Hall Theatre has been a cornerstone of family-friendly performing arts. Offering productions, classes and workshops, the theatre is accessible and inspiring for young performers and their families. Housed in a building in the heart of Uptown Centerville that dates back to 1908, Washington Township Town Hall has undergone significant changes since its early days as a community gathering place. In 1989, the space was transformed into a theatre, and today Christie Cerio leads the theatre’s dynamic programming.
Over the past 14 years of working with the theatre, Christie has worn many hats, from teacher and box office manager to choreographer and director, all of which have prepared her to lead the theatre’s operations as the Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator. “My favorite thing about working at the theatre is shaping the lives of the young people who perform, attend classes or watch the shows,” she shares. “We create an atmosphere of acceptance where children can grow, develop life skills and build confidence.”
This mission is woven into everything Town Hall Theatre does, from its productions to its tiered educational programs. “We pride ourselves on being a teaching theatre so we continue to teach new skills every time an actor is in a production,” shares Christie. Classes, workshops and even internships are often based on the need to educate or continue the education of the actors in the program.
Classes start as early as age 4 with offerings such as Intro to Musical Theatre and Intro to Theatre, while older children can advance to Acting Level 1 and Level 2. These foundational skills open doors to performance opportunities in the theater’s two signature series: the Showcase Series and the Mainstage Series.
The Showcase Series serves as a launchpad for beginners, offering a limited time commitment and a gentler introduction to performance. Children rehearse twice a week for 12 weeks, culminating in four shows over one weekend. The Mainstage Series represents a significant step forward, with rehearsals running five days a week for six to eight weeks and ten performances over three weekends. Here, young performers hone their craft alongside experienced directors and designers, bringing ambitious plays and musicals to the stage.
For Christie and the production teams, bringing a show to life is no small feat. The process begins almost a year in advance with careful show selection balancing audience appeal, technical feasibility and opportunities for diverse roles. Rehearsals require dedication and commitment similar to that of a sports team. “Many kids call this their sport,” Christie says. And similar to sports, kids come away with skills they will use for the rest of their life. “Parents often share how their child has become more outgoing or improved their speech, calling the theatre a safe space to grow and develop life skills,” shares Christie.
Kate Poeppelman, a parent of two children who participated in Town Hall Theatre programs and a performer herself, echoed Christie’s sentiment saying, “My kids gained confidence, learned how to do hard things and found a community where they were able to just be themselves in the theatre. I’m just so grateful for this Town Hall Theatre program, all the hardworking staff who make it happen, the community vibe and the thrill when it is time for lights up.”
Town Hall Theatre’s dedication to inclusivity is especially evident in its sensory-friendly performances, an initiative Christie holds close to her heart. Designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities, these shows feature adjusted lighting, softened sounds and a judgment-free environment where audience members are encouraged to move freely and enjoy the performance at their own comfort level. It’s yet another way the theater opens its doors to everyone, fostering a space where all families feel welcome.
For those who dream of getting involved on stage or behind the scenes, Washington Twp. RecPlex offers countless Town Hall Theatre opportunities. Young actors can enroll in classes to build foundational skills before auditioning for productions, while high school students and adults can join the Mainstage productions directly. Parents and community members with talents in sewing, tech or stage management are always needed to help with costumes, microphones and set pieces. As Christie says, “More hands make light work, and we need all the help we can get!”
Kate adds, “I volunteered, got to see how wonderful it all is and Towne Hall Theatre became our second home.” She was also encouraged to audition for a role in a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. “Theater parents also make great friends with each other, so a friend of mine said, ‘I have been in shows and it’s great, do it!’ So, I took a chance and decided to give it a whirl. Plus, I get to do this with my kids and fulfill a creative outlet for me too. It’s a win-win.”
At its core, Town Hall Theatre is more than just a performance space. It’s a place where children discover their voices and the community comes together to celebrate the magic of storytelling. Whether it’s the laughter of a child in the audience, the nervous excitement of a first-time performer or the quiet pride of a parent watching their child shine, the theater’s impact is undeniable.
Experience the magic in person from February 28 through March 16 when the Town Hall Theatre presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. While not a musical, the production promises vibrant sets, beloved characters and familiar melodies that will tug at the heartstrings.
Follow the theatre on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. For more information about classes, productions or volunteer opportunities offered through Washington Twp. RecPlex, visit WashingtonTwp.org/Recreation/Town_Hall_Theatre.
“We create an atmosphere of acceptance where children can grow, develop life skills and build confidence.”
“My kids gained confidence, learned how to do hard things and found a community…”