By Kristi Antley

Whether it is a drama, comedy, or Broadway show, the unspoken energy between a live performer and their audience is astounding. While on stage, performers must instantly, spontaneously, and naturally react to audience responses—laughter, gasps, or sobs—and vice versa. Theatrical props, elaborate costumes, mesmerizing performers, entrancing music, and intricate sets magically transport the viewer to a different place, a different time, and sometimes, a different dimension. This is often the defining element that makes a live concert more personal and memorable than a performance viewed from a screen; it openly displays authentic character, talent, and charisma in “real-time”, evoking more complex emotions, resulting in a transformative exchange between the viewer and the performer.

Lexington County residents and visitors are fortunate to have several prestigious and highly acclaimed venues just a few minutes away. Each theatrical venue is creative in designing ways to improve performances, surprise the audience, update equipment, stay current in a digital world, and boost ticket sales. In turn, more local community members get exposed to the magic of theater! Theatre ticket purchases, class registrations, affiliate donations, and corporate sponsorships support the cultural vitality of our town, ensuring that award-winning performances are consistently made available to the public at a reduced rate when compared to metropolitan theatrical venues—big talent without the big cost!

Harbison Theatre At Midlands Technical College

“Join Us Between the Boulevards”

Are you interested in watching trending chart-topping, world-renowned, in-demand artists? Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College has an amazing line-up of outstanding performances scheduled for the winter 2024-2025 season! This “presenting” venue is unlike any other in Lexington County or any other venue in the Greater Columbia region due to its medium size (400 seats), location, and cutting-edge technological amenities. It is only about a 15-minute drive from the heart of Lexington, West Columbia, and downtown Columbia with easy, free parking.

Kristin Cobb, Executive Director, has been a part of the Harbison Theatre for seven wonderful years and has planned and witnessed many updates, improvements, projects, and developments. “I can’t believe that 13 years have passed by so quickly! Our theatre is here to educate, entertain, and serve the people of Lake Murray Country as well as further enhance the economic impact of the tourist industry in our region.” Cobb outlines the fundamental goals of the theatre: 1) to serve the mission of Midlands Technical College, 2) to provide world-class touring performances to the community, and 3) to offer resources and tools to the community and other theatrical companies on several different levels.

The Harbison Theatre attracts many huge blockbuster musicians such as Chris Stapleton, and eclectic performers such as professional illusionists and stand-up comedians. Of course, performances from our favorite local talent organizations, such as The South Carolina Ballet and the SC Philharmonic Orchestra are always a treat. While you wait for the show to start (or after the show) take a few minutes to browse the open art gallery. This unique gallery allows performance artists and art patrons to view visual art and provides Irmo residents premium access to Midlands art exhibits.

Chapin Theatre Company

“A Lexington County Legend”

Most amateur performers prefer a smaller, less intimidating space where they can attempt new projects and test trending techniques, pushing creativity and skill to the limits. Jim DeFelice, President and Managing Director of the Chapin Theatre Company, has been with the theatre since 1990 and is delighted to be an integral part of the organization. “The Chapin Theatre Company has always been a community-centered venue dedicated to teaching the arts and we are proud of our heritage and history. Our initial performance goes back to 1979,” DeFelice remarks.

There are many active educational classes and events promoted through the Chapin Academy of Performing Arts at the theatre. “Many people don’t realize that we teach several forms of acting, film acting, and voice lessons,” he continues, “as well as tap and dance for younger children.” The 501(c)(3) corporation recently moved onto a larger site, allowing sufficient space for a shop, a building for storage, more parking and restrooms, and a roomier main performance building. “Our venue holds 95 people, so you are always very close to the stage, and every seat has an excellent view due to the implementation of risers.”

One of the most interesting opportunities that the Chapin Theatre Company offers is the “10 Minute-ish Play Festival” held on November 1st, 2nd and 3rd. For this fall program, only South Carolina playwrights can submit original work (anonymously), which must be around 10 minutes in length, with a maximum of 5 characters. “There were 25 submissions last year, and we have 40 for this year, so we are very excited and delighted to host this festival,” says DeFelice. Winning plays or scripts are chosen by a select jury of actors, directors, etc. to be produced for the festival. The Chapin Theatre Company staff, along with a carefully curated team of professionals, chooses the actors, directors, writers, etc., and the playwright has the option to direct/cast their own play.

Village Square Theatre

“Our Theatre. Our Community. It Takes a Village!”

From its humble beginnings as the Lexington Recreation Committee formed by determined parents, the Village Square Theatre on Caughman Road in Lexington has empowered children and youth in the arts for over 60 years. It is a space where performers of all levels can unite, spread their wings, and expand their horizons with total acceptance. Many local school districts offer performing arts programs, but for some students, the Village Square Theatre is their first authentic introduction to the world of theatrical arts.

Chantal Wilson, President of the Board of Directors for the Village Square Theatre, shared that along with managing the day-to-day responsibilities of operating an active and timely theatre, the beautiful 223-seat venue and its surrounding grounds are being updated. The 501(c) organization produces full seasons of shows, ranging from straight plays to musicals, to junior arts productions. There are seasonal workshop programs and various intensive courses available that help cover the cost of routine maintenance, technical upgrades, and repairs. This year there will be a silent auction as the performance of Oliver wraps up during the second week of November.

“This theatre is truly a hidden gem off the beaten path; we are not on one of the main roads in this area and many people do not realize where we are located,” Wilson remarks. “We want to broadcast what we offer and reach as many people as possible.” The theatre also draws talent and resources as needed from several neighboring communities outside of Lexington County, such as Columbia. Wilson continues, “We are always searching for viable resources, tools, and pathways to improve theatrical experiences for our patrons and offer new, innovative opportunities in the arts.” She was a board member for 3 years before she became the President of the board and is excited about recent developments and plans, raising the bar to meet the demands of the community. “We have some very gifted new directors, which brings fresh ideas and different perspectives on every level.”

The theatre’s goal for the coming year is to strengthen ties with local entities interested in investing in the art of theatre, establishing a strong, solid networking infrastructure. This type of mutual partnership provides incentives and initiatives to create collaborative programs and showcases the people and businesses that desire to support, promote, and advocate for theatrical arts in the community. Wilson, along with the Village Square Theatre board, is determined not to leave anyone out of the fun. “We strive to make every person that walks through our theatre doors feel welcome, and to continue to produce quality live shows, foster creative expression, and engage diverse community members in the art of theatre.”

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College 7300 College St. Irmo, SC 29063

HarbisonTheatre.org 803-407-5011

Chapin Theatre Company 830 Columbia Ave Chapin, SC, 29036 [email protected] 803-404-0015

Village Square Theatre 105 Caughman Rd. Lexington, SC 29072

VillageSquareTheatre.com 803-359-1436