Santa Maria Civic Theatre brings community together, unites diverse talents
By Mike Danahey
Since 1959, Santa Maria Civic Theatre has been at the heart of the local theatre community, providing a
creative space for performers, painters, carpenters, technicians and others to ply their talents.
“Our mission goes beyond entertainment. We’re here to foster artistic expression and bring
high-quality productions to Santa Maria, from intimate reader’s theatre performances to
large-scale Broadway musicals,” said Cody Fogh, President of the Santa Maria Civic Theatre Board
of Trustees.
In recent years, SMCT has staged a diverse lineup of successful shows, including Mel Brooks’
Young Frankenstein, The Full Monty: The Musical, Evil Dead: The Musical, Kimberly Akimbo, August: Osage
County, Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps and, most recently, Ride the Cyclone.
“We’re proud to continue growing and evolving, bringing engaging and unforgettable live
theatre experiences to our community,” Fogh said.
Running a community theatre in 2025 comes with its challenges, Fogh said, but SMCT is working hard to
meet them head-on.
Like sundry nonprofit organizations, financial sustainability is always a concern for SMCT.
“Fortunately, our Vice President Lynda Mondragon has been instrumental in securing grants that
provide essential funding to keep our productions running,” Fogh said.
Another challenge is competing with the convenience of home entertainment.
“With so many streaming options available, we have to ensure our productions offer something
unique – an immersive, live experience that simply can’t be replicated on a screen,”
he said.
While dedicated theatre lovers already support SMCT, Fogh said a main goal of the organization is to
engage a wider audience, inviting more people in the community to experience the magic of live
performance.
Theatre isn’t just about watching a show, Fogh said. It’s about feeling something,
interpreting the story in your own way and sharing a moment with others.
“That’s the power of live art, and that’s what keeps us passionate about what we
do,” Fogh said.
Helping sustain that passion is that SMCT thrives because of its volunteers and offers plenty of ways
for people to get involved.
A simple but impactful way to help is by taking part in a theatre cleanup the week before each show
opens. This provides volunteers hands-on experience working throughout the theatre. In return, they
receive a free ticket to an upcoming performance as a thank-you.
For those who enjoy engaging with audiences, the SMCT hospitality team is always looking for volunteers
to sell refreshments, distribute programs and assist patrons during performances. Behind the scenes, the
theatre welcomes those interested in set construction, painting or working in the tech booth.
“No experience is necessary, as we provide training,” Fogh said. “And if you’ve
ever dreamed of being on stage, auditions are open to everyone. You never know. You might just land a
lead role. Whether you’re looking to lend a hand, learn new skills, or take the spotlight,
there’s a place for you at SMCT.”
Another way to support and stay connected with Santa Maria Civic Theatre is to become a member, for $30
per season. Friends of the Theatre receive benefits, including half-priced tickets to every show, voting
rights in board elections and access to special member events and board meetings.
“It’s a great way to be more involved, have a voice in the theatre’s future and show
your support for local arts,” Fogh said.
Of course, attending a performance keeps the SMCT going. To close out its current and 66th season, from
March 7 to March 23, SMCT is staging Ken Ludwig’s murder mystery farce, The Game’s Afoot,
followed by a run May 9 to May 25 of the classic Broadway musical, RENT.
There will be a membership meeting in June to celebrate the recently completed season and to renew
memberships for SMCT’s 67th season, which kicks off in August with The Wedding Singer, a musical
comedy based on the 1998 rom-com that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore.
Fogh said organizations like SMCT are vital to the community because they provide opportunities for
artistic expression, storytelling and cultural enrichment.
“Theatre has a unique way of bringing people together, whether as performers, crew, or audience
members – to share experiences that entertain, educate and inspire,” Fogh said. “SMCT
is important because it offers a welcoming space for local talent to grow, whether that’s young
performers finding their voice, seasoned actors honing their craft, or volunteers discovering a passion
for theatre production.”
Community theatres also help make the arts more inclusive and affordable, ensuring that live
performances aren’t just reserved for large cities or expensive venues.
“This is where creativity thrives and everyone has a chance to participate in something bigger
than themselves,” Fogh said.
What Fogh loves most about his role at Santa Maria Civic Theatre is being involved in every aspect of
the production process, from set construction to tackling tech challenges to marketing shows.
“It’s an incredible experience. What makes it even more rewarding is that none of us do
this for a paycheck. We’re all here purely out of passion for theatre. Being surrounded by
like-minded, dedicated individuals who share that enthusiasm is its own kind of reward,” Fogh
said.
On top of that, Fogh said his involvement with SMCT has truly shaped his life, opening doors to
creative opportunities he never imagined were possible in Santa Maria.
“It’s not just about putting on shows,” he said. “It’s about building a
community and creating something meaningful together.”
“With so many streaming options available, we have to ensure our productions offer something
unique – an immersive, live experience that simply can’t be replicated on a
screen.”
Cody Fogh,
President of the Santa Maria
Civic Theatre Board of Trustees
