Mission Statement
CIRCLE THEATRE CREATES PRODUCTIONS FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED INDIVIDUALS TO VIEW AND PARTICIPATE IN QUALITY THEATRE WITHIN A
BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENT.
At Circle Theatre our vision includes:
- Anyone who would like to participate, on-stage or off-stage, no matter their capability, is welcome.
- Our audiences will understand how to be more inclusive in their own lives.
- A world where we do not talk about inclusion anymore -- barriers to disappear.
- Change audience perception of what differently-abled people are capable of.
- Social connection for participants.
- Engaging our audience to understand and appreciate our unique brand of theatre.
- Create theatre productions at our highest level.
About the Theatre
Circle Theatre had a history as rich and diverse as the performances we present to our audiences. The Theatre was founded by Doug and Lara Marr in 1983 and was the very first independent theater company in Omaha, Nebraska. To off-set operating costs, the Marr's created “Diner Theater,” and for 16 years their company of talented writers actors and musicians produced over 100 original comedies, dramas and musicals (including Doug Marr’s award-winning series “Phil’s Diner” -- which was performed in an actual operating diner!).
Fast-forward to 2016, actor and director Fran Sillau joined Circle Theatre ensemble. Fran’s theatre career started at The Rose Theater in Omaha almost 30 years prior, and he has experience working with the Smithsonian Institute, National Endowment for the Arts, Kennedy Center and more. During a lunch with the Founders, it was decided that Fran would take over Circle Theater.
Fran’s passion is to make the theater accessible to every man, woman and child regardless of disability or other barrier. To drive this mission, Circle Theatre partners with several area organizations including: Millard Public Schools, Omaha Public Schools, Valiant Studio, the Institute for Holocaust Education. Circle Theatre provides internship programs, theater education classes, and live performances for our partners. In return, we get to see first-hand lives changed by the theater experience.
Circle Theatre is thrilled to call The Hanscom Park First United Methodist Church home. The church has allowed Circle Theatre to utilize the fellowship hall and create a set for each performance that ensures audience entertainment. We also tour Nebraska and South Dakota with performances of “Looks Good From The Road” and “My Broken Doll.”
For over 35 years, Circle Theatre has entertained as well as enlightened and informed audiences by dealing with important issues such as child abuse, disability, aging and loss. At Circle Theatre, anyone who would like to participate, on-stage or off-stage, no matter their capability, is welcome.
