Backstage Theatre Company was originally founded in the summer of 1998 under the steady and loving hands of Naomi Marrow. For twenty years, she did more than teach theater and put on amazing plays. She taught us how to live lives that reflected excellence. She accepted each one of us - "warts and all" - and taught us that magic and beauty can be found in the world around us. Throughout her decades of sharing her passion, theater, Naomi touched literally thousands of lives; some for a season, some for a lifetime.
In October 2016, Naomi passed after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. There was never a question of closing Backstage; we knew that it was her legacy and heartbeat. In January 2018, Backstage Theatre Productions, Inc. became a reality in her honor. Naomi lives on with each class, each rehearsal, each production. Those who knew Naomi remain committed to her call for excellence; those who are new to Backstage meet Naomi as they immediatley feel as if they have found a home and are considered family. This is evident when on a Friday night over 60 plus students ranging in age from Kindergarten to college graduate come together as a group to work on their craft through instruction, improvs, skits, and theater games with the ultimate goal of creating theatrical performances that touch audience members in a postive way.
Backstage is commited to keeping Naomi's vision for Backstage strong. Specifically, Backstage offers multiple theatrical producitons on a year-round basis that are always free and open to the public. Naomi firmly believed that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, should have the chance to experience the wonder of live theater. In addition, Naomi established Backstage as a volunteer production company. No one at Backstage recieves financial compensation for thier efforts. Every dollar that is dontated to the company is put towards operating costs such as royalties, music, costumes, sets, props, theater rental, and professional development.
If you have enjoyed this produciton, please consider donating to Backstage. Your generosity allows us to fund our upcoming productions. It is the gift that keeps giving as Backstage seeks to change young lives one play at a time.
Interested in being a part of Backstage?
Contact Colleen at backstagetheatre.williamsburg@gmail.com
