Cindy Timson, Blanca Mallonee, Michelle Nichols, Sarah Mauzey and Alia Lee at SLT's Roast of Jim Anderson Friday, November 7

Carolyn Billingsley 

"Once upon a time, in June of 2006, I attended an acting camp at the performing arts center in Joplin, where I lived at the time. What began as an attempt to cure my summer boredom created a spark that ignited a flame. At age seven I began traveling to Springfield for voice lessons, and by 2009 I had been accepted into the Youth Performance Troupe program at Springfield Little Theatre. I started auditioning for shows, and during Cats in 2010 my family made the move to Springfield. In 2012 I landed my dream role of Annie at SLT. That is when I knew that I wanted to pursue theatre as more than just a hobby. I have remained faithfully active in theatre, expanding my training with the Pre-Professional Track program, film and radio work, and work at other theatres and schools in the midwest.

I am currently Company Manager for The Littlest Angel at SLT. I have really loved learning about the different elements that help put a show together. Working on this project has opened me up to other career choices, such as arts management jobs and casting. I plan to go to college for my BFA in musical theatre and a minor in business so whatever the future holds for me, I am as prepared as I can be.

Because family and friends are always asking about my career, I decided to start a blog for family, friends, and other aspiring actors interested in following my crazy journey into the business. You can see my latest blog post, as well as pictures from my time on stage, here."

Q. As Company Manager for The Littlest Angel, what are some of your favorite responsibilities?

A. I am having a blast working on this show with such an amazing cast and creative team. My favorite responsibility is when Emilia allows me to coach actors privately. I love to help individuals and work on what they feel they
need help with. 

Q. You are used to performing on stage, how is working behind the scenes different for you? 

Carolyn Billingsley performing at Artwalk Friday, Nov. 7

Lorianne Dunn and Carolyn Billingsley at Broadway Artists Alliance Summer Showcase in New York City this August

A. We are very fortunate to have Emilia Carlson as our director. She has an incredible vision for the show, and is an absolute joy to work with. My experience with The Littlest Angel has made me aware of other career choices in the arts, such as casting and directing. I know I will take to account everything Emilia has taught me as I move forward with my career.

Amanda Carpenter, Jessica Palmer, Carolyn Billinglsey, and Katie Beth Nichols in NYC's Chinatown this summer

A Streetcar Named Desire Talkback
with Director Jamie Bower!

On Sunday, November 16 (2:30 p.m. performance) and Thursday, November 20 (7:30 p.m. performance), we are pleased to offer a special highly discounted rate to school groups of $12 per ticket followed by a talkback after the performance with Director Jamie Bower and the cast of SLT's A Streetcar Named Desire. 

Students benefit greatly from seeing live theatre, and Springfield Little Theatre is committed to offering plays that explore the depths of the human experience. Come and be a part of the conversation.

Please contact the SLT box office at 869-1334 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 

Please Note:  A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE includes mature themes.  For questions concerning content, please contact Education Specialist Jessica Palmer at 869-3869 x11.

 
 We are excited to offer three special performances of The Littlest Angel to area school groups at a highly discounted rate of $4 per ticket!  The special performances will be held Wednesday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., and 1:00 p.m.  Every student attending will receive Activity Sheets designed to reinforce comprehension and stimulate exploration of the subject matter presented.  

We love welcoming school groups to the historic Landers Theatre!  Seeing a play or musical in our venue is often a child's first exposure to live theatre performance.  Call 869-1334 to book tickets for your group today!

Madeline Popovich

7th grader Madeline Popovich is a Springfield Little Theatre Youth Player and a second year student in the Pre-Professional Track Program.  She has been seen on the Landers stage in recent productions of The Little Mermaid Jr. as a Gull; Shrek the Musical as Young Fiona; and Alice In Wonderland Jr. as Alice.  In August, she had the opportunity to attend a Broadway Artists Alliance Summer Intensive in New York City with several of her fellow SLT students.

Madeline Popovich and Captain Sibley backstage at Silver Dollar City in A Dickens' Christmas Carol

Madeline is currently performing in Silver Dollar City's A Dickens' Christmas Carol as Fan/Martha.  (She shares the roles with fellow SLT student Cailee Spaeny.)  She is thrilled to have been given this opportunity and attributes it to her "hard work and all of the wonderful teaching at Springfield Little Theatre. I wouldn't be where I am right now without SLT. SLT has helped me grow so much in singing, acting, and dancing. This is what I want to do with my life!"

Sophie Payne, Madeline Popovich, Aryn Bohannon, Carolyn Billingsley, Adaira Reum, and Amanda Carpenter-SLT Pre-Professional Track Students celebrating the Broadway Artists Alliance Intensive at a thank you reception for donors

Haul Out The JOLLY!