The theater has faced financial challenges in recent years due to reduced grant funding and shifting economic conditions. According to Vice President Kelly Pidgeon James, benefit events are part of a broader strategy to maintain operations and expand programming. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Dixon Community Theater is expanding its programming and outreach efforts this spring with a slate of productions, youth classes and fundraising events aimed at sustaining and growing the local nonprofit’s presence in the performing arts.

The volunteer-run organization recently hosted a “Villains” themed benefit concert on March 29 to support its upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” its first full-scale Broadway-style musical. According to Vice President Kelly Pidgeon James, the concert was designed to align with the theater’s season theme while helping offset production costs.

“Cinderella is our first Broadway-style musical and to produce a musical like this, it takes a good amount of resources,” said James. “We decided on doing a Villain themed concert because it allowed us the opportunity to showcase a wide variety of talented performers from all over the area while staying true to our fantasy theme for the season.”

The event drew more than 160 attendees and featured performers from multiple theater groups, broadening the organization’s community reach. James said the concert also allowed cast members to perform on the Dixon stage ahead of opening night.

“Events like this concert not only help us raise money for the organization's mission but also create an opportunity for us to show the community what we can do,” she said.

The theater has faced financial challenges in recent years due to reduced grant funding and shifting economic conditions. According to James, benefit events are part of a broader strategy to maintain operations and expand programming.

“We realized early on that our survival would depend on our ability to pivot and find new ways to help finance our programs and season,” she said, noting that additional fundraising efforts, including planned murder mystery events in partnership with local businesses, are in development.

Looking ahead, the organization plans to continue hosting benefit concerts, with possible holiday-themed and youth-focused performances under consideration.

Dixon Community Theater is also strengthening ties with the Dixon Unified School District and Dixon High School. The partnership provides rehearsal and performance space and includes student involvement in technical aspects of the “Cinderella” production.

“We hope to work with the school to create future opportunities for the students to be instructed by actual theater professionals,” said James.

The theater’s spring programming also includes a youth initiative, “Improv to Improve,” beginning April 21. The weekly class, open to children ages 7 to 12, focuses on building confidence, creativity and teamwork through improvisational exercises.

“Many children are afraid to perform,” said James. “This class breaks down those barriers with silly scenarios, crazy props and impromptu activities designed to help build confidence and self-esteem in a supportive team-oriented setting.”

In addition to the class, the theater is engaging younger audiences through a Cinderella-themed coloring contest, offering a free creative outlet and opportunities to win tickets and prizes. Submissions for the coloring contest are due by April 10 and can either be dropped off in person at community partner locations or emailed to [email protected].

Meanwhile, rehearsals are underway for “Cinderella,” which opens April 24 at the Dixon Performing Arts Center. Director Lydia Smith said audiences can expect a fresh interpretation of the classic musical.

The “Villains” benefit concert drew more than 160 attendees and featured performers from multiple theater groups, broadening the organization’s community reach. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“I think audiences will be impressed by the level of talent and commitment in this cast,” said Smith. “They bring such a freshness and authenticity to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music that makes it feel both timeless and new.”

Smith emphasized collaboration as a key element of the production, with cast members contributing ideas that shaped the show’s tone and humor.

“We built an environment where there’s a lot of trust, creativity, and frankly, a lot of laughter,” she said.

James said all the theater’s initiatives reflect its long-term mission to expand access to the arts and foster community engagement.

“We want people to be invested in elevating the culture of Dixon,” she said. “All of our initiatives and activities are designed with these goals in mind.”

Performances of “Cinderella” will run through May 3, with multiple showtimes scheduled. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dixoncommunitytheater.org or email [email protected].