The Lindale Community Theatre

2012 season kicks off on January 27

LINDALE — A towering six foot man from Kentucky is probably not who you would envision as the person behind the Lindale Community Theatre, but Executive Director, Tim Mitchiner, has created an artistic presence as large as his own physical presence.

Mitchiner launched the company more than two years ago, and he wasn’t quite sure where it would go. Originally funded almost entirely by him, what Mitchiner did know is that he wanted to return to the stage after a 30 year absence. He had a feeling Lindale, the small community of around 5,000 just outside Tyler, was a great place to have a theatre – and he was right.

With two successful seasons under its belt and new status as a nonprofit organization, Lindale Community Theatre stands poised to blossom. Last year, more than 6,000 people attended the five productions put on by the theatre. As the theatre continues to mature, Mitchiner fully expects attendance to grow.

The talented casts are made up of all kinds of people: some with long histories of theatre experience and others with just an overwhelming urge to entertain people.

“We have everyone from stay-at-home moms to teachers to truck drivers and construction workers, all drawn to the arts,” Mitchiner says with a chuckle. The performers come from areas as diverse as Winnsboro to Whitehouse.

The accessibility of community theatre has long been one of the draws for both patrons and performer, but while Lindale Community Theatre retains that element, they also take production value equally serious. “We are always striving for better lighting, better sound, better everything,” says Mitchiner. “We want good theatre in as many ways as possible.”

Even play selection is given a tremendous amount of thought. For the 2012 season, a committee convened to review more than 50 scripts to consider. They submitted their top choices and Mitchiner whittled it down to the four that will actually be produced.

Holy Family Catholic Church has been an important partner for the theatre. Performances are held in one of their buildings and the revenues from ticket sales split between the two. Using the church’s space allows the theatre group to operate without incurring debt. Mitchiner has his eye toward the future and wants to grow the organization responsibly. His 501c3 designation as a nonprofit organization allows him to solicit donations from the general public to sustain his vision of arts excellence. They will also be eligible for grants should they so desire.

The 2012 season kicks off on January 27 with Champagne Charlie Stakes. Season tickets are available online at www.lindalecommunitytheatre.org or via phone at 903-638-0402.