Renaissance Theatre

Backstage Pass

Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way.

This issue, we are going directly to the heart of Lynchburg to Renaissance Theatre, primarily housed at the Miller Center adjascent to Miller Park. Renaissance is the longest running community theater in the city of Lynchburg. Founded in 1988 by a group of alumni from Lynchburg College (now the University of Lynchburg), the theater started as a dinner theater located on Bedford Avenue. Eventually the theater moved on from the meal portion and focused solely on the performance aspect. One of its earliest shows was You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water is Running, starring Kim Webster and current Renaissance board member Jeff Krantz. "Renaissance Theatre is now the longest running community theatre in Lynchburg," Krantz shares. "36 years and still going strong."

Audiences await a Renaissance Theatre show at the Miller Center

From 2000 to 2020, Renaissance was located in the blackbox space on Commerce Street (now currently occupied by Commerce Street Theatre). Due to unforseen challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, Renaissance chose to move from the downtown location In 2020, Renaissance went through... well, a renaissance of sorts. As Jeff Krantz relays, "During this time, we began our partnership with Lynchburg Parks and Recreation to become the 'theatre-in-residence' at The Miller Center." This location made it possible for Renaissance to produce shows on a traditional proscenium stage and also rotate around to other venues including the Aviary at Miller Park and downtown's Academy of Fine Arts. In addition, the seating capacity is much larger at the Miller Center with 180 seats. Krantz shares, "Since our reorganization, our audiences have more than doubled. We consistently sell out shows [due to] having more than twice the seating capacity as compared to our previous location."

"Through working with Renaissance I have met amazing people and built friendships that last far beyond strike."

-Erin Rierson

In the past few years, Renaissance has been the recipient of numerous grants including funds from the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation, the Stroobants Foundation, Bank of the James, and BWXT. These funds have assisted in upgrading lighting and sound equipment, sponsorship of productions, upgrading tools for set onstruction, and other theater necessities. "It is nice to see that Renaissance Theatre is recognized for its contributions to our community," says Krantz.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

2024

Sister Act

2021

Each season consists of five shows, which can range from large-scale musicals to small cast dramas.

"We are unique in that we do a wide mix of classic stories and new stories that audiences of all ages love," says board member Josh Quintero. Josh has been heavily involved with Renaissance the past few years, both on and off stage. "We need people of all skillsets to be involved with production, concessions, props, acting, promotions, graphic design, financials, and much more...there's room for everyone!" The Renaissance board consists of members from the community, not necessarily with a background in theater. A board rotation policy is in place to find people who can bring fresh ideas and a variety of viewpoints to the organization. Renaissance prides itself on its wide range of shows thanks to the diversity of the board members and participants.

Erin Rierson as the Queen in Once Upon a Mattress

2023

While it's common for theaters to provide some sort of stipend or compensation to directors or other production staff members, Renaissance is one of the theaters that is entirely run by volunteers. Thankfully, it has a loyal group of dedicated people who bring these shows to life each year. One of those is Amber Carderelli, who directed her first show, Revenge of the Fairy Queen, at Renaissance last year. "I have been astonished by talent I’ve seen through the years, but more than that are the people," says Carderelli. "The people in the Lynchburg theatre community are the most encouraging and loving people. Cast, crew, production staff, it doesn’t matter; you belong."

Josh Quintero

Renaissance also prides itself on its commitment to youth theatre. A strong relationship with both E.C. Glass Theater and Heritage Pioneer Theater has afforded teenagers the opportunities to be involved both on and off stage at Renaissance. Becca Spitzer has done numerous shows at Renaissance as a youth. She says, "Renaissance is inclusive and they’re very kind. Every experience with them has been positive and has made me love community theatre even more." With so many shows with children's roles performed throughout the year at Renaissance, Lynchburg's youth can gain theatrical experience outside of school and theater camps.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

2021

Renaissance considers it an honor to perform in the historic Miller Center. Built in 1911, this historic building underwent substantial renovations over a decade ago. One area that got a significant face-lift was the beautiful theater. Many may remember one of the original youth-only theaters in Lynchburg, Follystick Theater, which also performed on the same stage in the 1990's and early 2000's. Along with the theater, the Miller Center houses the Nature Zone, a dance studio, and numerous spaces where recreational classes are held throughout the year. It is a beautiful and convenient space for locals to enjoy.

Every theater wants a place to call home that is solely designed for the theater's needs. Even though it is the theater-in-residence at the Miller Center, one of the long-term goals of Renaissance is to have a permanent location. A professional fundraising firm is currently assisting Renaissance with reaching this goal, but this is only possible with the continued support of patrons and sponsors. Thus, Renaissance is committed to continuing to provide quality entertainment and giving locals the opportunity to showcase their talents on and offstage. "The fellowship and community that has been established at Renaissance Theatre is by far the most important aspect of our organization," says Krantz. "We strive to make everyone feel welcome and accepted at Renaissance!"

Jeff Krantz

Over the River and Through the Woods, 2021

Anne of Green Gables, 2022

For more information on upcoming performances and how you can get involved, visit www.renaissancetheatrelynchburg.org and check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates and news.