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Masterworx Theater Inc.
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.
“To dream the impossible dream” is a song many of us know from the classic musical The Man of La Mancha. It is one thing to dream the dream but when you see it born and grow into a vibrant theater where families can perform in the same show together, it is a life changing experience. Two women had a dream for a non-profit community theater company that would focus primarily on family-shows. A theater where mother, father, son and daughter could share their love and passion for the theater. And, in God’s amazing timing and guidance, Masterworx Theater was born.
In 2014, both Michelle Velastegui and Denise Thomas were in a place in their lives where they knew they wanted to do something with their deep love of theater. Both had been performers in various local shows and felt led to start a community theatre that prioritized family-friendly productions. They met over coffee and realized they shared the same BHAG! [You may ask what is a BHAG? It is the term the late Dr. Falwell coined: a “Big Hairy Audacious Goal”! If you are going to dream, then dream big.] Michelle said it was her friend Beth Ehrhorn who quoted her this verse that helped her to commit to establishing Masterworx: The waters didn’t part until they took the first step. (Joshua 3:13)
Masterworx opened their first show, Oliver!, in 2015 at Rustburg High School. Families came together to build and paint sets and the show was filled with kids. It was the perfect show to demonstrate the vision of Masterworx. The feeling as we worked on the show was full of excitement as we saw people of all ages and experience levels work together as a family.
Oliver!, 2015
​​Masterworx remained at Rustburg High School until they decided to venture out and look for new locations to produce their shows. Since then, Masterworx has produced shows in various locations around town, including the Old Thomas Road Church - White Christmas, The Academy Warehouse Theater - Seussical, The Aviary - Little Women, Old City Cemetery - The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, James River Day School – Anne of Green Gables, Ecclesia School of the Arts - Pygmalion, and Commerce Street Theater - The Mighty Mites. In 2021, Masterworx began mounting shows on the historic stage of the Academy Center of the Arts beginning with The Sound of Music and followed by Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid, and West Side Story. This year they will mount Newsies!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2017
The Sound of Music, 2021
The Masterworx Board of Directors strongly believes in giving young performers a place to get acquainted with theatre and work on their performance skills. They proudly encourage young creatives, have produced many kids and junior versions of shows, and have mentored young directors and choreographers. Many of the young people who have been involved with Masterworx shows have gone on to pursue a career in the arts.
Since 2022, Masterworx has worked with playwright Claire Wittman to bring her original works to the stage including The Female Quixote, Cottingley, and The Great Unstoppable Mighty Mites Take the Field (Again). Another collaboration is planned for the summer of 2026.
Cottingley, 2023
One of the most exciting shows Masterworx has produced was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 2021. Over 100 people auditioned to be in the show. At our first rehearsal, Michelle took us through some theater exercises that brought us all together into a grand, huge and diverse family. On opening night, the excitement was electric as the cast of 50 took to the stage, every performer sharing their love for theater with a packed audience. The company was filled with seasoned performers, families, and people who were on the stage for the first time. It was the perfect example of what Michelle and Denise had envisioned years ago. ​
Beauty and the Beast, 2022
Masterworx just celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Through these ten years, the organization has evolved from a start-up that performed on a borrowed high school stage to a sold-out house in the Historic Academy Theater. As Masterworx moves into its second decade, it looks to expand its theater family and continue producing family-friendly shows that kids and adults can enjoy together.
As the great playwright Anton Chekov said about theater, “You should feel a flow of joy because you are alive. Your body will feel full of life. That is what you must give from the stage. Your life. No less. That is art: to give all you have.”
Lynchburg and its surrounding areas are blessed to have many wonderful community theaters and the Masterworx family is so happy to have a place in this amazing, creative culture. We are blessed to have the Mark Foreman Foundation to help support the community. Life without theater would be dull, and we would miss the connections with other people that community theater offers us. Whether on the stage or helping behind the scenes, Masterworx encourages everyone to come and be a part of a theater family. There is a place for everyone who wants to be involved… everyone who dreams an impossible dream.
The Little Mermaid, 2023
West Side Story, 2024
Little Women, 2019
The Music Man, 2018
For more information, you can follow Masterworx Theater on its Facebook page or visit them at their website at www.masterworxtheater.com. As always, you can check out our event pages here to get performance and audition information for any of Masterworx's shows along with all local theaters.