Theater close enough for the drive...in Anniston, Gadsden, JSU, and Oxford, Alabama
CharACTers Entertainment (Gadsden, Alabama)
CharACTers Entertainment was originally founded and created by Cody and Santana Carlton in 2007. The first CharACTers production was High School Musical, in conjunction with The Theatre of Gadsden at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Alabama City. It was performed in late summer 2007. Shortly after, Annie, the first sole production by CharACTers, was produced in April 2008. Without a permanent place to call home, CharACTers shows were performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center in Gadsden, AL. Rehearsal spaces were limited, so the cast members had to jump around from venue to venue for a few productions. But as they say in this business, the show MUST go on. And it did indeed "go on."
In late 2008, CharACTers decided to branch out and create a performing arts school, where students could go and attend classes in acting, dancing, and musical theatre. It was originally called Carlton Academy of Fine Arts, but the name was later changed to CharACTers Academy of Fine Arts.
In August 2009, CharACTers officially became a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation.
Still without a permanent home, CharACTers has since performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, The Pitman Theatre in Gadsden, and Elliott Community Center in Alabama City.
Currently, CharACTers has branched out even more with CharACTers Children's Theatre and we hope to continue growing every year!
The primary goal of CharACTers is to promote cultural curiosity. We want our performances to make a connection to the mind, heart and spirit of our audiences; creating and stimulating a hunger for the experiences only achieved through the arts. As a theatre group in the community, CharACTers largely depends on the commitment and dedication of its many volunteers who donate their time and talent on stage and behind the scenes, from actors and stage crew to box office attendants and family members.
This blend of actors, staff and community volunteers allows CharACTers to achieve its goal of providing enjoyable entertainment. Each production consist of all volunteers, a combination of young and old, first time actors and very skilled and seasoned actors. You can be sure that any involvement will produce great pride in the end result. We encourage all volunteers. If you have an interest we will find a way for you to participate.
As you may be aware, theatre can be beneficial for the youth of our community and their families in many ways: by developing their self confidence and imaginations, teaching them the techniques of drama and dance, motivating them to learn about their community and become more involved citizens.
We have worked with organizations, such a Big Brothers/Big Sisters, many times to provide their patrons with such opportunities. Through your contribution to CharACTers, Inc., you are also able to invest in our children’s futures.
CharACTers, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation. We are both State and Federally recognized as a non-profit organization! and experience the magic that is Theatre!
CharACTers Entertainment was originally founded and created by Cody and Santana Carlton in 2007. The first CharACTers production was High School Musical, in conjunction with The Theatre of Gadsden at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Alabama City. It was performed in late summer 2007. Shortly after, Annie, the first sole production by CharACTers, was produced in April 2008. Without a permanent place to call home, CharACTers shows were performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center in Gadsden, AL. Rehearsal spaces were limited, so the cast members had to jump around from venue to venue for a few productions. But as they say in this business, the show MUST go on. And it did indeed "go on."
In late 2008, CharACTers decided to branch out and create a performing arts school, where students could go and attend classes in acting, dancing, and musical theatre. It was originally called Carlton Academy of Fine Arts, but the name was later changed to CharACTers Academy of Fine Arts.
In August 2009, CharACTers officially became a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation.
Still without a permanent home, CharACTers has since performed at Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center, The Pitman Theatre in Gadsden, and Elliott Community Center in Alabama City.
Currently, CharACTers has branched out even more with CharACTers Children's Theatre and we hope to continue growing every year!
The primary goal of CharACTers is to promote cultural curiosity. We want our performances to make a connection to the mind, heart and spirit of our audiences; creating and stimulating a hunger for the experiences only achieved through the arts. As a theatre group in the community, CharACTers largely depends on the commitment and dedication of its many volunteers who donate their time and talent on stage and behind the scenes, from actors and stage crew to box office attendants and family members.
This blend of actors, staff and community volunteers allows CharACTers to achieve its goal of providing enjoyable entertainment. Each production consist of all volunteers, a combination of young and old, first time actors and very skilled and seasoned actors. You can be sure that any involvement will produce great pride in the end result. We encourage all volunteers. If you have an interest we will find a way for you to participate.
As you may be aware, theatre can be beneficial for the youth of our community and their families in many ways: by developing their self confidence and imaginations, teaching them the techniques of drama and dance, motivating them to learn about their community and become more involved citizens.
We have worked with organizations, such a Big Brothers/Big Sisters, many times to provide their patrons with such opportunities. Through your contribution to CharACTers, Inc., you are also able to invest in our children’s futures.
CharACTers, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit Public Foundation. We are both State and Federally recognized as a non-profit organization! and experience the magic that is Theatre!
Cody Carlton is the Executive Artistic Director as well as the Main Stage Director for CharACTers Theatrics. Cody began performing at the age of 12 with his first role as The Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! and has been involved ever since. Cody has performed in well over 50 productions playing such roles as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and Emmett in Legally Blonde the Musical. Cody began directing at the age of 15 with his first show, Disney’s The Jungle Book, which received rave reviews and had a completely sold out run. At the age of 16, Cody formed CharACTers Theatrics in Gadsden, Alabama. Over the past 7 years, Cody has directed over 40 productions. Some of Cody’s most recent directing credits include Shrek the Musical, Spamalot, and Peter Pan. Cody has also written six play adaptations including Tom Sawyer, Pride and Prejudice, and A Christmas Carol.
Cody also serves as the President of the CharACTers Board of Directors.
CAST: Anniston, Alabama
Community Actors’ Studio Theatre (CAST) is a 501(c)(3) non profit volunteer organization.
~ CAST's Vision of to have all individuals in our community value theatrical arts as an essential part of its cultural life.
~ CAST's Mission of to offer all citizens in our community the opportunity to be entertained, educated and engaged in the theatrical arts.
~ CAST's Vision of to have all individuals in our community value theatrical arts as an essential part of its cultural life.
~ CAST's Mission of to offer all citizens in our community the opportunity to be entertained, educated and engaged in the theatrical arts.
JSU Drama Department
Our department offers training and opportunity for performers, designers, and technicians. Drama majors can choose concentrations in either Performance or Design/Tech within a very strong liberal arts degree.
Along with classes in a variety of areas, we produce 4-5 main stage shows a year and several student productions, which provide students with many chances to show off their talent and hard work onstage.
The mission of the Jacksonville State University Drama department is to provide a strong liberal arts education while promoting respect for and appreciation of the art of theatre and film. Through an academically rigorous and supportive, creative environment we cultivate critical thinking, analysis, and skills for artistic expression needed to build a career, while providing opportunities for higher level development within our students' chosen specialties. We also seek to produce a multifaceted, high quality, and challenging theatrical experience on our stages to enrich the university and surrounding communities.
Our department offers training and opportunity for performers, designers, and technicians. Drama majors can choose concentrations in either Performance or Design/Tech within a very strong liberal arts degree.
Along with classes in a variety of areas, we produce 4-5 main stage shows a year and several student productions, which provide students with many chances to show off their talent and hard work onstage.
The mission of the Jacksonville State University Drama department is to provide a strong liberal arts education while promoting respect for and appreciation of the art of theatre and film. Through an academically rigorous and supportive, creative environment we cultivate critical thinking, analysis, and skills for artistic expression needed to build a career, while providing opportunities for higher level development within our students' chosen specialties. We also seek to produce a multifaceted, high quality, and challenging theatrical experience on our stages to enrich the university and surrounding communities.