River Valley Theatre Company Brings 'Fun Classics' to Shakopee

Shakopee's River Valley Theatre Company produced its first play in 2007. They performed, "Charity Wildflower," at The Landing. 

Since then the company has produced a long list of plays, some of which have included children. Last year's shows were The Wizard of Oz, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Hobbit, the winter youth studio production.

It had been a long time since Shakopee had a community theater company, said Daphne Siegert, who is on the board of directors and this year also serves as the treasurer. 

Siegert said that she has always been involved in theater. She has a theater degree and has participated in community theater throughout the years. 

Her involvement in RVTC started after she started attending board meetings about three years ago. From there she started volunteering and eventually joined the board. 

There is no limit to the number of board members and anyone can join, said Siegert. RVTC is also looking for volunteers to fill a variety of needs, from taping posters, working behind the scenes during productions, to administrative tasks such as marketing, grant writing and membership. Contact information for RVTC is available online.

RVTC is funded mostly by sponsors, of which Shakopee Community Education is one, as well as membership, ticket sales, grants and donations.

They like to produce dramas and comedies that people recognize, Siegert said. Another goal is to do a family-friendly musical that includes children every other summer.

"It's about bringing some of the fun classics to the public," said Siegert. She added, "It's as much about education and fun as it is about the production." 

RVTC has partnered with Shakopee Community Education to offer a class twice a year to youth ages 7 to 17. Included in the class is a youth production. This year's winter youth production is A Fairytale Christmas Carol. 

Students learn about play production and gain team building and leadership development through the class. Although it can be an alternative to sports for some students, it requires commitment just like sports, said Siegert. 

The company continues to grow, she said. While they dream of having their own space, they value and see the strength in being community supported.

Upcoming

Auditions for RVTC's next production, Blithe Spirit is on August 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on August 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shakopee West Junior High School. To reserve an audition spot, which is strongly encouraged, visit the RVTC website. 

The company is also co-sponsoring a theatre production that starts this weekend. Dmitri Gerasimenko of Dances on High Theatre is directing The Incompatibles, a series of one-acts, at Shakopee Senior High School. 

Show times:

• Saturday, August 11 and 17 at 7 p.m..
• Sunday, August 12 and 18 at 2 p.m.

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