Durning the pandemic, the new Dixon Community Theater produced two shows using the Zoom platform. We had a large attendance by locals and many other Dixonites living across America. The shows became a uniting force for the community.
Starting November 2023, the new DCT launched our first production live production in partnership with the Dixon Historical Society.
Starting November 2023, the new DCT launched our first production live production in partnership with the Dixon Historical Society.
“The Roots of Dixon Community Theater”
The roots of the Dixon Community Theater (DCT) can be traced back to the summer of 1978 when the first production of Rodgers and Hammerstein graced the local stage. Little did the community know that this humble beginning would sow the seeds for a thriving cultural institution.
The brainchild of John Abigana, the Dinner Show not only showcased local talent but also ignited a passion for community productions. With the support of his wife Carol, who skillfully played the piano, and the collaboration of Kevin Kuban, the trio set the stage for what would become a lasting tradition in Dixon.
After the success of the initial production, the group, now expanded with more enthusiasts, delved into various performances. “Sing Out Sweet Land” in the summer of 1978 marked a turning point, solidifying the association between the Abigana family and Kevin Kuban as they continued to curate captivating shows.
Throughout the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the initial group of enthusiasts became of growing production staff of stage manager, then costumer Jean Henderson; set designers and construction Sally Axelson (Koelsch) and Stephen Sikes; choreographer and performer Richard Farshler; director and performer Ray Mince; accompanist, Lynn DeBie; and performer and handler of properties and more, Martha Emigh. Actually, all DCT volunteers whether onstage or backstage very generously gave of themselves wherever their talents were needed.
The momentum gained prompted the need for formalization. But they continued to produce shows: “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “I Got Rhythm: An Evening with George Gershwin” and "Once Upon a Mattress” captivated audiences, affirming the community's hunger for artistic expression.
As the organization grew, a formal structure became imperative. Kuban, the director of the shows until then, found his responsibilities taking him abroad. Undeterred, the community rallied together in the summer of 1980, almost two years since the inception, deciding to formalize the organization.
A potluck meeting saw passionate individuals come together to shape the future of DCT. Plans were set in motion for the summer show, not only to incorporate the association formally but also to establish a board of directors. Patricia Holmes, the Abigana family, and five others were elected, forming the core leadership.
August 1980 marked a significant milestone with the production of "The Boyfriend," signaling the formalization of the board. Driven by the dedication of volunteers, the fall of 1980 witnessed the formal incorporation of the association and the establishment of a structured seasonal schedule.
Acknowledging a need for children's shows in the community, DCT presented the inaugural children's audience participation show, "Toys Take Over Christmas," in December 1980. The following year, in a collaborative effort with Dixon High School drama department, DCT supported high school drama by jointly producing three one-act plays in January 1981.
As the years progressed, DCT honed its craft with productions like "He She Him Her" (March 1981), "My Fair Lady" (July 1981), "Jack and the Giant" (October 1981), three one-act plays (January 1982), "Sea to Shining Sea" (March 1982), "Babes in Arms" (1982), and "The Invention" (October 1983).
Dixon Community Theater, born out of a shared love for the arts, has grown from a small-town initiative to a cultural cornerstone. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community collaboration and artistic expression in Dixon.
The roots of the Dixon Community Theater (DCT) can be traced back to the summer of 1978 when the first production of Rodgers and Hammerstein graced the local stage. Little did the community know that this humble beginning would sow the seeds for a thriving cultural institution.
The brainchild of John Abigana, the Dinner Show not only showcased local talent but also ignited a passion for community productions. With the support of his wife Carol, who skillfully played the piano, and the collaboration of Kevin Kuban, the trio set the stage for what would become a lasting tradition in Dixon.
After the success of the initial production, the group, now expanded with more enthusiasts, delved into various performances. “Sing Out Sweet Land” in the summer of 1978 marked a turning point, solidifying the association between the Abigana family and Kevin Kuban as they continued to curate captivating shows.
Throughout the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the initial group of enthusiasts became of growing production staff of stage manager, then costumer Jean Henderson; set designers and construction Sally Axelson (Koelsch) and Stephen Sikes; choreographer and performer Richard Farshler; director and performer Ray Mince; accompanist, Lynn DeBie; and performer and handler of properties and more, Martha Emigh. Actually, all DCT volunteers whether onstage or backstage very generously gave of themselves wherever their talents were needed.
The momentum gained prompted the need for formalization. But they continued to produce shows: “Arsenic and Old Lace”, “I Got Rhythm: An Evening with George Gershwin” and "Once Upon a Mattress” captivated audiences, affirming the community's hunger for artistic expression.
As the organization grew, a formal structure became imperative. Kuban, the director of the shows until then, found his responsibilities taking him abroad. Undeterred, the community rallied together in the summer of 1980, almost two years since the inception, deciding to formalize the organization.
A potluck meeting saw passionate individuals come together to shape the future of DCT. Plans were set in motion for the summer show, not only to incorporate the association formally but also to establish a board of directors. Patricia Holmes, the Abigana family, and five others were elected, forming the core leadership.
August 1980 marked a significant milestone with the production of "The Boyfriend," signaling the formalization of the board. Driven by the dedication of volunteers, the fall of 1980 witnessed the formal incorporation of the association and the establishment of a structured seasonal schedule.
Acknowledging a need for children's shows in the community, DCT presented the inaugural children's audience participation show, "Toys Take Over Christmas," in December 1980. The following year, in a collaborative effort with Dixon High School drama department, DCT supported high school drama by jointly producing three one-act plays in January 1981.
As the years progressed, DCT honed its craft with productions like "He She Him Her" (March 1981), "My Fair Lady" (July 1981), "Jack and the Giant" (October 1981), three one-act plays (January 1982), "Sea to Shining Sea" (March 1982), "Babes in Arms" (1982), and "The Invention" (October 1983).
Dixon Community Theater, born out of a shared love for the arts, has grown from a small-town initiative to a cultural cornerstone. Today, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community collaboration and artistic expression in Dixon.