Experience the
Magic of Live Theatre
Columbia's premier community theatre bringing Broadway-quality entertainment to South Carolina for over 50 years.
May 15 - 30, 2026
The 2025 - 2026 Season
See the NEW 2026 - 2027 Season
From classic dramas to rib-tickling musicals, join us for a year of unforgettable storytelling.
The Producers
Comedy • Musical
A washed-up producer and a neurotic accountant plot to swindle investors by overselling shares in a Broadway musical designed to fail, specifically an offensive ode to Nazism titled Springtime for Hitler. However, their scheme to flee with the money collapses when the audience mistakes the production for a brilliant satire, turning their guaranteed flop into an unexpected smash hit.
The Minutes
Satirical • Chilling
In the small town of Big Cherry, new council member Mr. Peel investigates the mysterious disappearance of a colleague and the previous week's meeting minutes, eventually revealing that the town's heroic history is a lie concealing a brutal massacre. The story spirals from bureaucratic satire into surreal horror as the council forces Peel to participate in a violent ritual to ensure his complicity in erasing the truth.
Crowns
Moving • Celebratory
fter her brother is killed in Brooklyn, a rebellious teenager named Yolanda is sent to live with her grandmother in South Carolina, where she is immersed in a community of church women known for their elaborate hats. Through their powerful stories and gospel songs, Yolanda discovers the deep historical and spiritual significance of these "crowns," eventually finding healing and a renewed connection to her heritage.
Guys and Dolls
Lively • Musical
Desperate to fund his illegal crap game and stall his long-suffering fiancée, gambler Nathan Detroit bets high-roller Sky Masterson that he cannot woo a straight-laced Salvation Army missionary named Sarah Brown. The wager spirals out of control when Sky actually falls in love with Sarah, forcing the city's gamblers to reckon with their sins while Nathan finally faces the prospect of marriage.
Footloose
Carefree • Musical
Directed by Julian Deleon
Music direction by Jordan Harper
Choreography by Katie Hilliger Page
After moving from Chicago to the conservative small town of Bomont, teenager Ren McCormack is shocked to discover that the local Reverend has strictly banned dancing and rock music following a tragic accident. Determined to bring joy back to the community, Ren rallies the local youth—including the Reverend’s rebellious daughter—to challenge the law and help the town heal from its grief.
FOOTLOOSE is proudly sponsored by Tiffany St.Clair.
New 2026 - 2027 Season
See the current 2025 - 2026 Season
From classic dramas to rib-tickling musicals, join us for a year of unforgettable storytelling.
Mean Girls
Satirical • Energetic
Teenage Cady Heron faces the wild and unfamiliar territory of an American high school after growing up on the African savanna. She soon catches the attention of "The Plastics," an elite and ruthlessly popular trio of girls ruled by the calculating Regina George. As Cady attempts to infiltrate their group to bring them down from the inside, she struggles to keep her own identity intact without becoming the very thing she is trying to destroy.
The Thanksgiving Play
Satirical • Absurd
Four well-intentioned, white theater educators attempt to devise a culturally sensitive school play that honors both Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month. As they try to navigate historical accuracy and their own progressive anxieties without a single Indigenous voice in the room, their creative process quickly descends into hilarious chaos. The group's struggle to tell the traditional holiday story without offending anyone offers a biting, fast-paced commentary on performative wokeness and privilege..
Noises Off
Farcical • Chaotic
A beleaguered touring theater company attempts to put on a dreadful, door-slamming comedy called Nothing On. As the production moves from a disastrous dress rehearsal to a frantic backstage view and finally a completely derailed closing night, the actors' personal dramas bleed hilariously into their performances. Missed cues, forgotten lines, and flying plates of sardines abound in this rapid-fire, laugh-out-loud tribute to the unpredictable nature of live theater.
4
Next to Normal
Raw • Cathartic
Next to Normal is a Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical that centers on the Goodman family as they navigate the profound impacts of the mother's severe bipolar disorder. While her husband and teenage daughter struggle to maintain the facade of a perfect suburban life, the deeply rooted cracks in their foundation become impossible to ignore. Set to a driving, powerful score, the story explores the complex realities of grief, psychiatric treatment, and a family's fierce longing to just feel okay.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Epic • Haunting
Directed by Julian Deleon
Music direction by Jordan Harper
Choreography by Katie Hilliger Page
Set against the majestic backdrop of 15th-century Paris, this sweeping theatrical adaptation beautifully weaves together Victor Hugo's classic novel and the beloved Disney animated film. It follows the secluded bell ringer Quasimodo as he yearns to explore the world outside his tower, a desire that brings him into the orbit of the compassionate Romani dancer Esmeralda and his deeply conflicted guardian, Dom Claude Frollo. Driven by a magnificent, choir-infused score, the story is a profound exploration of love, prejudice, and what it truly means to be a monster or a man.
Classes, Camps & Workshops
Whether you're looking to shine on stage or build confidence in life, our educational programs offer professional training for all ages.
Private Lessons
Private Acting
$25 / session ($75 for 3)
Amber Westbrook, Julian Deleon or Nicholas Holland
Designed for actors of all ages. Whether you have an audition coming up or want to try acting without the group setting. Minimum 3 sessions.
Private Voice
$25 / session ($75 for 3)
Taylor Diveley
Designed for singers of all levels. Work on a specific song or general technique with focused 30-minute sessions.
Performance & Group Classes
Trolls Jr - A performance-based class
Ages 8 - 18Taylor Diveley
Mondays & Wednesdays | 6 – 7:30 PM
The show follows the overly optimistic Trolls, constantly with a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomach. The Troll thespians in Poppy’s company live by their motto: the show must go on. But when a tyrannical foreign emissary arrives in Bergenland, expectations are raised, forcing the Trolls to totally rework their show or risk being served up in the name of diplomacy by a Chef rehired and out for revenge.
Students will participate in a short audition during the second class day—but don’t worry, everyone will be cast in this exciting and engaging musical! Throughout the rehearsal process, students will build confidence, strengthen theatre skills, and learn from a professional creative team.
- Max Capacity: 40 students
- Each student will receive a cast T-shirt
- Each student will receive two complimentary performance tickets
Family Discount: If 2 or more siblings register, the 2nd sibling (plus any additional siblings) receives 10% off registration (Example: First student = $300 | Additional siblings = $270 each)
NOTE: Students who register for the class are NOT eligible for a class tuition refund regardless of casting.
Yes And... Youth Improv Studio
Ages 12 - 18Sofie Jones
SceneLab: Between the Lines
Ages 18+Julian Deleon
Wednesdays, 6 - 7PM
This scene study lab for adults will focus on strengthening acting technique through scripted scene work, character exploration, emotional truth, and partner connection. Our collaborative and supportive studio environment allows for honest and open dialogue without expectations. No experience needed.
Meet Our Instructors
Julian Deleon
Acting & Directing
Julian studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. From there he became the Educational Marketing Intern at American Place Theatre and worked on several productions with Galli Theatre NY. He has performed in several productions around Columbia including Dance Nation at Trustus Theatre, Torch Song at Workshop Theatre and A Christmas Carol at Columbia Childrens Theatre. He began working as a teaching artist with Columbia Childrens Theatre almost 10 years ago and has since taught all over the Midlands from Spartanburg to Florence County. He spent 6 years at Midlands Arts Conservatory as the Theatre Teacher and also operates several after-school programs at local schools.
Taylor Diveley
Vocal Performance
Taylor Diveley attended the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University studying Vocal Performance. Since moving back to Columbia in July 2022, Taylor has been seen on Workshop Theatre’s stage in KINKY BOOTS (Charlie), TORCH SONG (Alan), A CHORUS LINE (Don) and HUNDRED DAYS (Shawn Bengson) and A NEW BRAIN (Gordon Michael Schwinn); and the Columbia Children’s Theatre’s stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ghost of Christmas Past). In addition to being on the stage, Taylor has several other roles behind the scenes. He was the music director for Workshop’s production of CATS, FINDING NEMO JR., and THE ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG@PART. He is also part of Workshop’s educational team, and a proud member of Workshop Theatre’s Board of Trustees. Taylor also plays music gigs professionally around the Carolinas.
Sofie Jones
Acting
Sofie Jones is a 2026 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she studied Musical Theatre and Education. She has been performing in the Columbia area for over 10 years and has taught theatre classes through EdVenture Children’s Museum, Village Square Theatre, and Columbia Children’s Theatre. This past summer, she also served as a Teaching Artistry Intern at Nashville Children’s Theatre. In August, she will move to New York to pursue a Master’s degree in Educational Theatre K–12 at New York University.
Amber Westbrook
Acting & Education
Amber Westbrook is a performer, artist, and educator. With a BA in the arts from Winthrop University (concentration in Theatre and Dance Performance), she has gained a lot of experience and knowledge working with many different theatre companies and arts organizations. She is happy to share her knowledge, tips, and tricks to help empower others. She has worked with Workshop Theatre on shows such as The Realistic Joneses, Boys in the Band, Belles, and She Loves Me. A few of her favorite projects include, The Friendship 9: No Fear for Freedom the Musical, Neighbors: A Wildlife Show, and The Carnival of the Animals: the Gift that Ran Away.
"For over half a century, Workshop Theatre has been the heartbeat of Columbia's performing arts community. A place where neighbors become stars."
50+
Years of Performance
300+
Local Actors
12k
Annual Patrons
Plan Your Visit
Contact
1301 Columbia College Dr
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 799-4876
WorkshopTheatreofSC1@gmail.com
Box Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1 Hour before showtime
(803) 799-6551
WorkshopBoxOffice@gmail.com
Tickets Reserved!
See you at the show.