After the original Corbin Theatre Opera House was destroyed by a storm in 1934, Liberty was left without a live theatre company. In 2002 Juarenne Hester and Detlef Lehnardt lead the effort to bring community theatre back to Liberty and the Corbin Theatre was born. The new Corbin would focus on local talent and encouraging the community to visit the downtown square.
Throughout the years, the Corbin Theatre has called several locations home – starting out in a hardware store turned theatre (15 N. Water St.), the Corbin eventually landed at the Garrison School Cultural Center in 2020 (502 N. Water St.). The new facility allows for around 100 individuals to enjoy performances in a spaced out, comfortable environment.
Each year, the Corbin hosts a plethora of performances, ranging from local singer/songwriters, to traveling performers and even locally produced musicals and plays. With the focus being on inspiring local talent, the Corbin aims to have at least one local singer/songwriter perform a month, with some months having up to three. Along with these performances, the theatre also produces four plays and three children’s shows a year.
With all of the hustle and bustle from rehearsing, scheduling performers and maintaining the space, the Corbin Theatre still makes time to hold their Corbin Kids Camp. The Corbin Kids Camp was started by Maggie Thomas in an effort to provide families a more affordable, yet still educational, theatre camp experience. This year marks the seventh year, with 11 shows and 26 performances over the years.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Over the next several weeks, the Corbin Theatre has a number of performances scheduled, including:
- April 22 – Paige McCubbin
- April 23 – Hailey McDowell
- May 1 – Jazz at the Garrison
- May 11 – 14– Suite Surrender
- About the play: It’s 1942 and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel — assistants, luggage and a legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance…that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s.
- June 5 – Jazz at the Garrison
- June 9 – The Grace Fisher and Andrew Hand Show
- June 10 – Charlie Greim
- June 24 – Bellamy Brockman Live at the Corbin Theatre
More information about upcoming performances and time can be found on the Corbin Theatre Events page. Tickets can also be purchased through their website - $5 for children and $10 for adults.
AUDITIONS
Corbin Theatre holds open auditions for each of its plays and musicals. The casting calls are posted on the website – the next two shows are currently posted. The website also gives potential auditionees the chance to read about the play, find important dates and get an intro to the characters. Auditions are held at the Corbin Theatre (502 N Water St.) and require a cold read. Individuals interested should be prepared to bring a list of conflicts with any rehearsals, meetings and performance dates.
SUPPORT FOR THE CORBIN THEATRE
Since the Corbin Theatre is a non-profit, they are always looking for people to donate their time, money and ideas! Monetary donations can be accepted in the form of a sponsorship, through Venmo (@CorbinTheatre-Company) or a donation through the website. Individuals interested in donating their time or ideas can contact the Corbin Theatre via their website.
With the support of the community, the Corbin has been able to bring quality performances to the Liberty area for over 20 years – and hopes to continue for many, many more. For more information and to stay up to date on upcoming events, check out the Corbin Theatre website or visit their Facebook page!