Tin Building Theatre

For twenty-seven seasons, the Bosque Arts Center Tin Building Theatre (TBT) has provided family-oriented comedy, drama and musicals for appreciative Central Texas audiences. The Theatre, named for the metal siding which formerly housed a manufacturing plant, was formally organized by a small group of visionaries in 1981. The group presented its first play in the summer of 1982. Along the way, thousands of theatre-goers, young and old alike have experienced live theatre first-hand. The Tin Building Theatre is one of several active sub-groups of the Bosque Arts Center (formerly Bosque Conservatory), a non-profit fine arts organization located in the historic, former administrative building of Clifton Lutheran College. The Bosque Arts Center is funded by memberships, tuition fees from a variety of classes offered on site, and an annual *Big Event* fund-raiser held each April. Since 2003, the TBT has been led by Managing Director Jan Derrickson, who brought four decades of theatre experience with her from long stints with Waco Civic Theatre and other community theatres.

TBT has been described as a "working, hands-on theatre", meaning that, previous acting or theatre experience is not necessary for involvement. Many of the group's most seasoned members have learned their craft "hands-on" by becoming actively involved in the group. The directors and actors are all volunteers and the sets, costumes, even publicity, posters, and programs are created by volunteers of the group. TBT traditionally presents 3 full-length productions per season, complete with two dinner theatre productions per show and usually six performances per play.

This year the group is adding a luncheon/matinee to the schedule. The group also presents an annual July 4th production, with no admission, as well as regular Children's Theatre productions, or other special presentations, as time and talent allow. Many a newcomer to a TBT production has been amazed at the professionalism of the shows and the volunteers. More than one has termed it "one of the best community theatres operating today."

FMI, theatre@bosqueartscenter.org or call 254 675 2278