Culver City Public Theatre Celebrates Its 15th Season

By Erika Maldonado 

For a few weekends in the summer, the Culver City Public Theatre transforms Dr. Paul Carlson Memorial Park into a live theatre with vibrant sets, a concession stand and two back-to-back plays.

The company is celebrating its 15th season this year with Leading Ladies, a mid-century comedy and John Henry, an original take on a folktale by CCPT president Heidi Dotson.

The shows begin at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 18.

The Children’s Popcorn Theatre, featuring plays geared to kids, is now in its 10th season. The debut of Dotson’s take on a classic tale of man versus machine is something she said she’s had on the back burner for years. It began with her growing concern of the overreliance on technology and evolved into a new version without the downer ending, she said.

“The idea of having plays in the park is a unique experience,” said Dotson. “The response from the audience and the camaraderie always makes it worth it.”

It’s what CCPT vice president Ria Erlich calls “theatre in it’s purest form.”

During the six-week season the company’s estimated 25 members begin setting up around 9 a.m. on weekends to erect the sets. Once the shows end, the company tears down, packs and stores everything and does it all over again.  

“It’s nice to sit in a theatre where everything isn’t controlled,” said Erlich. “We’re competing with birthdays, barbecues and we had a little rain a few weeks go, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Members in the company aren’t required to pay dues and funding for operations comes from grants and donations. Dotson organized a Kickstarter campaign last May raising upwards of $3,500 from 77 backers. Though the company only performs in the summer, CCPT is planning to perform indoors during other parts of the year.

Check out CCPT’s website for more information.