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Setting the Stage for a Positive Outlet

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Outlet Stage Company

When you think of theatre in Decatur, you might picture the Princess Theatre, Dream Weavers, Bank Street, or Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA). Each offers spectacular live theatre and serves different demographics. However, certain voices were underrepresented – until Outlet Stage Company (OSC) emerged.

A New Stage is Set

Community theatre is a vibrant part of Decatur’s landscape, fostering creativity, connection, and community spirit. But what happens when you graduate and are not enrolled in theatre classes? Until Outlet Stage Company, there wasn’t a place for older teens and young adults to express their generation of theatre. Caleb Baldwin and Gadge Wigginton, both products of the Alabama Center for the Arts, set out to give those voices a stage.

“We wanted to tell stories from a different perspective with thought-provoking pieces. We learn from storytelling. The point of view the stories are coming from is important. We give a voice to those who are not as much heard. We have the opportunity to give the audience a sense of self from someone different than themselves. If you can come to one of our shows, or be in one of our shows, and leave with a different perspective or a new thought – that’s what we’re about.”

–  Caleb Baldwin  |  President & Artistic Director, OSC

Building Connections

Gadge Wigginton was a sports kid growing up. But he never felt “at home.” That changed when he sat in on his grandmother’s theatre class during a Christmas break.

“I saw how welcoming everyone was and how happy they were doing theatre. They were a family. I knew as soon as I stepped into that room that theatre was my home.”

–  Gadge Wigginton

It was this feeling of “home” that encouraged Caleb and Gadge to create Outlet Stage Company. A space where diverse groups could collaborate, share ideas, and feel welcome. From the cast and crew to the audience, everyone is important, and everyone plays a vital role in the production. These interactions often lead to lasting friendships and a stronger sense of belonging within the community.

Fostering Creativity, Talent, & Confidence

Bennett Perez is the vocal director at OSC and has been a part of the company since the beginning. He started his theatre career as a senior in high school. He met Caleb and Gadge as a student at ACA, and his love for theatre continued to grow. “I met all these people who helped me grow my talent more and more.”

One of the most significant benefits of community theatre is its role in nurturing local talent. It provides a platform for aspiring actors, directors, writers, and designers to hone their skills and gain experience.

“It is insane that there are this many talented individuals in this community.”

– Bennett Perez

Hannah Crider-Stansell, Director of Marketing and Brand Communications, looks at theatre as an escape.

“It helps me cope with my own stressors and insecurities. Playing my current character, I feel a lot more confident than I did two months ago.”

– Hannah Crider-Stansell

“You can be someone you’ve never been before. Step into someone else’s shoes. Everybody needs a little bit of an escape – even if you’re just going to a show.”

– Caleb Baldwin

The Future

As the curtains close on the inaugural season, OSC is excited to continue to work with fellow artists, enthusiasts, and those passionate about the arts in Decatur. Their second-season roster aims to represent communities of all colors, orientations, or other identifiers, and bring more vibrancy to the arts scene in Decatur. You can catch a show on stage, but also in your local coffee shops, breweries, or flex space. For more information on upcoming shows and how to get involved, visit their website or the following:

Explore More of the Arts in Decatur

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