Something new to Theatre Salina is our community blog! Local writers are welcome to submit samples of work about Theatre Salina and Center for Theatre Arts to be published on our website blog!
We are opening this new community series with a blog from High School Senior, Addilyn Jagodzinske. She is an inspiring writer who has found a home at Theatre Salina and Center for Theatre Arts through out the years.
Astra, Center for Theater Arts’ annual contemporary show, challenged choreographers and dancers alike to create a line of interpretations of constellations into dances and characters. As a vision from a story long ago passes through a director, a choreographer, and then a dancer, Andrew Graber (Upper Right) marvels at the details that make the show. He says, “Every little thing has its own story. Someone looked at those [stars] and made a story about it, and it can be interpreted in so many ways.”
By Addilyn Jagodzinske
August, 16, 2025
Twinkling lights speckle a faintly lit theater. Seating on either side of a plain runway. Feelings begin to take hold due to the proximity. Fog wisps flourish the lights’ ambiance. The Black Box fills with family, friends, or anyone ready for a story. Black drapes ease along the tall wall, flowing mildly with the tinted breeze. A beautiful, intimate place. The stage is set.
Community is at the core of Center for Theater Art’s (CTA) annual contemporary dance show.
“A couple of years ago, we really took a big pivot and we saw more dancers from other studios and other community members that came in to be part of the project, which is really what we want out of this.” Maggie Spicer Brown, Education Director of CTA, says.
Teachers, students, and rookies from studios and dance teams all around Salina and beyond gather to perform pieces reflecting different ideas from a broader theme.
2025’s Astra featured 10 pieces retelling the stories of constellations. The show is known to invoke emotions in dancers and audiences. A hazy atmosphere and resounding music produce a safe environment for an emotional connection.
“I’m in my space. I’m comfortable,” says Grace Corman, first-year dancer. She discovered beauty by putting herself in the dance, claiming it’s not acting, it’s real. Corman tears up, looking around at her nodding cast mates.
“I carry a lot of pain, and I carry a lot of joy…when doing the show, just watching everybody…I feel like I have stars in my eyes,” she says.
Not only does this resonate with a new dancer, but seasoned ones as well. Dance teacher Elissa Bergmeier relates the feeling to therapy. Camille Graber, returning dancer, sympathizes alongside her castmate.
“And even if it’s not how I feel at the moment, I have felt that way before. It’s relieving to let that go,” Camille Graber says.
Claire Schmidt and Elizabeth-Ali Schade, senior choreographers, speak to the positive environment the show has fostered for dancers building their emotional performances. Everyone encourages committing to fully emoting in the space, Schmidt says. Schade highlights how the commitment from a range of performers nurtures a space for growth.
Audience members also form tears as the intimate setting draws them closer to an unfolding story.
Characters twinkle to life. Tragic, honest, touching and humane tales unfurl before audiences. A world where words are not necessary, the audience is coupled to passion. The intimate setting draws many to the show. Dancers, choreographers, and viewers adore the special connection it brings. Schmidt relates to viewers by noting they feel a part of it.
Will Howe, returning dancer, says, “I think my favorite part about the show is that it allows myself to be uncomfortable.” Howe speaks to the struggles he had acting as a villain in Hydra, especially when faced with family and friends. He appreciates the proximity of the audience and how it forces him to feed off their emotions as he feeds off theirs. The atmosphere is thick with rising sensations. Glances meaningful. Felt every single time.
Dancers ‘mmm’ along with his sentiment, pitching in their personal stories. Many highlight the intimate setting, providing access to raw connection. Unlike recitals on a traditional proscenium stage, the Black Box sets everyone next to each other. To feel every movement. Breath. Heartbeat.
“A stage where the audience is a pit away from you and they’re all on one side of you, and here you are like in the middle of their space and they’re in your space as well,” says Andrew Graber, a returning dancer. Sympathizing with Howe, he says, “…the whole performance a lot more intimate and emotional.”
Stories are explored in Center of Theater Arts’ annual contemporary show. 2025’s ‘Astra’, compelled dancer Cammille Graber (Center) into thoughtful emotions due to the impact dance has through storytelling. She says, “It’s easier to show my emotions than if I were describing it because words aren’t as easy to use and you never know how to use your words, but when you’re dancing, you can use the words without using the words.”
Real-life experiences are highlighted through intimate settings. Claire Schmidt is a long-time dancer and choreographer of CTA’s annual contemporary show. Raw emotions radiate in the show, and Schmidt credits this to the intimate setting, comparing it to a live concert. Schmidt says, “It’s a difference between watching a celebrity perform on TV and then being in space with them at a concert. Seeing you in real life, all of a sudden, I’m going to cry.”
Photo Credit for Headshot and Production Images: Heartland Photography LLC
Theatre Salina will review any community members work about Center for Theatre Arts and Theatre Salina productions, classes, and experiences.
Email your work to Ali@salinatheatre.com for consideration.