Experience the
Magic of Live Theatre
Columbia's premier community theatre bringing Broadway-quality entertainment to South Carolina for over 50 years.
2026 - 2027 Season
From classic dramas to rib-tickling musicals, join us for a year of unforgettable storytelling.
Mean Girls
Satirical • Energetic
Director: Marybeth Berry
Music Director: Taylor Diveley
Choreographer: Christy Shealy Mills
Teenage Cady Heron faces the wild and unfamiliar territory of an American high school after growing up on the African savanna. She soon catches the attention of "The Plastics," an elite and ruthlessly popular trio of girls ruled by the calculating Regina George. As Cady attempts to infiltrate their group to bring them down from the inside, she struggles to keep her own identity intact without becoming the very thing she is trying to destroy.
The Thanksgiving Play
Satirical • Absurd
Director: Jocelyn Sanders
Four well-intentioned, white theater educators attempt to devise a culturally sensitive school play that honors both Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month. As they try to navigate historical accuracy and their own progressive anxieties without a single Indigenous voice in the room, their creative process quickly descends into hilarious chaos. The group's struggle to tell the traditional holiday story without offending anyone offers a biting, fast-paced commentary on performative wokeness and privilege..
Noises Off
Farcical • Chaotic
Director: Bakari Lebby
A beleaguered touring theater company attempts to put on a dreadful, door-slamming comedy called Nothing On. As the production moves from a disastrous dress rehearsal to a frantic backstage view and finally a completely derailed closing night, the actors' personal dramas bleed hilariously into their performances. Missed cues, forgotten lines, and flying plates of sardines abound in this rapid-fire, laugh-out-loud tribute to the unpredictable nature of live theater.
4
Next to Normal
Raw • Cathartic
Director: Patrick Michael Kelly
Next to Normal is a Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical that centers on the Goodman family as they navigate the profound impacts of the mother's severe bipolar disorder. While her husband and teenage daughter struggle to maintain the facade of a perfect suburban life, the deeply rooted cracks in their foundation become impossible to ignore. Set to a driving, powerful score, the story explores the complex realities of grief, psychiatric treatment, and a family's fierce longing to just feel okay.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Epic • Haunting
Director: Julian Deleon
Music Director: Amanda Hines Wrona
Set against the majestic backdrop of 15th-century Paris, this sweeping theatrical adaptation beautifully weaves together Victor Hugo's classic novel and the beloved Disney animated film. It follows the secluded bell ringer Quasimodo as he yearns to explore the world outside his tower, a desire that brings him into the orbit of the compassionate Romani dancer Esmeralda and his deeply conflicted guardian, Dom Claude Frollo. Driven by a magnificent, choir-infused score, the story is a profound exploration of love, prejudice, and what it truly means to be a monster or a man.
Classes, Camps & Workshops
New Classes Coming Soon
Whether you're looking to shine on stage or build confidence in life, our educational programs offer professional training for all ages.
Private Lessons
Private Voice
$25 / session ($75 for 3)
Taylor Diveley
Designed for singers of all levels. Work on a specific song or general technique with focused 30-minute sessions.
Performance & Group Classes
Trolls Jr - A performance-based class
Ages 8 - 18Taylor Diveley
Mondays & Wednesdays | 6 - 7:30 PM
The show follows the overly optimistic Trolls, constantly with a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomach. The Troll thespians in Poppy’s company live by their motto: the show must go on. But when a tyrannical foreign emissary arrives in Bergenland, expectations are raised, forcing the Trolls to totally rework their show or risk being served up in the name of diplomacy by a Chef rehired and out for revenge.
Students will participate in a short audition during the second class day—but don’t worry, everyone will be cast in this exciting and engaging musical! Throughout the rehearsal process, students will build confidence, strengthen theatre skills, and learn from a professional creative team.
- Max Capacity: 40 students
- Each student will receive a cast T-shirt
- Each student will receive two complimentary performance tickets
Family Discount: If 2 or more siblings register, the 2nd sibling (plus any additional siblings) receives 10% off registration (Example: First student = $300 | Additional siblings = $270 each)
NOTE: Students who register for the class are NOT eligible for a class tuition refund regardless of casting.
Meet Our Instructors
Taylor Diveley
Direcor of Education
Vocal Performance
Taylor Diveley attended the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University studying Vocal Performance. Since moving back to Columbia in July 2022, Taylor has been seen on Workshop Theatre’s stage in KINKY BOOTS (Charlie), TORCH SONG (Alan), A CHORUS LINE (Don) and HUNDRED DAYS (Shawn Bengson) and A NEW BRAIN (Gordon Michael Schwinn); and the Columbia Children’s Theatre’s stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ghost of Christmas Past). In addition to being on the stage, Taylor has several other roles behind the scenes. He was the music director for Workshop’s production of CATS, FINDING NEMO JR., and THE ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG@PART. He is also part of Workshop’s educational team, and a proud member of Workshop Theatre’s Board of Trustees. Taylor also plays music gigs professionally around the Carolinas.
"For over half a century, Workshop Theatre has been the heartbeat of Columbia's performing arts community. A place where neighbors become stars."
50+
Years of Performance
300+
Local Actors
12k
Annual Patrons
Plan Your Visit
Contact
1301 Columbia College Dr
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 799-4876
WorkshopTheatreofSC1@gmail.com
Box Office Hours
Mon - Fri: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1 Hour before showtime
(803) 799-6551
WorkshopBoxOffice@gmail.com
Tickets Reserved!
See you at the show.