3 Bethany coworkers bring RCT plays to life

Richmond Civic Theatre relies on volunteer directors for shows, and this season, three Bethany Theological Seminary employees are stepping into the spotlight as stage directors for the first time.

RCT staff say Lori Current, Karen Duhai and Terri Mitchell bring their passion, creativity and shared commitment to the community.

Although each has a unique theater journey, they’re united by their love for storytelling and desire to give back.

Mitchell

Bethany’s financial aid and student services assistant found her way to RCT three seasons ago through her love of Tim Burton. Encouraged by colleagues Lori Current and Ryan Shaw, Mitchell started as a production assistant for “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Now, she’s directing the Jan. 24-26 Stage One Youth Theatre production of “The Stinky Cheeseman and Other Fairly Stupid Tales.” 

For Mitchell, RCT is a place to embrace creativity without judgment.

“As someone who loves to read, being part of RCT allows me to bring stories to life,” she said. “It’s every reader’s dream!”

Directing has emphasized the value of teamwork.

“The show may be my vision, but it takes a whole team to make it happen,” she said.

Mitchell describes RCT as a “home away from home,” where people of all ages can build relationships and memories. She encourages other businesses to follow Bethany’s lead by supporting RCT and its mission.

Current

For Current, RCT has been a family affair. The executive director of student services at Bethany, Current’s involvement with RCT began nine years ago when her son Cohen auditioned for his first show.

“I knew nothing about theater, so I wanted to get involved to be a supportive parent,” she recalls. Since then, she’s been a parent volunteer, board member, committee chair, costume designer and last September, directed Stage One’s “High School Musical Jr.”

“RCT is a community, a safe space where kids can be their true selves,” Current says. “For me, it’s provided lifelong friendships and experiences that have pushed me outside my comfort zone.”

Directing has shown her the importance of collaboration and leadership. Watching her young cast transform from auditions to final performances has been one of her most rewarding experiences.

Current emphasizes RCT’s role as a vital community institution, calling it “a historical landmark that should continue its legacy for generations to come.”

Duhai

Duhai’s RCT story began in 2017 when she performed in the original play “Seek.”

Now, as Bethany’s director of student development, she’s preparing to direct RCT’s May 8-18 production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” 

“RCT has helped me find a community where I belong,” Duhai said. “It’s a space full of creative, passionate people who love to play, explore and create great stories together.”

Her RCT service has included being assistant director, stage manager and box office volunteer. She believes the key to a great production lies in collaboration.

“A good production goes beyond the script — it’s about lighting, costumes, sets, sound and a team working out of their passion and skills.”

For Duhai, RCT is a vital space for connection in an increasingly isolating world.

“Theater allows us to understand ourselves and one another through storytelling. We need those communal spaces now more than ever,” she said.