OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As performing arts organizations nationwide continue to recover from the effects of COVID-19, the Ocala Civic Theatre (now nicknamed “The Civic”) is adapting to shifting audience behaviors while strengthening its connection with the community.

Executive Director Greg Thompson has observed a notable shift in theatergoing habits, with post-pandemic audiences opting for earlier evenings and lighter entertainment over traditional late-night shows.

Trish Kilgore stands on the red carpet next to her cutout, which was used as a seat-filler for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic at Ocala Civic Theatre.
Trish Kilgore stands on the red carpet next to her cutout, which was used as a seat-filler for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic at Ocala Civic Theatre. Courtesy: Ocala Civic Theatre

“Post-COVID, people wanted to be home earlier at night,” Thompson says. “We saw that Saturday nights were not returning the way they used to, and we adjusted accordingly a few years ago.”

To accommodate these changes, The Civic modified performance schedules and programming to better align with what audiences are seeking. Matinee performances and family-friendly productions have seen increased interest, prompting the theater to experiment with content that resonates with modern viewing preferences.

Listening to the Community

Beyond scheduling adjustments, The Civic is prioritizing community-driven programming, ensuring that productions reflect the interests and tastes of its audience. The theater has been actively engaging with patrons through surveys, feedback sessions, and social media to understand what they want to see on stage.

“We listen – we really do,” Thompson says. “If the community tells us they want a certain kind of show, we take that into account. We’re not just selecting productions in a vacuum.”

|NEWS NOW: Download our app and have the news that matters to you at your fingertips

This approach has led to a more diverse lineup, including a mix of classic plays, contemporary works, and local-interest productions. For example, the theater’s recent bluegrass-based performance and the hit holiday comedy A Tuna Christmas were direct responses to audience interest.

Scott Fitzgerald and John Allsopp portrayed 20 characters combined in Ocala Civic Theatre's production of "A Tuna Christmas."
Scott Fitzgerald and John Allsopp portrayed 20 characters combined in Ocala Civic Theatre’s production of “A Tuna Christmas.” Courtesy: The Civic

“Last year, we did a bluegrass show, and the response was fantastic,” Thompson said. “People want to come together, laugh, and have fun – especially around the holidays. That’s why we’re considering making A Tuna Christmas an annual tradition.”

Bringing in New Audiences

As part of its post-pandemic recovery, The Civic is working to expand its audience base by reaching younger demographics and first-time theatergoers. The theater’s recent productions have featured a higher number of newcomers in both the cast and the audience, which Thompson sees as a promising sign.

An audition workshop for The Civic's final show of the season, SpongeBob: The Musical.
An audition workshop for The Civic’s final show of the season, “SpongeBob: The Musical.” Courtesy: The Civic

“About half of the cast in SpongeBob: The Musical was new to The Civic,” he said. “That tells us people are paying attention and want to be part of what we’re doing.”

Thompson also stresses that the Ocala Civic Theatre has not been renamed. It’s just been given a new nickname. “‘The Civic’ is at the heart of our name.”

With a renewed focus on engagement, accessibility, and audience-driven programming, The Civic is ensuring that live theater remains a vital and evolving part of Ocala’s cultural landscape.

More news that matters to you…