Common Ground Productions Hopes To Create A New Stage For Douglas County Talent

A new community theater company is taking shape in Roseburg, with organizers hoping to create more opportunities for local performers, technicians and volunteers while adding another source of live entertainment to Douglas County.

Common Ground Productions was formed by a group of local performing arts enthusiasts who said conversations about the need for another community theater in Roseburg had been happening for years.

"For many years, we have heard the rumblings of 'Roseburg needs a second community theater,' but no one actually made the moves to get one off the ground," the group told The Roseburg Receiver.

That began to change last winter, when a group of self-described "dreamers" came together to talk about what a new theater organization could look like and, importantly, what it could do differently.

Those conversations eventually became Common Ground Productions.

The locally operated theater group says its mission is centered around creativity, inclusion, collaboration and creating opportunities for people at all experience levels. The company also hopes to work alongside Roseburg's existing theater organizations rather than compete with them, with the goal of strengthening the area's performing arts community as a whole.

"Talent is abundant throughout Douglas County, with only so many places to showcase said talent," the group said. "CGP will give more performers and technicians a chance to grow and learn in their craft, as well as provide people further opportunities to be entertained."

President and founder Abigail Hotovec said in the company's initial announcement that Roseburg is "simply oozing with talent" and described Common Ground Productions as another place where people can learn, grow and participate in theatrical arts regardless of their previous experience.

A Different Approach Behind The Scenes

Common Ground Productions is also putting an emphasis on how its productions are created, not just what eventually appears on stage.

The company describes its approach as trauma-informed and accessible, with several practices intended to make rehearsals and performances safer and more welcoming.

That includes prioritizing the physical and emotional safety of actors, using consent-based rehearsal processes, utilizing intimacy and fight coordinators when appropriate and assigning cast and crew liaisons to productions.

The group also plans to use screened music auditions in an effort to reduce bias or typecasting during the audition process.

Accessibility efforts are expected to extend to audiences as well.

Common Ground Productions plans to offer sensory-friendly performances, provide clear content warnings for elements such as flashing lights, weapons or gore, and offer flexible seating options.

The company says it wants both newcomers and experienced performers to feel comfortable becoming involved, whether that means appearing on stage, working behind the scenes or volunteering in another capacity.

Keeping Art Human

One element of Common Ground Productions' mission that may stand out is its decision to avoid the use of artificial intelligence in its creative work.

The company said it views theater and other forms of art as fundamentally human endeavors.

"CGP is a place for artists," the group said. "More often than not, AI detracts from the artistic experience. It degrades the artistic endeavor and cheapens the result. Whether it be literature or paintings or performing arts, the arts are for people; thus, they should be created by people."

The company's original announcement similarly described Common Ground Productions as committed to originality and supporting art in its purest form.

Who Is Behind Common Ground Productions?

The organization's current leadership includes:

• President Abigail Hotovec
• Vice President June Burch
• Secretary Alyson Pinkleman
• Treasurer Micah Hotovec
• Board members Mariah Marx, Christopher Marx, Kellen McKinney and Drew McKinney

The company's advisory council includes Mackay Dufour, Charissa Dufour, Kaitlyn Grammon and Alex Horton.

Leadership member Kaitlyn Grammon said the organization has the potential to create connections within the community through theater.

"Theater is a lifeline that connects even the most isolated soul, and the community this will build will be beautiful," Grammon said in the company's announcement.

First Performance Planned For November

The public should get its first look at Common Ground Productions later this year.

The company is planning a variety show fundraiser for early November, although an exact date and location have not yet been announced.

Tickets are expected to include admission to the performance along with unlimited coffee and hot cocoa. Desserts provided by community members will also be available for purchase.

Money raised through the event will help fund Common Ground Productions' first full theatrical production, which is planned for spring 2027.

The organization has not yet selected which show it will produce.

Getting Involved

Common Ground Productions is already encouraging people interested in performing, technical theater or volunteering to get involved.

Those interested can fill out the Common Ground Productions interest form to begin the process.

Hotovec, who also serves as the organization's volunteer coordinator, will reach out to help connect people with opportunities that fit their interests.

Those opportunities won't necessarily require stepping onto a stage. The company expects to need people for everything from its marketing street team to painting theatrical flats, along with the many other jobs required to bring a live production together.

For Common Ground Productions, that broad participation is part of the idea behind the organization - creating another space where Douglas County residents can make something together.

Additional details about the November fundraiser, future auditions, volunteer opportunities and the company's first full production are expected as plans develop.

Community members can follow Common Ground Productions on Facebook and Instagram for future announcements and updates.