Muncie Civic Theatre: Your Stage to Shine

Step inside Muncie Civic Theatre and you’ll feel it. The anticipation, wonder, and emotion that live theatre inspires. For nearly a century, Civic has been a staple in downtown, bringing people together through the power of live performance. Founded in 1931 by William H. Ball, a second-generation member of the Ball family with a deep passion for the arts, Civic has set the stage with high-quality productions and local talent that have kept community members coming back for the next act.

Housed in a historic section of the Boyce Block and one of Muncie’s oldest standing buildings, Civic invites anyone, from seasoned performers to first-time actors, to step into the spotlight and find their voice. Every production is brought to life by dedicated local volunteers, who spend weeks preparing shows that feature professional-level direction, live musicians, and Broadway-quality storytelling. But beyond the bright lights, Civic’s mission is rooted in inclusion and accessibility—making theatre a space where everyone belongs.

One of the most powerful examples of this commitment is the Barrier-Free Theatre program, a transformative space for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the course of nine months, participants work together to develop and stage an original production, using theatre as both a therapeutic outlet and a way to build confidence and connection.

Muncie Civic Theatre’s dedication to empowering new voices starts early. Through its robust youth programs, the theater ensures that every child who auditions has a place in a production. “We don’t want to be the place young kids remember their first rejection,” says Laura Williamson, Executive Director. “We want to be the place where they learn and discover all that they’re capable of.” With three age groups and a long-standing partnership with Ball State University, these programs nurture the next generation of artists and storytellers.

Taking that mission even further, Civic’s Page to Stage program brings the magic of theatre directly into local schools. At South View Elementary School, students read original plays, dress up in costumes, and bring their own version of the story to life. The final production is filmed and later screened at the theater. For many kids, it’s their first experience with live performance and a chance to see themselves on the big stage.

For those who enjoy more intimate and thought-provoking performances, Civic’s Studio Theatre provides a black-box space for smaller productions that push creative boundaries. In early 2025, the Studio Theatre will stage The Importance of Being Ernest, one of Oscar Wilde’s comedies following two bachelors who create alter egos to escape their tiresome lives and vie for the hearts of two women. Meanwhile, on the Mainstage, audiences can look forward to a full-scale production of Jesus Christ Superstar, bringing an award-winning favorite to downtown Muncie.

Muncie Civic Theatre is a community. Whether you're stepping onto the stage, volunteering behind the scenes, or experiencing the magic from the audience, there's a place for everyone here. "If given the right set of circumstances, many more could be in the arts," says Williamson. "We give them a place to bring that dream alive."

Want to experience it for yourself? Step inside. You just might find your second family —only in DWNTWN.