Ambar Ramirez
A new non-profit performance arts organization in Jacksonville is quickly making a name for itself
Words & photos by Ambar Ramirez
Through the noise of the crowd, past the lights and behind the curtains is River City Theatre, a new nonprofit performing arts organization. More than a production company, River City Theatre is reimagining the role of a performance art organization’s role in the community through reimagined stories, collaboration, engagement and empowerment. And most notably is stepping up to the plate by putting on eight shows of the family-friendly Lionel Bart’s “OLIVER!”
With a background in education and theater, Stephen Billy, River City Theatre’s executive artistic director, heart has always lain in directing.
“Funny enough, I was in ‘Oliver’ when I was 10, and that was kind of my big moment. That was like, OK, I know I want to do theater, but what capacity will I be involved in theater?” Billy recalled. “But it was just such a pivotal point in my life. And I remember, you know, the memories and experiences that I had there. So I knew long term I wanted to have an organization that is all about community and having people together and creating an environment and an organization where you have those same shared experiences that, you know, I had as a child, and want that for other people.”
Billy, along with his longtime friend and choreographer, Katie Raulerson, music director Clint Weinberg and with the help of his board of directors, who he credits for much of the nonprofit’s success, launched River City Theatre this January. At the root of everything, its mission is rooted in inclusivity and community, ensuring there’s a place for everyone to get involved, whether on stage or behind the scenes, regardless of socioeconomic background. A strong emphasis is placed on collaboration and connection with the goal of becoming an active and engaged part of Jacksonville’s vibrant theater landscape.
“I’m a firm believer that the quality of life in a community is better with having the arts and to be contributing to that is a huge point for us. And we really want to make sure that we’re enhancing the quality of life for those in Jacksonville and surrounding communities,” Billy shared.
River City Theatre isn’t just making waves with its powerhouse creative team and deep community roots—it’s also setting itself apart with the way it’s reimagining the classic “OLIVER!” This marks the organization’s debut production, and it’s one that carries a personal spark. Billy and his team return to the story with fresh eyes and a full heart.
This version won’t unfold on a traditional proscenium-style scale. Instead, it will be performed in the round, with the audience encircling the action from all four sides. That means no curtains to hide behind, no shadows to disappear into, just bold, open storytelling where every angle counts. It’s a setup that demands creativity and invites reinvention, offering a new lens through which to experience a timeless tale.
“We want to think outside the box and have some productions be more immersive and in nontraditional theater spaces,” Billy explained. “It ties back into being out and visible in the community, and kind of with thinking outside the box there, we are going to expand to educational programming sometime next year.”
Eight performances will light up Betsy Lovett Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, running July 17–20 and July 24–27. All shows begin at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. For tickets and more information, visit rivercitytheatre.com.
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