ECTC Announces Appointment and Season 11 Lineup

Heath Carroll is the new Education and Outreach Director, just in time for season 11's shows and special events

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Heath Carroll as the new Education and Outreach Director. With his extensive experience and passion for arts education, Carroll will lead ECTC’s efforts in enriching the community through innovative educational programs and outreach initiatives.

Heath Carroll brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. As a seasoned theatre professional, he has dedicated his career to nurturing young talent and fostering a love for the performing arts. Carroll’s visionary leadership and commitment to inclusivity align perfectly with ECTC’s mission of providing quality theatrical experiences for all ages and backgrounds.

“Mr. Heath” comes to ECTC with an incredible background in the performing arts and has been involved with theatre since his awkward teenage years. Once he discovered the stage, he quickly decided to make it his life’s pursuit. He received his Associate’s degree from Chipola College and his Bachelor’s from the University of West Florida. While at West Florida, he crewed for Ballet Pensacola, the Pensacola Opera, and was a member of “Improvable Cause” Improv Troupe. Favorite credits include apprenticing with the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company (Thousand Oaks, CA) for two seasons as an actor/crewmember and writing the book for “Canteen” (New York, NY). He has been in Fine Arts Education for the last 10 years, where he continues to write and produce new scripts for young actors.

As the Education and Outreach Director, Carroll will oversee ECTC’s diverse educational programs, including classes, workshops, and summer camps. He will collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and artists to expand the reach of ECTC’s educational offerings, making them accessible to students of all ages and abilities.

Anna Fisher, Associate Artistic Director and Co-Founder of ECTC, is thrilled to welcome Mr. Heath as ECTC’s full time Education and Outreach Director. “Not only is Mr. Heath exceedingly qualified,” says Fisher,  “he’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys! Mr. Heath has some really creative and unique ideas and I can’t wait to see how he shines at ECTC!

“When I asked Heath what his dream was,” said Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director and Co- Founder of ECTC, “he replied that because theatre has changed his life and created so many opportunities for him, his goal is to make sure every child he comes across has those same opportunities. We knew immediately that we had the right person to lead ECTC’s educational and outreach initiatives.”

Carroll expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “It’s truly an honor to join Emerald Coast Theatre Company and to have the opportunity to contribute to its mission. I look forward to working with the talented team at ECTC to expand our reach, engage with diverse communities, and help to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts in our local youth.”

Emerald Coast Theatre Company is renowned for its dedication to producing high-quality theatrical productions and cultivating a vibrant arts community along the Emerald Coast. With the addition of Heath Carroll as Education and Outreach Director, ECTC aims to further strengthen its position as a leading arts organization in the region.

Season 11 Lineup

Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is proud to announce the Season 11 lineup of Professional Shows and Theatre for Young Audiences. Opening the season is Million Dollar Quartet from September 15 – October 1, 2023. ECTC looks forward to a brilliant season loaded with enriching performances for all. For more information about ECTC, the shows, and other programs, visit emeraldcoasttheatre.org.

Of the upcoming season, Nathanael Fisher, Producing Artistic Director and co-founder of ECTC said, “From Elvis to Mary Poppins and plays that bring laughter to plays that warm the heart we have something for everyone in Season 11.  Every year we are working to bring high quality entertainment that has an enriching element to our community and Season 11’s shows are the perfect setup for just that!”

Million Dollar Quartet
September 15—October 1: Thurs–Sat at 7:30 p.m., Sundays and Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Quartet explodes on stage with a monumental night of rock ‘n’ roll. Inspired by the most famous jam session in recording history, this smash-hit musical tells the story of legendary music icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins as they come together on December 4, 1956, at the famous Sun Studios. Featuring 21 timeless hits, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Fever,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “See Ya Later, Alligator,” “Fever,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and “Hound Dog,” this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio to experience an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations.

Junie B Jones
October 13—22: Field Trips – Fridays, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 14 at 9 a.m., Saturday, October 21 at 6 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

A production of ECTC’s Theatre for Young Audiences Program: It’s Junie B.’s first day of school, and suddenly a lot of things are changing for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, but on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. In class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament, and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Featuring a tremendously loveable character and fun-filled songs, Junie B. Jones will capture your heart just as the books captivated an entire generation of students.

Field Trip Dates for Junie B:

Comedy On The Boulevard
October 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Come for an uproarious night of laughs! ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians. Hosted by resident funny guy Jason Hedden.

Me and my Gal – A live Judy Garland and Gene Kelly Musical Tribute
October 26—29: Thursday, October 26 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 27 at 2:30 pm, Saturday, October 28 at 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., Sunday, October 29 at 2:30 p.m.

“That’s Entertainment!” The bells are ringing for this night of “Ritz,” glitz, glamour and the beautiful music of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Judy and Gene were giants of the silver screen whose songs still make you feel like “Singin in the Rain,” and take you “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” “Get Happy” as the stars of ECTC sing the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “The Trolly Song,” “Good Morning,” “Be a Clown,” and many more classics you know and love.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
December 1—9. Field Trips – Fridays at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, October 3 at 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Two compelling stories come together in this heartwarming play inspired by the famous editorial Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, 1897, in New York City, eight-year-old Virginia is left pondering whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a young newspaper editor also struggles against tough holiday times as he is faced with losing his job if he can’t find his writer’s voice by morning. Even though they don’t know each other, the spirit of Christmas is about to bring these people together, creating in the process an unforgettable and cherished part of classic Christmas folklore.

Field Trip Dates for Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

Saturday, December 16 at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 19 & Thursday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Mix, mingle, and enjoy live holiday musical selections performed by our talented vocalists. Enjoy classic holiday songs from some of your favorite Christmas musicals like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Snow,”and of course, “White Christmas.”  Our cast will invite you to  join in some beloved Christmas carols as well. Like a mug of hot cocoa, this event will warm your heart and get you in the holiday spirit.

A Christmas Carol
December 8—22: Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 13 at 2:30 p.m., and Wednesday, December 20 at 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

From the first “Bah humbug” to the final “Wassail,” this timeless classic is sure to rekindle your holiday spirit. Join all your favorite Dickens characters—Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet-to-come, and of course, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Make ECTC’s holiday show a Christmas tradition as you spend time with friends and family while being warmed and inspired by this classic holiday story.

 Field Trip Date for A Christmas Carol

Wednesday, December 13 at 9:30 a.m.

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns
January 19 & 20 at 7:30 p.m., January 21 & 24 at 2:30 p.m. February 28 at 2:30 p.m., February 29, March 1 & March 2 at 7:30 p.m., March 3 at 2:30 p.m.

We’re back in 1958, and it’s time for the Wonderettes to graduate in this delightful sequel to the smash Off-Broadway hit! Join Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy as they sing about their final year in high school, celebrate with their fellow classmates and teachers, and prepare for their next step toward a bright future. Act II zooms ahead to 1968, where the girls perform as bride and bridesmaids to celebrate Missy’s marriage to Mr. Lee! Featuring “Rock Around the Clock,” “At the Hop,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and 25 more hits, The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns will have you bopping down memory lane and “Dancing in the Street!”

The Play That Goes Wrong
January 26—February 4: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays & Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Called “the funniest play Broadway has ever seen,” this classic murder mystery by award-winning Mischief is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania! Welcome to the opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything, including their line. This hilarious and unique show will have you laughing for days.

Field Trip Date for The Play That Goes Wrong

February 13 at 7:30 p.m., February 14 at 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Share this evening or afternoon event with the ones you love. Enjoy beautiful love songs from yesteryear performed by our top vocalists and ECTC’s live musicians. This very special evening can be complemented with a bottle of wine and a sweet or savory charcuterie box. This is a fun way to celebrate with your Valentine- or Galentine- and avoid the packed restaurants.  We have everything you need right here at ECTC to spend a memorable evening with your favorite people!

Crimes Of The Heart
February, 16t—25: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays & Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize-winner is a deeply touching and funny play about three eccentric sisters from a small Southern town rocked by scandal when Babe, the youngest, shoots her husband. Humor and pathos abound as the sisters unite with an intense young lawyer to save Babe from a murder charge and overcome their family’s painful past. If you liked ECTC’s Steel Magnolias, you’ll love this hilarious, female driven drama with plenty of laughs along the way.

Comedy On The Boulevard
March 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Come for an uproarious night of laughs! ECTC presents some of the Southeast’s most hilarious comedians. Hosted by resident funny guy Jason Hedden.

Mother Goose on the Loose!
April 4—7: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Where’s Mother Goose? Where could she have gone? Did she jump over the moon? Is she visiting the old lady who lived in a shoe? Did she follow Jack and Jill up that hill? No one knows! Join her children as they try to find their beloved Mother Goose, and sing and dance along the way! It’s an “ECTC Theatre for the Very Young TM” production. Big fun for the very little! We’ll see you on the stage!

Field Trip Dates for Mother Goose On The Loose

May 3—12: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Sprinkle a spoonful of sugar on your spring with the delightful and enchanting Mary Poppins! This show is “practically perfect in every way” for all ages and feels like a “jolly holiday” with friends and family.  Don’t miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling like you want to go “fly a kite!”

Field Trip Dates for Mary Poppins