Our History
Our History The Theatre Guild of Rockingham County, or TGRC as it’s fondly known, began in 1989 as an extension of the Rockingham County High School Drama program through the vision of founder Gene Saunders. With a goal to provide quality live theatre to our community, as well as an outlet for the local acting talent that he knew surrounded us, Gene gathered up some enthusiastic supporters and went to work, initiating the organization with its first production: Bye Bye Birdie.
Over the next few years, the Guild expanded to two shows per year and then three. During the 2000-2001 season, Children’s Theatre was introduced, providing children ages 8 to 14 an opportunity to learn and develop a love for theatre. Soon to follow was Storybook Theater, offering short plays for young children. During the first 18 years, Gene cultivated TGRC into a superb organization, delivering 64 productions to our community.
From 2007 to 2014, Artistic Director Rose Cutuli Wray, worked to improve production quality and community engagement. TGRC also added a youth theatre program for local actors ages 13-18 to perform in a community theatre setting. Working with children and families across the county has become a cornerstone of The Guild ever since.
From 2014 to 2017, Artistic Director Melissa Whitlow Mericle (now with Triad Pride Performing Arts), carried the TGRC vision forward with an emphasis on technical theatre including dramatic sets, fanciful costumes, flight systems, and other effects.
From 2017 - present, Justin M. Bulla has served as Artistic Director, expanding The Guild's influence and collaborations beyond the county limits. The season now includes a youth summer camp, and 3-5 productions, typically including one children's or youth production, one major family-friendly musical, and a couple of smaller plays or musicals. He led the rebrand of TGRC's logo and solidified the mission statement that we currently have "To create - To cultivate - To collaborate." His thoughtful attention to community and artistic needs and wants, and hiring staff to bring those to life has created an organization that is built on artistic excellence, community involvement, and as professional of an experience as possible.
In 2023, recognizing the need to better attract and serve the 20% of minority Rockingham County citizens, The Guild produced its first Black Theatre show: Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In the Sun. The overwhelming success of that show encouraged TGRC to include at least one diversity show each season. Actors, staff, and patrons of all races, creeds and cultures are encouraged to participate in all TGRC production; having a show specifically geared toward addressing minority issues and featuring minority talent is an important part of The Guild's mission to serve all of Rockingham County.
