Success looks different for every person and organization out there.
For some, success looks like getting all A’s, for others, it may be how many likes or comments a post gets. From getting out of bed for the day to running a marathon, or filling empty seats, success is measured in many ways. What matters most is realizing the successes in the day to day and striving to create more.
Donia Dunlap, president of the Carlsbad Community Theatre (CCT) shares what success looks like for the CCT, “Success in our community theatre is first measured by the numbers in our audience. We are constantly trying to figure out what influences community members to come into our auditorium to be entertained. Secondly, we strive to welcome new talent onto our stage and beyond.”
Welcoming new talent is what brought Dunlap into the fold of the CCT. Dunlap has been involved at CCT since her daughter, Pauline McDaniel, talked her into auditioning for Fiddler on the Roof in the summer of 2012. Both were cast, and while Pauline went off to college, her mother found a place to flourish. So far, she has been involved in 35 productions. She has worked to create and deliver sound effects for 13 productions and acted in 13 additional productions. Dunlap has served as stage manager and assistant director and is preparing to direct for the seventh time in the upcoming season. She has served on the board of directors for a decade and currently serves as president.
“We attribute the success of our community theatre to its founding fathers and their guidance over the years. Long-time members that share their experiences and knowledge have been invaluable,” added Dunlap.
Hard work and dedication goes into each and every show. Having a crew dedicated to the organization and the joy it brings the community is one part of the theatre’s success. “Everything we produce is done voluntarily. None of our directors, cast or crew receive payment for time or effort. Entertaining and inspiring others is our hard-earned payment,” beamed Dunlap.
“Aside from the cast,” Dunlap shared, “which can be anywhere from 1 to 30, we always have a director, an assistant or stage manager, and at least one person in the effects booth to run light and sound, which usually requires two people. We also have board members or other volunteers to build sets, sell tickets, usher audience members to their seats, and someone to prepare and serve concessions during intermission. In addition, we depend on all of these people to promote our productions in the community.”
Putting on four productions each year means the CCT has a limited amount of time for each play. From auditions to curtain calls, the theatre averages about seven weeks of preparation for opening night. Preparation includes, but is not limited to: rehearsals, set design, working out the lighting and sound, promoting the show, working the ticket counter, and we cannot forget the tasty snacks always found in the lobby during intermission. These snacks are provided free of charge, with the encouragement of a donation to keep them flowing.
“We need people to know where we are! Every show brings out someone who says, ‘I had no idea this place was out here!’ We have a quaint little theatre inside what used to be the U.S. Army Air Base commissary at 4713 National Parks Hwy,” Dunlap said.
“I would really like the community to know just how much talent lies right under its nose. The dramatic arts can be a creative way to express oneself, and we welcome everyone to join us, on stage or off!” enthused Dunlap. The community can help the Carlsbad Community Theatre reach success with each and every production simply by showing up to be entertained.
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More information about the theatre, upcoming productions, and volunteer opportunities can be found on their website at https://www.carlsbadnmtheatre.com/
Historical Photos: Courtesy of SENM Historical Society
Article written by Michele Robertson and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2026 Fall edition.
Michele Robertson
There are many facets to what makes me who I am. Enjoying time in nature while practicing "leave no trace" principles and doing interesting, educational, and cultural activities with my kids tops the list of my favorite things. I’m also a community advocate and volunteer, doing what I can to make a positive impact.
