Byron Civic Theatre was organized in 1995 by a group of individuals interested in bringing live theatre to the Byron area.  This fast-growing organization produces four shows per year as well as outreach activities in the community.  BCT has over 500 members and contributors who provide financial support to the theatre.  The season culminates in the annual Gala where the Board of Directors throws a party for the volunteers, members, and theatre goers.

Seventeenth Season Board of Directors

Dan Danielowski -- President

Stacy Hahlen -- Vice President of Planning and Development

Ron Harvey -- Vice President of Production

Caryn Huber -- Vice President of Member Development

Carol Walters -- Secretary/Treasurer
 
Directors:  Steve Bartscher, Wanda Bush, Blake Horras, Tammy Long, Dan Mullin, Carla Pearl and David Zumdahl

THEATRE PROFILE

Byron Civic Theatre was founded in 1995 by a group of people interested in and committed to bringing quality stage entertainment to Byron and the surrounding area.  BCT is a not-for-profit community organization governed by a twelve member Board of Directors.  This all-volunteer theatre is now celebrating its Sixteenth Season of producing a variety of plays and musicals at the Theater in the new Byron Middle School.

Byron Civic Theatre produces four shows during each season plus the annual GALA where the Board of Directors throws a party for the volunteers, contributors, members, and audience.  Byron Civic Theatre is a member of the American Association of Community Theatres, Byron Chamber of Commerce, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Freeport Chamber of Commerce, and Oregon Chamber of Commerce.

THEATRE HISTORY

In May of 1995, representatives from The Pec Playhouse approached Byron High School about using the Sunderman Theatre to produce their summer production while their theatre was under renovation.  After contacting then Assistant Superintendent, David Zumdahl, he put them in touch with Dan and Julie Danielowski.  At the first meeting, a production plan was formulated to present to the Byron Park District.  Mike Baumer joined the Byron group a subsequent meetings and the joint production of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN was performed in August of 1995.  Pec Playhouse provided the impetus for Byron to begin their own Community Theatre.

After the Sunday production of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, a community meeting was held to determine the interest and direction of the new theatre.  Over 100 people attended that meeting.  From that meeting, twelve individuals expressed an interest in forming the group that would organize what is now known as Byron Civic Theatre.

This organization is strong today due to the work of the following individuals who spent countless hours developing the organizational structure of BCT.  Those Founding Board Members are Margie Bartscher, Mike Baumer, Audrey Blobaum, Dan Danielowski, Julie Danielowski, Barb McGuire, Tim McGuire, Kris Tarbert, Penny Wiegert, David Zumdahl and facilitator, Randy Jurasek.