I have been apart of the Olde Coloma Theatre since 2003. The theatre gives so much, and is more than just a place to come see a play. We are one of the last strongholds for Melodrama, an important part of cinema history. We give people of all ages a chance to participate in anyway they can. Our stage is there for talented people, as well as anyone willing to try acting. We also are very active in the many communities within driving distance. Our volunteers come from all over the outer-lying areas, some even drive 50 miles in one night to help out. We teach the children to focus, work hard, to follow thru with projects started and to get the self esteem that only comes from getting on stage in front of an audience. We are also dedicated to the historical aspect of our plays and the area where we are located. We are just behind where gold was discovered in California and we have an educational show to teach the school kids visiting the state park what really happened. Not only that, but students and teachers alike get to participate in the show. I have met many adults all over that when I mention the Olde Coloma Theatre they remember the school show. To sum up, we are a group of people brought together by the love of melodrama, our communities and the people we can touch who are reaching out and trying to help improve people's lives, even if just by giving a patron one night of fun.
Coloma Theater is a wonderful spot, historically as well as forward thinking. It's wonderful to have opportunities for stage productions in a small town. This offers, otherwise unavailable, opportunities to individuals who may never get to the theater.
I have only been once, due to the distance from my home, but if I lived closer, I would definitely visit more often. Great family fun! I love that it's interactive.
This is not just a theatre, this is a community phenomenon. The people who work at this theatre give their all to bring good old-fashioned fun and amusement to the public. Their shows are family friendly and interactive, drawing the patrons into a different world each night. Their school shows are as educational for students as they are entertaining. The very building they perform in is filled to the corners with history and located in an area known for it's historical significance.
Everything is done from love of the art, and the joy of bringing smiles to the faces of the patrons who come to cheer and boo and throw popcorn. The volunteers have worked hard to keep things going, to work with the community, and make the theatre the best that it can be. As a former actress and writer with this group, I can speak for how hard every volunteer and board member works and how much of their own time they put in. Though I live thousands of miles away, I still volunteer whenever I can, in anyway I can.
As a member since 1980, I have performed with kids who now have their own kids. I have performed with my own Children, and now this year... possible with my granddaughter. Where else can you say that?
This is a wonderful place to see Old Fashioned Melodrama, Perform on stage for the pure enjoyment of performing. It's like no other place in entertainment...
I think its great that there is such a place as the coloma theater located in its unusual locaition.
It gives people young and old the experience of the theater weather they are there to volunteer or to participate in a play.
This little theater gives people a chance to participate in their community by keeping this art alive where other wise it would not be offered unless you live in a big city.
I have personally seen insecure young people at the beginning of a play turn into confident people I beleave that is one of the most important things a person can poses in life is confidence in ones self. And its even better when you can see that in a young persons life.
I was camping last summer with my grandson and needed something to keep his interest. On one of our outings we saw the theatre and decided it would be a great adventure. It was the best part of our trip and we still talk about how much fun we had, how nice everyone was, when we might get to go back, and who we want to invite to go with us. I would highly recommend the theatre to everyone of every age and gender!!!
The Olde Coloma theatre is a valuable asset to our community. It give many people the opportunity to discover and nurture their creative spirit. It is rich in historical value, not only with it's gold rush education program and sharing a wonderful part of American history in melodrama, the main building was built for the World Expo in San Fransisco in 1939 then moved to Coloma in the early 1970's. My children have been involve in many productions there and it has been awesome to watch them blossom. The confidence, public speaking skills and theatrical creativity that they have gathered there will benefit them all the days for their lives.
Olde Coloma Theatre is a treasure nestled in the heart of gold rush country. The Coloma Crescent Players Inc. enchant audiences with the charm of the Old West and California's Gold Rush Era.
The Olde Coloma Theatre is a family theatre and it brings together people from all walks of life to meet and work together and learn from each other. It is a safe, happy place where your children will be safe and eveyone is encouraged to tap into their creativity. I have seen many people, young and old alike, blossom and gain friendships, self-confidence, learn history, and develop talents they never knew they had.
I met my husband at the theatre; he was a volunteer working on the sets and props. After a year or so I finally coaxed him into performing on the stage. Eventually he found his niche as a physical comedian and vaudeville-style comic. About a year ago his boss mentioned that she was noticing him open up and become more confident and personable. He was promoted.
For some people volunteering at the theatre is an occasional thing, for others it is a full-time job with overtime. But it is always a labor of love, and it is all made worth it for the lives we touch and inspire, the joy and learing we bring, and the family feeling we find as a community.
My first experience at the Olde Coloma Theatre was attending the Christmas Show in December 2009. It is the definition of Community Theatre; starting with it's location at the edge of Gold Discovery Park and ending with foil balls hurled at the villian at the end of the show. The OCT is indeed a little treasure and I encourage you to attend with your entire family.
The Olde Coloma Theatre has been an amazing journey for my family for the past four years. The many lives that this little gem has enriched is amazing, from the thousands of fourth grade students from around the country that come to be part of our gold rush melodrama, the many amazing volunteers that so generously give their time and creativity, the amazingly talented actors that grace the stage come from many walks of life and economic backgrounds yet they all come together in the creative process and volunteer their time and efforts to make an awesome experience for the audience. We are also one of only a few theatre the still perform melodrama, this theatrical medium is a rich part of American history and is worth holding on to.
While visiting the Sacramento area, I had the great pleasure of attending a couple of performances at the Olde Coloma Theater. What a great community asset! I was so impressed with this creative group of folks. The melodramas that I saw had full audience participation from young and old alike. I am a teacher in southern California, and I only wish that there was a theater group like this near me where I could bring a classroom of kids. Not only is the theater experience a lot of fun, the exposure to rich California history is also refreshing.
The enjoyment I have received over the years as a patron of the Olde Coloma Theatre prompted me to take a position on its Board of Directors. As a Board member, I have seen firsthand how the Theatre has benefited both the local community and thousands of school children from around the country. The Theatre's School Show is a certified element of California's 4th grade history program. The Show presents California Gold Rush history in an engaging, accurate and informative way that brings history alive and makes it very memorable in the children's minds. The Theatre is a non-profit community theater staffed by volunteers, that has been bringing melodrama entertainment and education to the public since 1975. I am proud to be affiliated with the Olde Coloma Theatre. The Theatre deserves our strong ongoing support. Carol Fallon Vice-President, Board of Directors
I've been bringing groups of 4th graders to the theatre for 10 years as part of our study about the Gold Rush. Watching the play is the perfect way to end our trip. The students, parents, and staff love it. It is one of the highlights for us. I'd recommend visiting the theatre and watching the play(specially developed for this grade). The theatre staff has always been welcoming, and they put on a good play.
The Coloma Crescent players provide and educational and fun experience for students visiting historic Coloma where the California Gold Rush began in 1848. The players are great with the kids and include audience members in each production which engages them and helps them retain the information gathered through the show. The history is presented factually with flair and the humorous hour is lots of fun. Few Melodramas exist these days and it's wonderful for the students to experience the theatrical format as well as solidify their knowledge of the history of California. We look forward every year to our visit to the Coloma Crescent player's production.