Center Stage in Goochland: How a Small Theatre Builds Big Community

In the heart of Goochland County, a small but mighty theatre company is proving that the performing arts have the power to bring people together, spark creativity, and strengthen community ties. Goochland Community Theatre isn’t just about putting on plays; it’s about creating a space where local stories can be shared, neighbors can become collaborators, and audiences of all ages can experience the joy of live performance.

With a vision rooted in accessibility, education, and artistic growth, the theatre is cultivating a vibrant cultural presence in a rural community often overlooked by the broader arts landscape. From classic productions to youth engagement and volunteer-driven operations, Goochland Community Theatre is showing how the arts can thrive anywhere and belong to everyone.

In this spotlight, we talk to the co-directors Emily Gerber and Meagan Justice behind their upcoming production of Little Women, and explore what it means to build theatre with and for your community.

CultureWorks: For those who may not be familiar, how would you describe Goochland Community Theatre and its role in the local arts community?

Emily & Meagan: Goochland Community Theatre is a growing organization that empowers local actors of all ages to get involved in the arts. They provide youth classes and both youth and adult stage productions. 

CultureWorks: If you could describe GCT in three words, what would they be and why?

Emily & Meagan: Inclusive. Community-centered. Enriching. 

CultureWorks: Can you share a moment—either backstage, onstage, or in the community—that really affirmed why GCT is such a special theatre?

Emily & Meagan: GCT walks in the Goochland Day Parade each year with the cast of that season’s show. It is a fun community event that highlights and celebrates all of the amazing things Goochland County has to offer!

CultureWorks: What drew you to Little Women as your next production, and why does this story still resonate today?

Emily & Meagan: Little Women is a classic story that resonates with a lot of people across generations. People - especially women - have often had similar life experiences to at least one of the March sisters. At its core, Louisa May Alcott's story and our adaptation highlight women who grow and change in a way that makes sense for them. Despite the restrictions of the time, they foster love, hope, and light while living in a nation torn by conflict.  

CultureWorks: As co-directors, how do you collaborate creatively and divide responsibilities during the rehearsal process?

Emily & Meagan: We do a lot of prep work, so during rehearsals, we have the freedom to try different things and play with the text. We also run all of our thoughts and decisions by each other, so we are consistently on the same page while directing. We divide responsibilities by playing to our strengths. For example, Meagan is good at digging into the background of the play and the nuances of how Alcott’s novel translates into this adaptation. Emily is good at taking the information that we’ve curated or gathered and relaying it to the actors on stage. 

CultureWorks: How can people support or get involved in GCT, whether it’s acting, volunteering, or simply coming to a show?

Emily & Meagan: First, follow them on social media! Events, auditions, and other opportunities are always posted there. You can find the theatre @gvatheatre on Instagram and TikTok. They are on Facebook as Goochland Community Theatre.  Check the theatre’s website, too, to learn more and purchase tickets for all GCT productions: www.gvatheatre.org