Our Story

Unsanctioned Rehearsals started the way the best things do — with two friends, a shared obsession with theater, and absolutely no permission from anyone to start a theater company.

Nicki and Kelly met through their kids' school and quickly discovered they had something in common beyond carpool schedules: a deep, abiding love for live performance. Nicki had directed community shows for years. Kelly had spent a lifetime in the audience, dreaming about what it might be like backstage. One evening over coffee (okay, wine), they decided to stop talking about it and just do it.

What began as an informal read-through in a living room grew into something neither of them expected. Neighbors showed up. Friends brought friends. Someone's uncle turned out to be a surprisingly good set designer. Before long, they had a cast, a crew, and a problem: they needed a name.

"Unsanctioned Rehearsals" was a joke at first — a nod to those early gatherings that happened without any official blessing, venue, or budget. The name stuck because it captures exactly who we are: a group of people who don't wait for permission to create something beautiful together.

We're not a polished, professional outfit. We're your neighbors, your coworkers, your kids' teachers. Some of us have been on stage our whole lives; others had never spoken a line before their first URS audition. What we share is a belief that community theater isn't about being perfect — it's about being present. It's about the magic that happens when a group of people commit to telling a story together, even when the set wobbles and someone forgets a line.

That's the spirit of "unsanctioned." We don't need a fancy building or a big budget. We need each other, a script, and the courage to get up on stage.

Whether you want to act, build sets, run lights, design costumes, or just help us hand out programs on opening night — there's a place for you at Unsanctioned Rehearsals. No experience required. Seriously. Some of our best discoveries have been people who wandered in thinking they'd just watch.

We hold open auditions for every show, and we're always looking for backstage volunteers. If you'd rather support from the audience, that's wonderful too — every seat filled makes a difference.