Performers Alex Lanning, Lina Marie, Kimberly Wilpon, Kara Ann Scullin , and Alondra Hughes on the stage at the Chenango River Theatre for Shout! The Mod Musical. (Photo by Beyond the Stage Photography)

By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

GREENE - This week, Commerce Chenango would like to highlight the Chenango River Theatre.

Chenango River Theatre started in 2007 in the old Page Seed building in Greene, and in 2008 moved to their current home, three miles south of Greene on Highway 12. The theatre performs 4 fully staged productions a year – comedies, dramas, and musicals.

The theatre is a non-profit organization, overseen by a board of directors, and the day-to-day operations are carried out by Producing Artistic Director Zach Curtis.

Last year, in 2023, the theater added a second staff member for the first time in the organization’s history.  The company now operates with a full-time staff of two.

According to Curtis, over 4000 people will attend a CRT show in 2024. 

“I always say, it’s not bad for a theatre where I can see cows across the highway from our front door,” he said.

Curtis said, “Dedicated to excellence, we strive to be recognized and supported as the leading professional theater company in the Greater Binghamton area. Our vision is to attract, employ and nurture talented artists to produce impactful and enthralling productions in our intimate venue, that not only challenge and entertain but also contribute positively to the cultural fabric of our local community.”

The artists who participate in shows at the theatre are a crucial resource for Curtis and the business. The theatre produces shows at a high level, and quality performers contribute to that.

When in performances, the theater hosts performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The show season is announced at the beginning of each year, and general auditions are held in the spring. The theater accepts auditions from across the nation.

Along with the challenge of continuing to grow and increase their audience post-pandemic, the Theater also hopes to expand the capabilities and reach of the theatre.  Curtis states, “A long term goal is to be able to increase the number of productions we have.”

“People are always surprised to hear that we are a rurally based, fully professional theatre – but the community has always welcomed us and made us feel right at home.    Greene is a fantastic town, and the greater Binghamton area has so much to offer, we feel we fit in perfectly.”

Curtis is surprised by the fact that the area is so invested in the arts, claiming, “It’s not like this everywhere.” Curtis also appreciates the support of patrons and donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more about the Chenango River Theater and to see their 2024 season schedule of performances, visit www.chenangorivertheatre.com or follow Chenango River Theatre on Facebook.