The spotlight shines on Circle Arts!

Wurstfest donations help with needed upgrades.

Circle Arts Theatre is a not-for-profit theatre production company located in beautiful Landa Park, adjacent to the Wurstfest Grounds. Now entering their 50th year, the company has enjoyed a long symbiotic relationship with Wurstfest, working together for the past 46 of those years to provide an annual old-time melodrama during the festival. According to Wurstfest Executive Director, Suzanne Herbelin: “Circle Arts Theater is our neighbor and the producer of the very popular “Wurst” themed melodrama presented each year during the annual Wurstfest. People look forward to enjoying the Circle Arts Theatre production each year as much as they enjoy the Kartoffel puffers and bread pudding in the Marktplatz.” The 2017 feature will be a production of “The Beverly Wurst-billies”.

Their “Inner Circle” youth touring company is active in Comal County and the surrounding communities, presenting entertaining and informative productions which highlight crucial life lessons such as anti-bullying, self-confidence, problem solving, and teamwork. Younger children attend theatre classes all year long, learning to hone their creativity, confidence, and discipline.

As a community steward, Wurstfest allocates a portion of its capital to community improvements and supporting charitable organizations such as Circle Arts. In 2011, this generous support aided the theatre in completing renovations of their lobby and seating area. “With the generous support of the Wurstfest Association…” says Roberta Elliott, Executive Director of Circle Arts Theatre, “our improved facility has allowed us to increase the number of our productions and, as a result, we have seen an increase in the number of patrons attending our shows. Wurstfest’s support has resulted in dividends that keep on giving!”

A future grant will help offset the $30,000 cost of improving bathroom and storage facilities in the theatre, to further help Circle Arts entertain, educate, and nurture the community through the magic of live entertainment.