Name: San Benito Stage Company
Address: P.O. Box 1893, Hollister
Contact: 636-0122
When Mary Casillas says the San Benito Stage Company can change lives, she’s speaking from experience.
Casillas joined the company nine years ago with little stage experience aside from acting. Now she’s just completed her debut as a fully-fledged director – Casillas helmed the stage company’s spring production of the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.”
Over those nine years, Casillas’ daughter, 17-year-old Laura Delano, has stayed involved too. She’s acted in more than 15 plays, including the company’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” beginning on July 19.
“It has opened up so many doors for her,” Casillas said. “Just seeing the difference in her confidence … just seeing that, you know it’s all worth it.”
That kind of improvement and experience is what the non-profit stage company contributes to Hollister, Casillas said.
“It brings arts to the community, especially to young people,” Casillas said.
Delano plans to continue pursuing theater and dance in College, Casillas said – but as a minor, not a major.
“I’m speaking as a mom now,” Casillas said, laughing.
Casillas has also become the vice president of the stage company’s board of directors, and she said they’re always looking for more support. The company puts on four shows per year, so there are plenty of opportunities for people to get involved in every aspect of production, she said.
