5 Questions with Katy Sherman

Katy Sherman is a woman of many talents. She’s a wife, mother, managing director of The Plymouth Playhouse, a producer of shows like Church Basement Ladies…and a director, seamstress, actress, singer, and 4CT board member—the list goes on!

With her deep passion for theatre comes an equally strong commitment to 4CT’s middle school productions, presented at Orono High School in partnership with Orono Community Education. We caught up with Katy to ask her a few questions about this incredible program.

❓ You’ve directed over 10 middle school productions and contributed to the costumes, props, music direction, and scene design for these shows. Why is this middle school theatre program so important to you and the mission of 4 Community Theatre (4CT)?

✏️ Middle school is hard, especially for kids who haven’t found their people yet. When I first started, I told myself I would direct until someone else could take over. But after the very first day, I realized there was nowhere else I would rather be than in that room with those students.

What makes this program so important to me is the community it creates. Year after year, I’ve watched students show up unsure of themselves and leave feeling seen, supported, and valued. I have never witnessed a group of young people lift each other up with as much consistency and care as I have in this program.

That sense of belonging is at the heart of what theatre, specifically 4 Community Theatre, strives to do. This program doesn’t just teach kids how to perform; it gives them a place to grow, to take risks, and to find confidence in who they are. Supporting that mission through middle school theatre isn’t just meaningful to me, it feels essential.

❓ What makes this program in partnership with Orono Community Education so special and different from other community theatre experiences?

✏️ What makes this program so special is its foundation in educational theatre. While students still audition, those auditions are designed to meet each child where they are. Sometimes it’s a full prepared piece, and sometimes it’s simply a conversation with the directing team if they’re feeling nervous.

What truly sets this program apart is that every student is guaranteed a place in the cast. That commitment transforms the experience from one of competition into one of growth and belonging. It creates an environment where students can try something new, build skills, and take creative risks without the fear of being cut.

Because of that, this program isn’t just about putting on a show; it’s about giving every student the opportunity to be part of something meaningful, supportive, and empowering.

❓ What has been your favorite part of the middle school theatre program?

✏️ I feel like every year I’m learning a brand new language with all the middle school lingo. Getting to be part of the goofy GroupMe discussions, joking with the kids, and watching their friendships grow is such a joy. On top of that, getting to do this work alongside such an incredible group of directors makes it an absolute privilege.

But more than anything, it’s the energy in the room—the constant laughter during rehearsals and the pure elation after that first performance. There’s something incredibly special about watching it all come together.

It’s all magic. Every. Single. Year.

❓ Why is theatre so beneficial for young actors?

✏️ There is so much pressure to fit in during middle school—and really at any age. Theatre offers young actors a space where they don’t have to shrink themselves to belong. Instead, they’re encouraged to explore, to be bold, and to take creative risks.

It gives them the chance to hold onto imagination a little longer, to step into different roles, and to try on countless versions of themselves in a safe, supportive environment.

In doing so, theatre doesn’t just build performers, it builds confidence, empathy, and a stronger sense of identity.

❓ For a young actor who wants to sign up for a middle school production, but is too nervous to audition, what advice would you give them?

✏️ Come and play with us! There’s truly a place for everyone here. If being on stage feels a little intimidating right now, there are so many ways to get involved, in backstage crew, tech, or other behind-the-scenes roles.

And if you’re curious about being on stage but nervous about auditioning, that’s okay too. We’ll meet you where you are and help find a role that feels comfortable and right for you.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to show up.

Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr. performs at the Orono High School Auditorium from May 7-9. Tickets: oronoce.booktix.com

The 4CT middle school shows are a partnership with Orono Community Education.