Heber's Charitable Acts Theatre 

• Quinn Calder
• Charitable Acts Theatre’s production of Arsenic & Old Lace

"My hope is the company can have an impact on causes that matter to the members of our community," says Carrie Zabaldo, creator and director of Charitable Acts Theatre. The reason: This local playhouse has put an appealing twist on community theater by donating 100% of its ticket sales to charitable causes.

The unique yet seemingly simple idea was born when Zabaldo realized she wanted to combine two of her personal pleasures. As a young adult, Zabaldo loved performing in front of a live audience, which led to her degree in the performing arts. She took a break from the theater to focus on her family and four children, and it was during this time she discovered her fondness for volunteer projects and nonprofit causes. "One day it occurred to me, combine my passion for the theater with my passion for philanthropy," she says.

Zabaldo had no delusions about the amount of work it would take to build a foundation from the ground up, but she felt that, as a resilient mother and wife, she was ready for the challenge. In the beginning, the theater truly was a one-man show—or should we say one-woman show—but Zabaldo kept moving forward, and soon had put together a full team and staff. She confidently says, "Finding donors, financial support and volunteers is a true struggle, but I believe once people know about us, the funding and assistance will start flowing in."

One of the greatest obstacles any young theater group faces is the lack of permanent stage space. While Zabaldo is grateful they have been able to use the Midway Town Hall for their performances, she admits that "it will be wonderful when we have our own brick-and-mortar building." Fortunately, she has a talented team that has designed a temporary circular stage with surrounding stadium-like seating to ensure "everyone gets an open view of the performance."

One positive unexpected outcome from the lack of theater space was the spotlight it put on the apparent need for a local community center. This realization prompted city planners to push for the creation of the Heber Valley Arts Center. Currently, plans are in progress for a development that will be a home to all types of artistic projects, from performances and displays to education and classes. Zabaldo, who is a member of the Heber Valley Arts Center board, further explains that "with the proper funding, it will become a home to connect artists and their crafts to the community."

In the meantime, even with their numerous startup challenges, Charitable Acts Theatre has produced two successful plays, and is currently working on a third production. After each show, members of the audience have commented on the professionalism of the shows, and have wondered if the Charitable Acts Theatre is a traveling theater group. "I take that as very high praise." says Zabaldo.

For 2024, the team is also thrilled to announce the addition of the well-known and seasoned director, Kristen Hughes. "We are so lucky to have her on board. She is exceptionally talented, has a degree from BYU and has directed dozens of plays.

The Charitable Acts players also shared their plans for the upcoming year. "The past two shows were comedies—Steel Magnolias and Arsenic & Old Lace." Zabaldo says. "Although I love comedies, I want our theater to explore all genres. So for our next production, we are going to do Our Town. It's a classic, and a lot of people think it's the best play ever written. It's just so touching, and it allows the audience to connect with the experience."

After all, connection is what the theater is all about. By connecting to the audience, connecting to the art community and connecting to the public, the Charitable Acts Theatre continues to donate all their ticket proceeds to local organizations. Thus far, the Horse of Many Colors Foundation (which supports local families affected by cancer) and the Community Actions Services & Food Bank (which provides food and support to vulnerable households and populations) have both benefited from the theater's donations. Zabaldo says, "It feels wonderful to help out such worthwhile causes."

The board of the Charitable Acts Theatre—along with its members and the local community—decides which nonprofit organization they will be supporting for the year. The process is very collaborative, and every voice is heard. If you would like to donate to Charitable Acts Theatre, advocate for a specific cause, or reserve seats for 2024, contact them to become a part of the experience.