Taking Center Stage in Fredericksburg: Shining a Spotlight on Luminary Theatre Company

When Cheryl Lane was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, it became a turning point that would eventually lead her to create something extraordinary for the Fredericksburg community. Since then, she has "spent a lot of time making sure I am doing things I am passionate about and that I love." That passion materialized into Luminary Theatre Company, a professional theatre organization she founded last September after conceiving the idea in March 2024.

Lane, who serves as Founder and Executive Director, brings a unique blend of artistic vision and community care to her work. A Registered Nurse by profession, she has been involved in theatre since childhood, balancing family life with her work in the professional theatre world. "This theatre company is a labor of love and a desire to create the kind of place I want to work," she explains.

Luminary Theatre Company is dedicated to creating immersive, innovative theatre experiences that are accessible to the entire community. The organization's mission extends beyond entertainment, focusing on providing a home for local artists while offering high-quality, affordable theatre and theatre education for both professionals and young people. Most importantly, they are committed to investing in and being part of their community.

The philosophy driving Luminary is simple: "Our philosophy is that everyone should have access to high-quality theatre experiences, on or off stage," Lane states. "Art can reflect, enrich, and bring together communities in ways that nothing else can. We believe art is essential to healthy communities, and that the best art is made when artists feel seen, safe, and supported."

What truly energizes Lane in her work is witnessing the transformative power of artists who are supported. "My inspiration is the artists we work with. I love seeing someone who is supported and empowered creating theatre that is impactful and beautiful," she shares. She also finds joy in reaching unexpected audiences, explaining, "I also love when we bring theatre out from behind the theatre walls and reach someone who wouldn't have otherwise been impacted."

The company's impact is already being felt in the community through various partnerships and initiatives. One notable collaboration is with the Spotsylvania Parks and Recreation Department, which offers accessible theatre experiences and educational programs for children. "It's one of those things that highlights how we impact the community and live out our mission," Lane notes.

Luminary also supports emerging talent through their Spotlight series, which brings new works to the stage for writers and composers. They prioritize hiring locally and supporting early career professionals both on and off stage. Their interns even receive opportunities to shadow professionals in Washington, D.C., as part of their experience.

Lane has an essential message for the community: "I want our community to know that theatre is for everyone. We want you to come enjoy the stories of our community in new and innovative ways, and to feel the joy and excitement that theatre can offer." She also extends an invitation to local businesses, emphasizing their desire to "work with you to bring new experiences to your customers and forge partnerships that enrich us all."

The company has exciting events on the horizon. A meet-and-greet is scheduled for August 23 at The Bourbon Bar at Ironclad Inn, one of their early partners. This event will offer community members the opportunity to learn about Luminary, featuring potential performances and an exciting community partnership announcement.

The main attraction will be their first mainstage production, "A Christmas Carol, or the Marvelous Reclamation of Ebenezer Scrooge," running from December 12 to 28th at the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds. Tickets become available August 15. This isn't your traditional Christmas Carol – it's a modern adaptation set in present-day Fredericksburg, featuring original music, movement, and puppetry. As described on their website, it's "a celebration of love, memory, and the power of community" that tells "a story of joy reclaimed, of one man's journey back to the light, and the people who help him find it."

This dream and journey of Lane’s would not have been possible without a little help: "I want to give credit to my friend and creative partner, Wilson Pezzuto," Lane says. "Wilson is a crazy gifted composer, writer, and director who also happens to sing and act. When we met he was working in the DC market a lot and was getting ready to make the move up there. I started sharing my vision for Luminary with him, and he ultimately decided to put DC on hold and stay and build something here with me."

Pezzuto is Artistic Director of Luminary, and the composer for its first stage show. "We share the same vision for Luminary and passion for community," Lane exclaims. "I’m so glad to have him as my partner and could not do any of this without him."

While their first mainstage show is still ahead, Lane is optimistic about their trajectory. Their smaller performances have already sold out, and she hopes "that trend continues."

Through Luminary Theatre Company, Cheryl Lane and her team are creating more than entertainment – they’re building a cultural cornerstone that enriches the entire Fredericksburg community, one performance at a time.

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Stay in the loop! Check out luminarytheatreco.org or follow @luminarytheatre on Instagram or Luminary Theatre Company on Facebook to learn about upcoming events and how to get involved.