RiverStage Community Theatre has been enriching the cultural life of the Susquehanna Valley since 2003. Founded as the Milton Area Community Theatre, the organization was established with a mission to provide opportunities for local artists, performers, technicians, and volunteers while bringing high-quality live theatre to the communities it serves.
What began with a production of Pippin in 2003 quickly grew into a thriving community arts organization. Over the years, RiverStage has produced and co-produced more than 80 theatrical productions, ranging from Broadway musicals and classic dramas to Shakespeare, original works, children’s theatre, and community events. The organization’s growth reflects the passion and dedication of countless volunteers, performers, directors, designers, musicians, and supporters who have contributed their talents both on and off the stage.
Throughout its history, RiverStage has presented a remarkable variety of productions, including beloved musicals such as Into the Woods, Chicago, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Gypsy, Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music, Oliver!, and Monty Python’s Spamalot. The theatre has also earned recognition for its presentations of acclaimed dramatic works including All My Sons, A Raisin in the Sun, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Crucible, August Wilson’s Fences, and Twelve Angry Men.
A hallmark of RiverStage’s commitment to artistic growth has been its support of new and emerging theatre. Through the annual Gaspipe One-Act Play Festival, local playwrights, directors, and actors have been given opportunities to develop and present original theatrical works, fostering creativity and innovation within the regional arts community.
RiverStage has also embraced the timeless works of William Shakespeare through annual outdoor productions, bringing classics such as As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, The Tempest, and Romeo and Juliet to audiences in accessible and engaging community settings.
In partnership with Strictly Ballet, RiverStage has helped create one of the region’s most cherished holiday traditions through A Lewisburg Victorian Nutcracker, an annual production that brings together dancers, actors, musicians, and audiences to celebrate the magic of the season.
As the organization evolved, so did its identity. The transition from Milton Area Community Theatre to RiverStage Community Theatre reflected a growing regional presence and a commitment to serving audiences throughout the Susquehanna Valley. Today, RiverStage continues to provide meaningful artistic experiences while welcoming performers, volunteers, and patrons from across the region.
More than two decades after its founding, RiverStage Community Theatre remains dedicated to its mission of entertaining, educating, and inspiring through the performing arts. With a rich history, a vibrant community of artists, and an exciting future ahead, RiverStage continues to create opportunities for storytelling, creativity, and connection through the power of live theatre.
Jove Graham (President) received his B.A. in Theatre Studies from Swarthmore College, has worked behind the scenes or onstage at People’s Light & Theatre Company (Malvern, PA), Montgomery Playhouse (Gaithersburg, MD), Bucknell University, and is a graduate of the Arden Theatre Company’s APA professional apprenticeship program (Philadelphia, PA) with an emphasis in marketing and production. He has appeared in several RiverStage productions and has directed mainstage shows including Fools, Wonder of the World, The Fantasticks , Pirates of Penzance, Monty Python’s Spamalot, and most recently Tick, Tick… Boom! He works as a biomedical engineer and medical researcher.
Anne Griffin (Secretary) has been a registered nurse (RN) for all of her adult life, a career that has taken her around the world and back again. Growing up in Harrisburg, she loved attending community theatre performances. She has spent quality time backstage with the Lewisburg costuming experts, particularly at the high school level, and has more recently enjoyed time on the stage, appearing in Anne of Green Gables and Spamalot . In nearing retirement, she enjoys working with RiverStage as it continues to offer the region stimulating, thought-provoking and amusing entertainment.
Lindsey Sauer (Treasurer) brings theatre management experience to our board of directors, after having moved to the Lewisburg area in 2022 and being on the stage at RiverStage several times, most recently as Diana in Lend Me a Tenor. Other theatre credits include Big Mama in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with CTL, and Mrs. Cratchit in A Christmas Carol Experience with Micro Theatre on Broadway in Milton.
Stefan Eisenhower is a graduate of Shikellamy High School. Served in PA Army National Guard from 2008-2014. He has worked lighting and sound both in theatre and film production. Theatres include: Shikellamy High School Theatre, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, Gaspipe Theatre Company and Riverstage Community Theatre. Film Production: Fist in Post Films and Elephant Trunk Films.
Virginia Zimmerman is a Professor of English at Bucknell University and the author of two children’s books: The Rosemary Spell (Clarion Books 2015) and Pink a Women’s March Story (RP Kids 2022). She began acting in high school and enjoyed early success as a director when she was selected to direct at the Barns at Wolf Trap. She continued with theatre, both on stage and off, at Carleton College and then took a long hiatus before finding RiverStage and returning to acting in 2015. Since then, she has appeared in several local productions, including Dinner with Friends and The Pavilion (both with RiverStage) and Blue Stockings (at Bucknell), and she has directed twice for RiverStage: Anne of Green Gables (2019) and A Wrinkle in Time (2025).
Jillian Kerr, a 2014 graduate of Susquehanna University with a focus on theatre, has built an impressive career in the field. After completing two professional theatre apprenticeships in Michigan, she specialized as both a stage manager and production manager. Having learned much of her craft through hands-on experience, she now boasts a wealth of practical knowledge. Recently, Jillian had the opportunity to stage manage A Wrinkle in Time, marking her 35th show since graduating. When she’s not doing theatre she is probably talking about cats.
RiverStage is also grateful for our memories of Derek Scott, who served on our board for many years and passed away in 2023. Derek will be remembered for a long time in the Lewisburg area as a co-founder of Gaspipe Theatre Company and a driving force in the arts, music and theatre scene. He directed several productions for us, including A Raisin in the Sun, Twelve Angry Men, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
YOU?!?! Do you have an interest in the theatre? A special skill, a talent, or just creative energy? We are always looking for motivated, interested people to join us… use the “ Contact Us” form to get in touch today!