Theatre Historian Shares Memories Of The Stage In Time For 75th Anniversary

Join host Scott Leon Smith in the cozy lobby of Bucyrus Little Theatre as he sits down with longtime volunteer Tom Etsinger, house manager, master set builder, and keeper of BLT's rich history.

In this heartfelt episode, Tom takes us on a captivating journey from his trumpet-playing debut in the 1976 pit orchestra for Hello, Dolly! to designing elaborate sets with hammers, nails, and pure ingenuity. Hear behind-the-scenes stories of epic builds (like the historically accurate 1776 set that traveled across town), lightning-fast turnarounds between children's shows and adult musicals, and the quirky discovery that the theater floor slopes toward an old tractor-repair drain.

Then travel back in time to BLT's origins: the grand (but tragically fire-destroyed) opera house of the 1930s, the post-war rebirth sparked by a single Jaycees production, and the scrappy early days of storefront theaters, begged materials, vanilla fundraisers, and coffee breaks that paid the royalties.

As Bucyrus Little Theatre prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026 (coinciding with America's 250th) Tom and Scott tease exciting plans ahead and give a sneak peek at the elaborate, door-slamming set rising right now for the season opener, Neil Simon's hilarious farce Rumors.

Whether you're a theater history buff, a community stage veteran, or just love stories of passion and perseverance, this episode reminds us why there truly are No Small Parts — on stage or off.

About BLT

Bucyrus Little Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Bucyrus, Ohio. The organization exists to educate, entertain, and enlighten audiences in Crawford County and beyond. To learn more about our thriving community theatre, visit www.BucyrusLittleTheatre.com.

🎄🤠 Y'all, grab your eggnog and buckle up for a Texas-sized Christmas catastrophe! In this hilarious episode of No Small Parts, host Scott Leon Smith sits down with director (and board president) Abbey Kanellakis and cast members Debbi Gifford, Julie Pollock, and first-time actor Shadow Pollock to talk about Bucyrus Little Theatre's upcoming riotous holiday comedy, Christmas Belles, sponsored by Firelands Federal Credit Union, Lulu's Kitchen, and The Ohio Flower Girls!

Expect behind-the-scenes chaos as we dive into the Futrelle sisters' attempt to save (or destroy?) the annual Christmas pageant in Fayro, Texas. You'll hear about flying angels (maybe?), a very pregnant Frankie, a recently jailed Twink, a socialite with Hollywood dreams, a pastor with in love, and the sweetest little red wagon handler you've ever met. Plus, the cast spills the tea on jealous directors, 27 years of "traditional" pageants gone wrong, and why community theatre is basically one big dysfunctional family reunion.

We also get the scoop on BLT's second annual Christmas Basket Silent Auction: bigger, better, and now a true silent auction with incredible donations from local businesses (think gift cards, season passes, themed baskets, and more!). Modern Woodmen of America is matching funds up to $1,500, so your bid goes even further for the theatre. And huge shoutout to Castle Auctions & Appraisals for managing the online Silent Auction.

Listen now to laugh until the reindeer come home and find out exactly how you can bid on those amazing baskets! Shows run ONE WEEKEND ONLY: December 12–14, 2025. Tickets at BucyrusLittleTheatre.com.

Host Scott Leon Smith sits down with Bucyrus Little Theatre Board President Abbey Kanellakis to unpack the theater's upgraded fundraiser, now a full online silent auction powered by Castle Auctions and Appraisals. Running December 8–16 (with live promotion during Christmas Belles performances December 12–14), the event features themed baskets, local business donations, gift certificates, swag, and one-of-a-kind items, all matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1,500 by Modern Woodmen of America.

Learn how to donate (items, baskets, or cash—deadline November 24), get pickup coordinated via Allie Mueller (419-310-9616) or the theater (419-562-0731), and why every bid helps fund critical upgrades: digital signage, sound systems, lighting instruments, and monitors to amplify voices and storytelling in BLT's intimate space.

It's community giving that doubles your impact, fuels holiday shopping, and keeps live theater thriving in Crawford County. QR codes, programs, and MonsterVox social blasts make bidding easy. Join the fun and support the arts!

Plus: Details on the 50/50 Scholarship Raffle and a sneak peek at the Southern-fried hilarity of Christmas Belles, directed by Abbey herself.

No Small Parts is a Bucyrus Little Theatre podcast, hosted by Scott Leon Smith of MonsterVox Productions. To learn more about this podcast or the Bucyrus Little Theatre, visit www.BucyrusLittleTheatre.com.