Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Reynolds.
Hi Debbie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Grapevine’s Runway Theatre has been bringing quality, live entertainment to the community for 41 seasons. As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, Runway relies on ticket sales, grants, and the generosity of individual patrons for support. Runway relies on its wonderful volunteers to run the box office, staff concessions, build sets, act – anything involved in the day to day running of a community theatre.
Our history starts in 1983 when a small group of individuals with a variety of backgrounds, but a common goal of a desire to establish a community theatre in Grapevine, formed an acting troupe called The End of the Runway Players (ERP). The first productions were rehearsed in a garage and several were performed at the Palace and the Backdoor Theatres.
The group produced five shows in 1983-1984 and mounted their first full season in 1985-1986. In 1986, the ERP became a nonprofit organization and established the Runway Theatre at 217 North Dooley Street as its first permanent home. After a devastating fire destroyed the theatre, the growing group created a “Rebuild the Magic” campaign to build a new theatre two doors down at 215 North Dooley Street. Since then, countless memories have been made as families and friends come together to perform, build set, volunteer, and enjoy live theatre in their community.
I joined the Board of Directors in 2024 as Director of Engagement and moved to Director of Publicity in 2025. All the Board members are volunteers…in fact, Runway Theatre runs on volunteer power. Our mission is “We’re passionate about producing entertaining live theatre in a welcoming home”. We’re proud to be involved in civic events and to support our home city of Grapevine, TX as a creative resource.
Runway Theatre’s 41st season is Hilariously Heartfelt – where joy, laughter, and heart take center stage. Get ready to laugh, sigh, and fall in love with theatre all over again! Runway Theatre’s 41st season delivers a sensational lineup of shows that prove comedy and heart go hand in hand. From outrageous farces to touching dramedies, each play is packed with larger-than-life characters, unexpected twists, and stories that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Join us for a season where laughter meets heart, and every story reminds us why live theatre is pure joy. At Runway Theatre, comedy never felt so good.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Probably the biggest struggle was having to cancel the season during COVID. That was a disappointment to the casts, crews, and patrons who were not able to visit their community creative home.
The fire that destroyed the theatre gave us the opportunity to find our permanent home…a larger space.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Runway Theatre is known for its committee-driven decisions, an all-volunteer board of directors and the high standards of accountability to our members and artistic community.
We are most proud of our financial stability through because of our patronage, donations, and thoughtful fiscal management.
Runway Theatre’s passion for always striving to achieve our vision, and exhibit a can-do attitude in all our actions is what makes us a special place.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
For me, theatre began in elementary school when I was able to perform on stage. That love of theatre continued throughout my life. Getting the chance to return to the stage at Runway Theatre and joining a new family of theatre friends is a dream come true. Like reliving your childhood memories all over again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.runwaytheatre.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/runwaytheatre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunwayTheatre
Image Credits
Kris Ikejiri
Amy Jackson
