Community theatre is a weird, beautiful beast. It isn't just about people in costumes forgetting their lines or hitting a slightly flat high note during a Sondheim tribute. Honestly, it’s about the soul of a town. In Bolingbrook, Illinois, that soul lives at Theatre on the Hill. Most folks driving down Briarcliff Road might just see a community center or a park, but for those who’ve spent a humid July evening sitting on a lawn chair behind the Living Water Christian Center, it’s something else entirely.
It’s magic. Pure, unadulterated, local magic.
Theatre on the Hill (TOTH) isn't your typical high-budget Chicago Loop production. You won't find $200 tickets or automated revolving stages here. What you will find is a relentless dedication to the craft that has spanned decades. Since its inception, this organization has functioned as a non-profit powerhouse, pulling talent from across the Will County area and beyond. It’s a place where a dental hygienist can be a Disney princess and a retired teacher can be a terrifying villain, all under the glow of stage lights and the suburban moon.
What makes Theatre on the Hill actually work?
Structure is a funny thing in the arts. TOTH operates under the Bolingbrook Park District, which gives it a stable foundation that many smaller troupes lack. But the real engine is the people. Take Michael J. Fudala, for example. His name is synonymous with the growth of this program. You can’t talk about the history of the "Hill" without acknowledging the sheer sweat equity he and the board of directors have poured into the grass-roots operation.
They don't just do "safe" plays.
While many community theatres stick to the same three comedies from the 1960s to avoid offending anyone, Theatre on the Hill has a history of swinging big. We're talking Les Misérables. We're talking The Hunchback of Notre Dame. These are massive, vocally punishing shows that require a level of technical prowess most amateur groups wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. They do it because they trust their audience. They know the Bolingbrook community wants more than just a distraction; they want to be moved.
The outdoor experience: Mosquitoes, blankets, and brilliance
There is something inherently visceral about watching Shakespeare or a musical outdoors. TOTH’s summer seasons are legendary for their "bring your own chair" vibe. It’s casual. It’s accessible. You’ve got families picnicking, kids running around the edges of the seating area, and then—hush. The music starts.
The transition from a noisy park to a focused theatrical space is a psychological shift that happens every time. It’s also incredibly difficult for the actors. Try projecting your voice over a distant siren or a sudden gust of wind while staying in character as a 19th-century French revolutionary. It’s hard. Really hard. But that’s the charm. It breaks the "fourth wall" in a way that an indoor, air-conditioned theater never can. You aren't just an observer; you’re part of the environment.
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Why Bolingbrook?
Location matters. Bolingbrook is a melting pot. It’s one of the most diverse suburbs in the Chicago area, and you see that reflected in the casting and the crowds. Theatre on the Hill serves as a bridge. It brings together people who might never cross paths at the grocery store or the gym. When you’re all laughing at the same joke or tearing up during a finale, those demographic lines start to blur. It’s a bit cliché to say theatre unites us, but honestly? It’s true.
The technical side of the Hill
People often underestimate the "techies." At TOTH, the lighting and sound designers are basically magicians. Working with an outdoor stage means you’re fighting the sun. You have to time your lighting cues with the sunset. Sound design is even trickier. How do you mic twenty actors so they can be heard over the cicadas without creating a feedback loop that destroys everyone's eardrums?
The crew at Theatre on the Hill has refined this over years of trial and error. They use a mix of body mics and area mics, constantly adjusting for the humidity—which, as any singer knows, does wild things to your vocal cords and the equipment. It’s a high-wire act every single night.
Breaking the "amateur" stigma
Let’s be real for a second. The word "community theatre" sometimes gets a bad rap. People think of waiting for a relative to finish a boring play. But TOTH isn't that. They pull talent that often works professionally in the city. You’ll see actors who have appeared in commercials, indie films, or regional tours who come back to the Hill because the atmosphere is just better.
There is no ego.
There is just the work.
When you watch a production like Next to Normal or Sweeney Todd (both shows they've tackled), you realize the talent pool in the suburbs is deep. These performers aren't "amateurs" in skill; they're amateurs in the literal sense of the word—they do it for the love of it. That passion translates into a performance that is often more raw and honest than what you’d see at a polished, commercial venue.
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Navigating the challenges of the 2020s
The last few years haven't been easy for the performing arts. We all know what happened. Many small theaters folded. They couldn't pay the rent or keep the lights on when audiences were stuck at home. Theatre on the Hill survived because of its community roots. They pivoted. They found ways to keep the flame alive, whether through smaller outdoor gatherings or digital engagement.
It proved that the "Hill" isn't just a physical location. It’s a group of people.
Now, as we look at the current seasons, the energy is higher than ever. There’s a hunger for live performance that feels different now. It’s more urgent. People realized that you can’t replace the feeling of a live orchestra or the sound of a real person singing three feet away from you with a streaming service.
How to get involved (even if you can't sing)
The most common misconception about Theatre on the Hill is that it’s only for "theater people." Wrong.
They need help everywhere.
Can you paint a fence? Great, you can help with sets.
Are you good with spreadsheets? The back-end administration always needs a hand.
Do you just like to organize clothes? The costume shop is your new home.
The auditions are open to everyone. Usually, they’ll post a call on their website or social media a few months before a show. You show up, you sing your 16-32 bars, you do a cold read, and you see what happens. Even if you don't get cast, the "Hill" family is notoriously welcoming. Most people who start as volunteers end up sticking around for years because the social bond is so strong.
The impact on local youth
TOTH isn't just for the adults. Their youth programs and the way they incorporate younger actors into mainstage productions is a masterclass in mentorship. Seeing a 10-year-old learn stage craft from a veteran actor who’s been doing this for forty years is something special. It builds confidence. It teaches discipline. Most importantly, it gives kids a place where being "dramatic" is actually a job requirement.
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Many students who started at Theatre on the Hill have gone on to study theatre at major universities like NYU, DePaul, or CCM. But even for the kids who become doctors or mechanics, the lessons they learned on that stage—public speaking, teamwork, empathy—stay with them forever.
Looking ahead: The next act
What’s next for the Hill? The goal is always growth. Better equipment, more diverse stories, and expanding their reach to even more residents of Bolingbrook and the surrounding towns like Plainfield and Naperville.
They continue to push boundaries.
The upcoming seasons usually feature a mix of high-energy musicals and thought-provoking dramas. If you haven't checked their schedule lately, you’re missing out. It’s one of the few places left where you can get a high-quality cultural experience for the price of a couple of pizzas.
Actionable steps for theatre lovers
If you want to support or experience Theatre on the Hill, don't just wait for a show to happen. Take these steps to get the most out of what they offer:
- Check the Calendar Early: Their summer shows sell out or fill up fast. Bookmark the Bolingbrook Park District's theatre page or the TOTH official site in the spring so you don't miss the ticket drops.
- Prepare for the Elements: If it's an outdoor show, bring more than you think you need. A thick blanket for the ground, high-backed chairs, and serious bug spray are non-negotiable.
- Follow the Audition Cycles: Even if you’re nervous, go to an audition. It’s the best way to see how the organization works from the inside. They often look for specific "types" or skills that you might not even realize you have.
- Donate or Sponsor: As a non-profit, every dollar goes back into the costumes, the royalties for the plays, and the technical gear. Even a small donation makes a massive difference in the quality of the next production.
- Bring the Kids: Don't assume a play is "too old" for them. Theatre on the Hill is a fantastic way to introduce children to the arts in a low-pressure environment where they don't have to sit perfectly still in a dark, scary room.
Theatre on the Hill remains a testament to what a community can build when they care about more than just the bottom line. It’s about storytelling. It’s about history. It’s about standing on a hill in Bolingbrook and realizing that, for a few hours, you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.
Go see a show. Bring a chair. Watch the sunset. And then, watch the stars—both the ones in the sky and the ones on the stage.