Nicole Lynch Program Supervisor, REM Iowa

Nicole caught the theater bug in high school, and a few years ago she auditioned for Agatha Christie’s “Unexpected Guest” at Marshalltown Community Theater and landed the lead role. That was just the beginning of her time with the community theater, where she now serves on the Board of Directors. The nonprofit is dedicated to bringing quality, live theatrical productions to the community, and Nicole is instrumental in ensuring this happens.

The group meets monthly to discuss finances, their upcoming performances, and any fundraising ideas to raise crucial funds for the theater. During the theater’s performances, you can find Nicole backstage doing hair and makeup for all of the actors. “I love being a part of the shows,” said Nicole. “It is a family, and I have made some of my best friends at the theater.”

The theater has a long history dating back to 1932 and is still enriching the community of Marshalltown today. This past holiday season Nicole helped the theater put on Elf Jr., which had a cast of 30 children from throughout the community. Corralling all of the children presented its challenges, but the joy that the children experienced by finding something they were good at made it worth it.

“Nicole found enjoyment in acting in her own life, so she loves to help others find their passion in the same way,” said Nora Byers, Program Supervisor, REM Iowa. “She also feels strongly about theater being something that all people should have accessible to them, and it gives people in our community an opportunity to experience something they may not otherwise have the chance to experience.”

To learn more about Marshalltown Community Theater, please visit their website at marshalltowncommunitytheatre.org.