Local Actor Returns to Home Stage

Mainstage Center for the Arts' upcoming production of Godspell will feature actor Billy Hart, a former student who recently turned professional. 

Hart, 23, graduated from the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and has appeared in productions from New York to Wisconsin. He is currently wrapping up an engagement in Cats at the New Candlelight Dinner Theater in Wilmington. 

Hart credits his childhood training at Mainstage with his current success. 

“Mainstage was my life while growing up. I started at age nine in the Summer Stage Apprentice Program, moved up through the programs and eventually worked as an assistant director for the younger children,” he said. “Now, I'm performing professionally and working as a teacher of the arts. It's great to come back to Mainstage and witness its growth. “

For Hart, who grew up in the township, part of that growth includes the caliber of directors the program is procuring. 

April’s Godspell production is being helmed by Renee Chambers Liciaga, a veteran of both national and international Broadway tours. 

After performing the “We Beseech Thee” solo in Godspell, Hart will follow in Liciaga’s footsteps, starring as Schroeder and directing Mainstage’s spring production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

“The most exciting part about coming back to Mainstage as one of the professionals is I know that I will not only get to tell a story, but I will also serve as a role model for all the kids currently going through the program," Hart said. "Mainstage is a great opportunity for young people to grow as both artists and individuals... and I hope our audience will learn it's also a place that dishes out some really great theater."

Visit mainstage.org or call 856-227-3091 to catch Billy Hart in his triumphant return to Mainstage, and click youtube.com/watch?v=IRMK7ywJL08 to see the Godspell trailer.