South Valley Civic Theatre: SVCT’ s Limelight Theater in the Spotlight
By Elizabeth Mandel
Fifteen years ago, Kevin Heath, a local actor and arts supporter, had a vision for a new kind of performing arts theater. Kevin carved out a space for“ Limelight Actors Theater” in the Gilroy Center for the Arts and successfully produced small plays in this intimate( 50 patron) environment for 9 years. Theater lovers were drawn to not just the plays, but also to the opportunity to bring their own dinner and wine to enjoy before the show and the convivial atmosphere.
When Kevin decided to close shop and move out of the area at the end of 2019, South Valley Civic Theatre’ s( SVCT’ s) board, led by Peter Mandel, stepped in
Gilroy Center For the Arts performing space to keep his vision alive. Mandel felt that,“ Limelight is unique in part because everything is so close— the performances, the reactions, and the laughter. With excellent acting, a connection develops between the cast and the audience.”
SVCT purchased Limelight’ s assets, took over the lease, and added small plays at Limelight’ s performance venue in Gilroy to SVCT’ s 5-show season( of mostly musicals) at the much larger Morgan Hill Community Playhouse.
The new Limelight venue in Morgan Hill
experience to attend our January-February production of the psychological drama, The Other Place. Shem-Tov said,“ We’ re already deep into planning this next show and also dreaming about what’ s ahead for next season. This little theater has given us the freedom to experiment, to take creative chances, and to tell stories that resonate with our community.” Learn more and buy tickets at https:// www. svct. org.
SVCT’ s timing was unfortunate. Their“ Limelight by SVCT” opening, scheduled for March, 2020 was delayed by 1 ½ years because of the pandemic. Then, after reestablishing Limelight with enhancements to the lighting and performance space, 8 well attended or sold-out plays, and rave reviews, SVCT lost their lease at the Gilroy Center for the Arts at the end of 2023. SVCT was determined to keep this unique Limelight experience available to their audiences. They added“ Limelight” plays to their 2024 Morgan Hill Community Playhouse schedule while scouring Gilroy and Morgan Hill for a potential new, small Limelight performance venue.
Dear Jack Dear Louise pre-show, Limelight Morgan Hill
After an exhaustive search, in January, 2025, Limelight by SVCT opened its first play at their new 50-seat capacity venue by the Morgan Hill Aquatics Center. Dear Jack, Dear Louise was a resounding hit and was followed in August by Kimberly Akimbo. The shows again featured small casts of outstanding actors from around the Bay Area, unique, innovative use of performance space, enthusiastic audiences, and a friendly environment with a full bar and patrons often bringing their own dinner. Emily Shem- Tov, Limelight’ s Managing Director observed,“ I love that people make an evening of it. They come early, grab a snack or a drink in the lounge, and catch up with friends before the show. It is great to offer that kind of experience and venue right here in Morgan Hill.” She added,“ It’ s been incredibly rewarding to see audiences respond so enthusiastically. Selling out our first two productions in the new space has been both humbling and energizing.”
In a small venue like this, great acting really shines; every breath and every glance carries weight, pulling the audience into the story. SVCT encourages those unfamiliar with the Limelight
Robert Sean Campbell, Megan Griffin
Dear Jack Dear Louise
Andy Kline with audience
Kimberly Akimbo- Andy Kline
gmhtoday. com Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... WINTER 2026 55