Downstage Productions Theatre presents “Gilligan’s Island”

Stepping into Downstage Productions Theatre in Gulfport, it’s easy to see that the small production group has had plenty of success by the show posters lining its back wall.

The theatre’s latest show? “Gilligan’s Island,” a classic musical about shipwrecked voyagers. It’s eight-man cast and director has worked hard over the last few months to help recreate a beloved story, as director Trae Spears explained.

“We started this show a couple months ago,” Spears said. “We started rehearsing for it, we’ve been working really diligently to put together this show because it’s iconic in the sense that everyone knows Gilligan’s Island.”

But Downstage Productions Theatre started as a small group with a big dream. The theatre was founded in 2013, and its first show, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” took the stage in 2015.

Spears said that the goal was to bring something to the city of Gulfport that it didn’t already have: a venue for performing arts.

“Being in Gulfport, Mississippi, we’re the only theater in Gulfport currently, and we just want to welcome the whole community to our building,” Spears said.

Over the years, the theatre has seen a constant stream of performers. Dylan Evans joined Downstage Productions in May and quickly earned a spot as the play’s title character, Gilligan. He explained that he’s found a home in the theatre, and now, he encourages others to do the same.

“It exposes you to a lot of good people, and it’s just great for your self esteem,” Evans said. “It builds confidence, being in front of the crowd, and it’s just a really good thing for young kids.”

And as beneficial as Downstage Productions is for those who want to be in the spotlight, it’s just as impactful for those who choose to sit back and watch.
“It’s really just something that is for the community. We want to bring people together both on the stage and off so that they have somewhere to come to belong because that’s what theater is, it’s a place for anyone to belong and be their true self.”
Ultimately, Downstage Productions serves as an important creative outlet, providing opportunities for all who go in its doors to do what they do best.
“A lot of people need an outlet to do shows and do what they love, and if we don’t have enough theaters then how are they going to be able to do that?”
While Downstage Productions Theatre is just now wrapping up another successful show, it is already looking to do the next big thing.