The Cat is one of the Carmel arts scene’s most important resources. Theatre companies always struggle, and brick-and-mortar is almost impossible to afford. To have a theatre where we can perform in Carmel, with individuals like Willie and Audrey who truly understand and have a passion for the art, is something other communities don’t offer.

Laura Baltz

Artistic Director, The Point

Within a few practices, Diana had become part of a play family; with a part that she could handle and be proud of. Everyone associated with the production went out of their way to help her feel safe and confident.

Bruce

Brother of Diana, age 60, an adult with developmental disabilities and a performer in "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

The Cat has provided me with incredible opportunities to push myself, stretch my skills, and leave my comfort zone, with the knowledge that there is a supportive community there to catch me.

Emmar Rund

Summer Intern, 2017, Chicago / New York Playwright

The Cat has opened many doors for me as a local playwright and also for the nonprofit organization that I direct, the Winged Victory Foundation. We were able to premier our play, Just the Truth, honoring the profession of journalism and its critical role in protecting our freedom. Thanks to the Cat. Noteworthy people attended, including city and town council members, theatre professionals, state officials and candidates, directors of local organizations, neighbors, students, professionals, and retirees.

Gen LaGreca

Novelist and Playwright, Winged Victory Foundation

Bardfest began with an idea. Could we feature a full-scale Shakespeare production but in a small intimate setting? The answer was yes if we could achieve strategic partnerships with small theatres in the community. The Cat has played a large role in our development. They were among the first to step forward and embrace the notion of a Shakespeare festival here in Carmel to enrich the cultural lives of its citizens.… The Cat believed in our dream and the results have been spectacular.

Glenn Dobbs

BardFestFounder and Executive Producer

We really appreciate having a place like The Cat in Carmel. Will and his staff have been kind and generous with their time, and have provided us with an affordable space for our summer camp productions and fundraiser.

Hillary Blake

CoFounder, M3

The Cat is a diamond in the rough in Carmel, the perfect place for a local, amateur playwright like me, which has and continues to allow me to stage my work…The people behind the scenes are great to work with…have a “can do” attitude about getting the show on stage…and reaches from the impossible, being the only theatre company in the world to perform Annie 1 & Annie 2 in repertory. If you like live stage performances, The Cat is a must! You will not be disappointed.

Louis Janeira, MD

The MD Writer

Olivia’s confidence has grown exponentially since she’s been here at the ACatemy. When she started, she didn’t want to speak any lines, and she certainly did not want to sing. But by the second production, she had many lines and a solo singing part. So I was very proud to see that kind of growth.

Michelle Web

ACatemy parent

Ballet INitiative has found a home at The Cat. From the friendly faces of the staff to all the assistance and support we’ve received with each production. We are so honored and proud to be The Cat’s residence dance company…The Cat has helped us to expand our repertoire and our audience reach, which is helping our business grow insurmountably. We love The Cat!

Ola Tarnowski

Co-founder and Artist, Ballet INitiative

…working with The Cat and their volunteer staff was nothing short of amazing. Willie Wood is truly a wonderful person. I had written my very first stage play and had no idea what was needed to get my play from paper to the stage. After being told that another theatre could not accommodate me, I called The Cat. Willie not only encouraged me, but gave me resources and helped me every step of the way. After two sold-out shows, I am eternally grateful to Willie and my new friends at The Cat. They took me in from the first day and supported me in a way that exceeded every expectation.

Shandrea V. Funnye

Author, Producer, and Director, Shandrea Funnye Presents

When the Carmel Community Players lost our lease to our performance space, The Cat went out of their way to allow us to perform the remainder of our season without major alteration … They have an outstanding, affordable performance space, allowing our patrons a high-quality experience unmatched in the Carmel area.

Tim Paramore

President, Carmel Community Players (CCP)