The Porch: An Immersive Theatre Gala Experience

This isn’t a traditional night at the theater. It’s an evening on the porch. At center stage sits a familiar front porch — the kind where neighbors talk long after the sun goes down and nobody quite agrees… but everybody keeps coming back. Seated there are two lifelong friends: Elijah and Thomas. They’ve seen Mansfield grow. They remember things a little differently. Thomas worries about change. Elijah reflects on a difficult past. And just when the conversation starts leaning serious, one of them throws in a one-liner that has the whole room laughing. Their stories are thoughtful — but never too heavy. Honest — and often hilarious. And you won’t be watching from a distance. This gala is intentionally intimate and immersive. The porch is close. The dialogue stretches into the room. The laughter is shared. You may find yourself nodding, responding, or feeling like you’ve pulled up a chair beside them. The line between stage and audience gently fades. Elijah and Thomas will also appear in the upcoming production of The History of Mansfield — the first major student-led production of the Poised Institute of Community Theatre (PICT). This evening serves as a fundraiser to support PICT and its students as they prepare to bring Mansfield’s story to life on stage. When you attend, you’re doing more than enjoying a night of storytelling. You’re helping build Mansfield’s legacy through the arts. The porch is set. The chairs are close. There’s room for you. Seats are limited.