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buzz | tidbits
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COMMUNITY
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CREATING COMMUNITY

VILLAGE AT MEDFORD CENTER

DELISH COLLABORATIVE THEATRE PROJECT
hroughout the past year, we’ve been thinking a lot about com- ne powerful way to connect is through shared experiences.
Tmunity. Both the community we reside in and the community we O“Theatre creates community, as it has for centuries. It binds com-
create. Each nurtures the other and both make us stronger together. munities together. It encourages strength, hope and fellowship. Theatre
We’ve watched as local residents have formed community partnerships can be entertaining and educational at once,” says Susan Aversa, Artistic
to help neighbors heal from natural disasters and help keep each other Director of Collaborative Theatre Project (CTP).
safe amid a pandemic. The one common thread: people caring about
people and working to build community. Sometimes, it takes a village. CTP was one of the first new tenants in the re-imagined Medford
Center. Susan has been a resident of the Rogue Valley since 2005 and
For decades, Susan Prunty lived in the corporate world and baked on was, with her co-founders, excited about the prospect of adding live
the side to fulfill her passions. But corporate life wasn’t about building theatre to a venue that was a departure from the normal acting envi-
community or making real connections. So, she decided to change. ronment. The Village at Medford Center became home in 2016 with
the outstanding production of The Snow Queen. The first two years, the
“I reached a point after 20 years in the corporate world where I wanted plaza was under construction and the upstart company was hidden
to have a more positive impact on my local community. I had been behind scaffolds. It didn't, however, stop their reputation from grow-
baking from my home's commercial kitchen for a couple years when ing. Until the pandemic, CTP was on target to expand their offerings
I attended a corporate seminar where the speaker challenged us to and programming. Susan and the CTP team have worked through 2020
either commit to the things we felt were important or not. The in- and re-imagined how to create theatre under less-than-ideal condi-
between was a waste of time and energy. Three months later, I signed a tions. They've begun reopening and have crafted their season around
lease with the Medford Center to take a huge leap of faith in opening a the ideas of adventure, wonder and excitement.
small business.” Thus, Delish was born.
"As the pandemic affected every part of our lives -- relationships,
Susan understands the powerful magic food can have in helping estab- travel, simply eating out — we wanted to explore the wonders of the
lish connections and strengthen communities. world we've been a bit absent from and simply revel in the joy that life
brings," said Aversa. "So, we designed shows that would magically take
“The driving force behind Delish is connection. When people come you somewhere, beginning with our March production of Around the
into the bakery, I want them to be heard and feel part of something. World in 80 Days." As the weather warms, CTP will be back out on the
I'm constantly trying to think of new ideas to get people connected Plaza at the Medford Center, with their Children's Theatre bilingual
with one another. This goal became even more important after seeing programming, a resounding hit in 2020. Look for them to find new
the isolation during Covid. In the last two years, I've met great people ways to delight and entertain as 2021 sees the Rogue Valley reopen.
through Delish. I am so grateful for our customers and other local
small business owners. Their hope, excitement, and energetic word of www.ctpmedford.org
mouth solidify my belief that great things are coming for Delish.”

And great (delicious!) things are coming from Delish, as well. Come
to The Village at Medford Center and taste for yourself or visit Delish
online at

www.DelishOregon.com.

24 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | spring 2021