About Soda City Theatre Company
Our Story: Theatre with Heart
Soda City Theatre Company (SCTC) was founded by three passionate theatre artists—Debra Leopard, Mark DiNovo, and Wayne Wright—who share a vision of bringing the transformative power of theatre to the Cayce and West Columbia communities.
After years of performing, directing, and teaching, the three recognized a need for more accessible, community-driven theatre experiences in the Midlands. With SCTC, they set out to create a space where people of all ages and backgrounds could discover the magic of live performance—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience.
At SCTC, we believe that theatre is more than entertainment—it’s connection. It’s a place where creativity is nurtured, voices are amplified, and lifelong memories are made.
Our Mission: Empowering Through the Arts
We are dedicated to enriching lives through theatre education and performance.
Our goal is to:
- Foster creativity by providing educational opportunities through workshops, youth productions, and acting classes.
- Cultivate community by creating a welcoming environment where everyone—regardless of experience—can participate and grow.
- Elevate the arts in West Columbia and Cayce by producing high-quality, professional-caliber shows while making theatre accessible to all.
What We Do
- Live Theatre Performances: We produce compelling, straight plays that tell unforgettable stories and showcase local talent.
- Acting Lessons for All Ages: Our inclusive acting classes provide a welcoming space for children, teens, and adults to explore the art of performance.
- Accessible Education: We strive to make the performing arts available to everyone, regardless of background or experience.
Why We Do What We Do
At Soda City Theatre Company, we believe that theatre has the power to transform lives. Whether it’s a child finding their voice in their first youth production, an adult rediscovering their creative spark, or an audience member being moved by a powerful performance, these moments matter.
As we grow, we are committed to expanding our reach—offering scholarships, launching community outreach programs, and making the arts accessible to all. We want to inspire creativity, foster belonging, and build a thriving arts community right here in the Midlands.
Get Involved – Be Part of the Magic
Whether you want to take the stage, learn a new skill, or support the arts, there’s a place for you at Soda City Theatre Company.
- Attend a show – Experience the magic of live theatre.
- Join a workshop – Learn, grow, and express yourself.
- Support the arts – Sponsor a program, donate, or become a partner in bringing theatre to our community.
Together, let’s bring the magic of theatre to life—one performance, one workshop, and one connection at a time.
Meet Our Founders
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Debra is a veteran actress, director, and educator with over four decades of experience in theatre. She has directed and performed in countless productions throughout the Midlands and beyond. With a Master’s degree in Theatre and an extensive background in teaching, she is passionate about mentoring the next generation of performers.
As Artistic Director of SCTC, Debra brings her visionary creativity and dedication to every production, inspiring actors of all ages to develop their skills and confidence. She believes in creating a positive, disciplined, and collaborative environment where students and performers can thrive—on and off the stage.
Mark DiNovo – Co-Founder
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Mark has been acting in live theatre and film since 1978, with over 20 productions to his name since moving to the Midlands in 2003. His lifelong love for performance is matched by his commitment to building a theatre family, where people of all backgrounds can experience the joy of storytelling.
As a co-founder of SCTC, Mark is excited to make theatre more accessible in the West Columbia and Cayce communities. He believes in the life-changing power of theatre and looks forward to growing SCTC into a place where everyone feels they belong—whether they’re on stage, building sets, or in the audience.
Wayne Wright – Co-Founder
Debra E. Leopard – Artistic Director & Co-Founder
Wayne Wright – Co-Founder
Wayne is a pianist, personal trainer, and passionate theatre artist with a degree in mathematics. With over 40 years of musical experience and a growing repertoire of performances, Wayne is dedicated to making the arts accessible in his community.
At SCTC, Wayne manages business relations, social media, and marketing, helping to build partnerships and increase visibility. His deep appreciation for the arts drives him to create opportunities for both seasoned performers and newcomers to experience the magic of theatre.
Our Partners
