HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Dr. Jeffrey Riggs’ days are filled with patients and medical charts, while his evenings are occupied by actors and scripts. The Hopkinsville doctor is also the founding director of Campanile Productions, and chooses to spend his free time directing plays.

“I’m horrible at golf, so I don’t play golf. My passion is theater,” Riggs said.

After completing medical school, Riggs knew it was finally the right time to explore his interest in theater. “I was raised in a very strict household where we weren’t always allowed to do all the things that I’m doing now. But I always felt like I had a gift,” he said.

Riggs started small by helping with local church plays around Easter and Christmas, and eventually moved on to dinner theater and children’s musicals. About 15 years ago he teamed up with the Pennyrile Academy of Fine Arts, where he was able to work on South Pacific, and Beauty and the Beast. He eventually branched off on his own and formed Campanile Productions.

“At Campanile our goal is not only to entertain and inspire, but to exceed expectations. The only thing worse than no theater is bad theater,” said Riggs.

Since launching, they have put on almost 40 productions in Hopkinsville, with all of the actors coming directly from the community. “Certainly, there are times I’m worn out because this is like a second job. But at the same time, when I see the success of what we’ve done … that energizes me. That’s better than any hole in one you could ever do.”

Putting on a show

Aspiring actors from all walks of life in Christian County come together to share in their passion on stage with Campenile Productions. Riggs stresses that diversity is a very important goal of theirs. “Whether it’s race, gender, or sexual orientation, we want to be a safe place of connection. … We just want to come together and work together to create something bigger than ourselves, and at the same time establish community and support for each other.”

An amazing support team also ensures the success of the plays. Most of the costumes and sets are handmade, and continued support throughout the city ensures each play lives up to its potential. Their most recent show, Young Frankenstein, drew massive crowds at the Alhambra right before Halloween.

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Riggs believes that arts programs are the backbone of a thriving community like Hopkinsville and says that people must support the arts any way they can. “There’s more than enough to go around; this isn’t a territory thing because when we support each other, everybody wins.”

Open auditions for Cinderella at Campanile Productions are coming up on Dec. 2. Riggs encourages anyone with an interest in theater to come and give it a try. There are no small parts, only small actors. For updates about casting, upcoming shows, and other programs they offer, visit their website.