There’s a new theater group in the West Columbia-Cayce area looking to bring theater to everyone, no matter their background.

Soda City Theatre Group was founded by three individuals: Debra Leopard, Mark DiNovo and Wayne Wright. The three founders bring years of experience in theater along with their transformative vision of community theater being accessible to all.

“Every theater has their niche and we’re looking to be a little different,” Leopard said. “We’re very interested in being inclusive and bringing theater to all people — both actors and audience. We’re trying to grow the arts audience.”

Currently, the theater group is taking applicants for its summer youth production, "Moana Jr." Anyone between the ages of five and 19 is welcome to get involved in this summer event. The theater group utilizes a church space for rehearsals as well as the Lexington Two Performing Arts Center for their productions. They don’t have a physical building of their own currently.

Leopard says Soda City Theatre Group isn’t just a children’s or adult theater company but a theater group for all. They won’t be limited to one style of theatrics.

For instance, the theater group has four of its actors participating in a historical reenactment at the Old Mill Pond Trail. The Shot Heard Round the World is a 250th American Revolution anniversary celebration of Lexington County’s namesake.

Leopard says the four actors from Soda City Theatre Group will perform vignettes along the lantern walking tour. It’s another way the theater group is working to be part of the community.

“We have a big group of people passionate about theater and we have a great support group,” Leopard told the Chronicle.

As for what the group will venture into, they won’t be limited to musicals even though they certainly will do their share of musicals.

“We have a lot of Columbia actors interested in drama. They expressed interest in more challenging plays,” Leopard said. “We’re open to everything. West Columbia is up and coming and has a nice arts district.”

Some ideas Leopard has include doing dinner theaters, improv and additional historical reenactments.

In addition to plays, Leopard says they also plan to offer workshops and classes. In fact, they’ve already had classes for both kids and adults. Leopard says workshops and classes are a great option for those who may not have the time or budget to spend working on a play that usually takes months of practice. Classes are typically one day.

It helps build “character through characterization” and allows people to explore a specific concept in acting. Doing a one or two-hour workshop may be more manageable for some people and Leopard says it can also provide good therapy.

The workshops for kids and adults are separate and teens would be in the adult group.

“You get to meet people and it’s a safe space to explore acting concepts. You will learn something different every time,” Leopard said. “I had a lady a couple of weeks ago who never did any theater for a while and by the time she left, she felt really good about it. It’s a safe space and you do have to push yourself as an actor.”

She says there’s no judgment, which is what they want. Leopard also says they’re definitely interested in expanding to the special needs population as she has experience in this area.

“We definitely want to be inclusive for anyone and everyone and want to be a safe place. To me, theater is where you develop relationships and we want people to feel supported,” Leopard said.

“We’re very excited about Soda City and not trying to compete with anyone. We want to support all theaters and would love to have a theater festival with different theaters involved,” Leopard said.

For more information, visit www.sodacitytheatre.com.