“If you want to go far, go together.”
Two theatre companies. A shared vision. Powerful stories that challenge audiences and spark conversation.
Destiny Theatre Experience and Verge Theater Company, run by Shawn Whitsell and Alicia Haymer, respectively, have joined forces to present their united 2026–2027 season, bringing together two creative voices committed to storytelling that challenges audiences, sparks conversation, and uplifts stories that deserve to be heard.
Guided by the belief that “if you want to go far, go together,” this partnership celebrates the power of collaboration and the importance of creating theatre that reflects the experiences, struggles, and stories of our communities.
“Alicia and I have been collaborating in different creative capacities for years. Co-producing a season was her idea and a no-brainer for me. It’s certainly a meaningful next step for us,” Whitsell says.
The season is an invitation for audiences to experience stories that remind us of our shared humanity, the importance of community, and the power of telling our stories.
First up is Free and Public Citizen, written by Haymer and directed by Whitsell.
The play is about a man protesting for justice, a brother seeking redemption from his past and a family and its community ravaged by environmental pollution.
“I directed a staged reading of this piece years ago when it was still in the development stage and I’m incredibly honored to see it through to a full production,” Whitsell says.
“We’re doing some unconventional things with this production,” he adds. “I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
FREE AND PUBLIC CITIZEN
Written by: Alicia Haymer
Directed by: Shawn Whitsell
Performance Dates: November 12–14 & 19–21, 2026
Venue: Darkhorse Theater
4610 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN 37209
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20
