Today we’d like to introduce you to Darla Hand.
Darla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve loved theatre for as long as I can remember, but I’ve always been just as fascinated by the spaces where it happens. While studying music at the University of Michigan, I found myself drawn to directing, producing, and creating experiences that felt more personal and accessible than a traditional performance setting.
In the summer of 2025, I founded Loonlight Theatre with a simple idea: great theatre doesn’t have to happen inside a theatre. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to direct, produce, and grow a company that transforms restaurants, patios, parks, libraries, and other unexpected spaces into performance venues. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, we’re able to bring live theatre directly into the communities they already serve.
One of my favorite parts of directing is creating a rehearsal room where people feel comfortable taking risks. I love working with experienced performers, but I also enjoy giving opportunities to people who may have never imagined themselves on stage. Some of my favorite moments have come from watching someone discover they were capable of far more than they thought.
Directing in nontraditional spaces also means letting go of the idea that there’s only one “right” way to make theatre. Every venue has its own personality, so every rehearsal process and every production has to be flexible enough to embrace it. Rather than trying to force a space to behave like a theatre, I love finding creative ways to let the space become part of the story.
As Loonlight’s founder and artistic director, I wear a lot of hats, from directing and producing to marketing and community outreach, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is to create high-quality, affordable theatre that feels welcoming to both lifelong theatre lovers and people experiencing live theatre for the very first time. I hope every production reminds audiences and performers that with a little imagination, almost any space can become a stage.
If you’re curious about what Loonlight Theatre is all about, our next production, Oscar Wilde’s Lady Windermere’s Fan, runs August 6–9 at the historic Dixboro Village Green. We’d love to welcome you under the loonlight!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been building a theatre company from the ground up while wearing just about every hat imaginable. But I don’t think any new venture is ever completely smooth, but I’ve genuinely enjoyed figuring things out along the way. Since Loonlight Theatre doesn’t follow the traditional theatre model, every venue is different, which means every production is too. I’ve been introducing people to a different way of thinking about theatre. Because we perform in unconventional spaces, every production requires a lot of flexibility and problem-solving. There isn’t really a blueprint to follow, so every show teaches me, and everyone involved, something new. Starting a new company has also meant building trust and introducing the audience to an idea they may not have experienced before. But once audiences see a performance in one of these spaces, they usually understand exactly what Loonlight is all about. Watching that happen has made every challenge worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I’m not working with Loonlight Theatre, I’m a musician first. I’ve been playing percussion for about 10 years and have had the chance to perform with a variety of ensembles, including the University Band at the University of Michigan throughout all four years of college, the Washtenaw Community Concert Band and their Town Band, chamber groups, solo performances, and even the occasional accordion gig when the opportunity pops up. My background in music has a huge influence on the way I direct, and it’s why live music has become such an important part of Loonlight’s productions. I enjoy using music to tell the story beyond the script and create moments that audiences can feel as much as they can watch.
I love bringing different art forms together. Whether I’m directing a play, coaching a drumline, teaching private percussion lessons, or producing a show in a restaurant or park, I’m always thinking about how to make the experience feel welcoming, collaborative, and a little unexpected. I don’t believe there’s only one right way to make theatre, or any performing art, and I enjoy adapting my directing style to fit the people I’m working with and the unique spaces we’re performing in.
I’m probably most proud of creating opportunities instead of waiting for them. Founding Loonlight Theatre has allowed me to give performers, musicians, and community members a chance to be part of something they may not have experienced otherwise. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone step on stage for the first time, discover a new passion, or teaching anyone how to be involved in music or theatre! That’s what keeps me excited to start the next project.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I’d say don’t be afraid to start with what you already have. Some of the best opportunities come from the people around you: friends, local business owners, community organizations, and people who simply want to see you succeed. Reach out, ask questions, and build relationships. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help if you just ask. I’d also encourage people to embrace social media. It has been one of the biggest tools for growing Loonlight Theatre and connecting with new audiences and finding cast members. You don’t need a huge marketing budget to make something look exciting; you just need creativity and consistency. There are so many ways to create a high-end experience without spending a fortune if you’re willing to think outside the box. And honestly, most importantly, just trust yourself. It’s great to ask for feedback, but if you ask ten different people for their opinion, you’ll probably get ten different answers. Listen to advice, but don’t let it drown out your own vision. At some point, you have to make the decision that feels right to you and move forward. You can always learn and adjust along the way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loonlighttheatre.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/loonlighttheatre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Loonlight-Theatre/61577407244222/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LoonlightTheatre
- Other: https://loonlighttheatre.ludus.com
