McGraw selected to direct ‘1776’ next year

Jay County Civic Theatre hired Jennifer McGraw to direct its June 2026 production of the musical “1776” during its board meeting Wednesday. 

The show, which dramatizes the workings of the Second Continental Congress, will be held June 18 through 21, 2026, just a couple of weeks ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

McGraw is a longtime JCCT member whose directing credits include Steel Magnolias in 2014 and A Christmas Story in 2023. 

The board also: 

•Discussed potential directors for its 50th anniversary year shows in 2027. 

•Approved a donation to Asbury United Methodist Church as a thank you for allowing Jay County Civic Theatre to utilize its facility for its annual meeting, rehearsals and other events. 

•Discussed seeking nominees for its Tom Casey Award 

The next Jay County Civic Theatre regular board meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, in the board room at Arts Place. 

The next Jay County Civic Theatre show will be “Legally Blonde” on Sept. 25, 26, 27 and 28.