My early artistic development and creative roots sprang from the sandy soil of Galveston Island. I was Born On the Island (a true BOI) at St. Mary’s Hospital, attended Sacred Heart and O’Connell College Preparatory before heading to Fort Worth to get my degree from TCU. I’d made my mark in Galveston as the original Yellow Rose in the premiere season of The Lone Star, for which my name was immortalized on a plaque (the plaque, sadly not immortal, got lost when the structure was torn down). Though I spent the bulk of my career in New York City, I returned to Galveston to choreograph additional seasons of The Lone Star, and to perform in Annie Get Your Gun. I was very pleased when Mike Skiles invited me back to direct Brigadoon (one of the final shows in the Amphitheater), and numerous shows during the ensuing seasons of Texas Family Musicals, at both Moody Gardens and the Convention Center. Returning here to work allowed me to reconnect with the cultural life of the island.

When I came home to live in Galveston after over forty-five years, I was happy to find so much incredible creative work still going on. Individuals like Maureen Patton, Kim Mytelka, Larry Patton and Mike Gilbert have kept the lights on, culturally speaking, at The Grand 1894 Opera House, Island ETC and the Galveston College Chorale; the Galveston Symphony and Galveston Ballet also continue to be bright spots in the cultural landscape. My husband (a native son of Brooklyn, NY) and I have met so many people of all ages and different walks of life, with so much to offer.

But, for all the liveliness in the artistic sphere, I’ve felt the loss of certain elements that I remember from my early years. In those days, it seems there were many more schools for young artists to learn and perform in, and abundant opportunities for education in dance, music and theater. There was, as well, a strong sense of community involvement, support and awareness; everyone came out to attend the many shows, concerts and presentations. Auditoriums were full, and performers at all stages of their artistic lives had places to learn and to perform.

From the desire to recapture that vital cultural community feeling, I was inspired to create the artistic nexus that we are calling Act 3 Galveston. Starting by presenting concert (minimally staged) performances of plays and musicals, we aim to foster collaborations among creative organizations, and alliances with the unique performance venues of Galveston Island, including museums, educational institutions, theaters and historic buildings. Additionally, we will partner with artists both on the island and off, to build connections and provide mutual promotion and support for artists and institutions.

Our greater goal is to nurture a sense of involvement with the arts audience. Far from being limited to the window between curtain-up and curtain-down, our performances will offer opportunities for socializing, conversation, education, and interaction between audience and creatives. The opportunities for growth here fill me with excitement, enthusiasm and hope.
It’s our heartfelt wish that audience members will feel fully involved, and become enthusiastic members of Team A3G. This is the basis of Act 3 Galveston, and what we passionately hope to share with you all.

I look forward to meeting, speaking, entertaining and having you become a part of our life, as we desire to become a part of yours.

Welcome to Act 3 Galveston
Cailín (Colleen) Heffernan
Artistic Director and Founder