by Brooke Wagner

photos by Arianna Skoog 

Frank Sinatra once famously crooned, "Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars…" He may have very well found many of those stars right here in Billings. The name of one of our most iconic performing arts centers pays homage to that rare astronomical event when a star suddenly and drastically increases in brightness, so much so that the name is the Latin word for "new," appearing to be a new star entirely. 

NOVA Center for the Performing Arts was born through the merger of Venture Theatre and Rimrock Opera in spring 2013. With a mission to "enhance the performing arts culture of the greater Billings region through education, development, and performance," NOVA shines bright as a local space for performing arts, offering drama, musical theater, and opera under one roof. 

Dodie Rife has been the Executive Director of NOVA since 2015. She began as a volunteer for the 2009 production of Carmen with the Rimrock Opera and fell in love with the stage. She has tackled every role from prop master to stage manager, costume designer to director. Rife credits a fantastic team with her success at NOVA. She says, "Our team is composed of staff members, interns, board members, volunteers, and people we hire for specific tasks or productions. We even hire community members as needed to direct shows, teach classes, and help with summer camps." It takes an incredible troupe of individuals to keep the curtains rising at NOVA, as the only other full-time paid staff member is the center's Youth Director, DeLaney Hardy Ray. Rife says, "She does a fantastic job engaging young people!" 

One of the key goals at NOVA is to serve as a creative hub for established and emerging artists. With other organizations renting NOVA for performances or meeting space, the building is in use almost every day of the year. This variety ensures that there is always something to inspire and engage audiences of all ages. The center also provides a platform for workshops, masterclasses, and educational programs to nurture the next generation of artists. By offering these opportunities, NOVA helps to cultivate talent within the community and fosters a deeper appreciation for the arts. 

The 12th season in 2024 kicks off this month with "Space Pirates," presented by the NOVA Youth Conservatory. This group holds a special place in Rife's heart, as it brings together students ages 5 to 18 to develop their talents, perform in productions, and gain much-needed confidence on the stage within a welcoming and fun environment. Rife recalls one memory from a recent production, "We end our Youth Conservatory sessions by having the students present a public showcase to demonstrate what they have learned. During one of these programs, a music class, one student forgot the words and panicked. She knocked over the music stand, looked out at the audience with a horrified expression, and fled the stage." Though devastated, she pulled herself together and returned to the stage to start from the top. She did a great job. This was an affirmation to Rife that she felt safe and supported at NOVA, which is precisely the environment they're striving to create. "We're a place for learning, where you can give it your best shot, make mistakes, regroup, and try again." 

Rife loves highlighting NOVA's important role in our community and beyond. She says, "As a Community Theater and a Youth Conservatory, fun is at the core of everything we do. Integrated within the fun is a rich cultural experience that nourishes and enriches the souls of all involved. That's why the arts are so important to every community. There's a theory that says one of the best economic indicators of the health of a community is the presence of a vibrant and diverse arts culture. I agree with that!" NOVA makes the arts accessible from the standpoint of an observer and a performer. Rife says, "We provide a place for people to get involved, regardless of their skill level or experience. We sing, laugh, dance, act silly or serious, but mostly, we connect at a human level. We remind each other that, at our core, we are more than economic units. We are human beings who need to care about, understand, and support one another." 

In addition to formal productions, NOVA is brimming with opportunities to dabble in the arts, even if your time or experience is limited. On the first Sunday of every month, they offer "Reader's Theater," an opportunity for adults and older teens to enjoy a play and bring characters to life - no makeup or memorization required. Classes for aspiring playwrights, an introduction to theater, and even "tiny tot" groups for kids ages 4-6 are offered throughout the year. There is truly something for everyone. Even if you aren't sure the spotlight is for you, NOVA offers a class called "Backstage Pass," where students can learn about costumes, props, lights, and sound that make the production come to life from behind the curtain.  

Rife encourages anyone in the community to check out the fall adventures at NOVA. Whether you're a first-time showgoer or a regular attendee, she notes, "We have opportunities for people to get involved whatever their comfort level. Whether you want to attend a show or volunteer to participate, there's a place for you at NOVA." 

To learn more, follow NOVA on their website at novabillings.org or on social media at facebook.com/novabillingsmt. SLM

Originally printed in the September 2024 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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