Now starting its second year, Reclaimed Performing Arts Company kicks off the 2025 Lehigh Valley theater season with “Resilience Cabaret,” 7 p.m. Jan. 16, Civic Theater of Allentown Theatre514.

The theater group was founded by Cedar Crest College, Class of 2023, graduate Carter Reichard, who says its goal is to create a judgment-free artistic space that is not limited by how artists are perceived.

“We have been focused on removing the typecasting lens from the casting process,” says Reichard, adding that the company’s goal is to produce productions with the goal of showcasing those that are typically unseen and under-represented in the arts.

The cabaret, which features performances by members of the group’s Prismatic Players, will focus on resilience in all its forms.

“It is so important that we, as artists, stay inspired to keep creating,” Reichard says. “This piece was curated to both allow and encourage the artists of our community to show their resilience.”

Performers, in addition to Reichard, include Ryan Zickafoose, Cameron Kunsman, Jennifer Patchen, Chelsi Fread, Mitchell Hendricks, Liz Kehlor and Angel d’Andria.

Coming up for Reclaimed Performing Arts Company is “Words, Words, Words: A Gala of Stories,” 4 p.m. Feb. 2, Rodale Community Room, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. The theme is “Healing Through The Spotlight,” with a performance by the Prismatic Players.

The group, which presented “Much Ado About Nothing” in December 2023 and “Romeo and Juliet” in October 2024, will stage “Hamlet,” directed by Reichard, 7 p.m. March 28 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 29, East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Road, Bethlehem.

“Resilience Cabaret,” 7 p.m. Jan. 16, Reclaimed Performing Arts Company, Civic Theatre514, 514 N. 19th St., Allentown. https://reclaimedpac.square.site/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com