Feature: 12 ANGRY JURORS at Community Theatre Of Cabot

“I’m really trying to build something here—reviving what existed in the past and growing it into something even stronger.”

That passion is at the heart of what Community Theatre of Cabot is becoming under the leadership of Artistic Director Keith Percefull, who stepped into the role in October 2021 and has been steadily guiding the organization toward an exciting new chapter.

That spirit of growth was fully realized in their recent production of 12 Angry Jurors, adapted by Sherman L. Sergel and directed by Fran Jameson, which ran April 10–12. Staged inside Cabot’s old District Courtroom, the production found the perfect setting for its story, blurring the line between performance and reality in a way that made the experience all the more compelling.

The play follows twelve jurors deliberating the fate of a teenage boy accused of murder, where a guilty verdict means death. What begins as a seemingly straightforward decision quickly unravels into a gripping exploration of doubt, bias, and humanity. One lone juror challenges the assumptions of the group, forcing each individual to confront their own prejudices and perceptions. It’s a story that remains strikingly relevant, reminding audiences that justice requires patience, empathy, and courage.

Under Jameson’s direction, the tension in the room was palpable. The authenticity of the courtroom setting elevated the stakes, making every exchange feel immediate and real. Audience members weren’t just watching a play, they were sitting in the very kind of room where these decisions are made, heightening the emotional impact of every moment.

The ensemble cast deserves immense praise for carrying such a dialogue-heavy piece with clarity and emotional depth. Each juror brought a distinct personality to the table, creating a dynamic push-and-pull that kept the audience fully engaged. From the quiet conviction of the dissenting voice to the explosive tempers of those eager to rush to judgment, the cast navigated the emotional arc with impressive control. It’s the kind of show that proves you don’t need spectacle to captivate an audience, just strong storytelling and committed performers.

That same commitment is what Percefull has been building behind the scenes. After taking over from founders Bob and Priscilla, who entrusted him with their “baby,” he focused on surrounding himself with people who could help the theatre grow. What began with a small core group from Beehive has expanded into a thriving, interconnected community.

“We started with maybe eight or ten people,” Percefull shared. “Now we’ve got a full board, a strong volunteer base, and more new faces coming in with every show.”

The growth hasn’t just been in people, it’s been in resources as well. What once relied on rented equipment, an analog soundboard, and a laptop now boasts full lighting systems, digital boards, and multiple computers. Step by step, production by production, the theatre has steadily built its capabilities.

One of the biggest hurdles has been visibility. Many Cabot residents still don’t realize a community theatre exists in their own backyard. But with a new location in the Cabot City Annex and a full season now planned out, that’s quickly changing.

A major part of that growth is the theatre’s academy, which now serves around 40 students. Offering classes in acting, musical theatre, playwriting, and technical theatre, the program provides a well-rounded education in the performing arts. Students don’t just learn, they create. Original works from playwriting classes are performed in showcases, with student directors leading the productions and making creative decisions from costumes to lighting.

Accessibility is also a priority, with scholarships supporting roughly a quarter of the students. Community partnerships help make that possible and ensure that the arts remain within reach for everyone.

Interestingly, many adult performers find their way to the stage through their children. What begins as a parent dropping off a student often turns into their own first audition and a newfound passion.

Looking ahead, the Community Theatre of Cabot shows no signs of slowing down. This summer will feature youth productions of High School Musical Jr. and Into the Woods, followed by Sister Act in the fall and It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play in December. For the first time, the theatre has mapped out a full season, a major step toward establishing a lasting presence in the region.

For Percefull, the mission is deeply personal. Growing up in the area, he remembers a time when opportunities in the arts were limited. After leaving and later returning, he was determined to change that.

“I want to create an outlet for the arts here—something I didn’t have growing up,” he said.

That vision is becoming a reality. With a collaborative spirit, a growing base of artists and supporters, and productions like 12 Angry Jurors elevated by its unforgettable courtroom setting, the Community Theatre of Cabot is finding its voice and making sure it’s heard.”