Taylin Halderman and Brett Robinson - September 2026 - On Eagles Theatre’s Stage. - Photograph by Lorynn Hunt.

We all know that feeling, when the doors swing open and the rush to the concessions that always seemed to taste better there than at home, collide into a joy riveting ball of energy in our chest; its the gasp, the thumping of pulse, and the squeals that involuntarily escape the mouths of even the young at heart. But it doesn’t stop there.

The search for your seat as the ambient sound of strangers and friends share about their day or in the excitement of anticipation the unified hum that melts into the air. When the lights are dimmed and the curtain is pulled, it is in that moment that everyone shifts in their seats, the heart beats a little faster, and the show begins. For a short amount of time the world is lighter, its quiet.

There is nothing like it, it is live, you have no choice but to be present. Your eyes don’t wonder, they are caught and before you realize it, you have slipped into the world of story. And, when it is all over you teeter on the cusps of imagination and realty as you pass once again through the doors of the magical place we call, the theatre.

When it comes to the ability to gather such vibrant atmosphere, rich storytelling, and textured experience; Fire Line Stageworks never misses. Taylin Halderman, the founder and executive producer, has brought live theatre back to Eagles Theatre’s stage with a dramatic entrance. Combining unmeasurable talent and passion, Fire Line is quickly making its mark in Wabash, Indiana.

Now as they are about to produce their 9th show with in 4 years, I sit down with Haldernman and Brett Robinson, the president of Stageworks, after their grand evolution to a Non Profit. To understand where they are heading, you have to know where they have been. Halderman takes us behind the scenes on why it all started to begin with.

Taylin Halderman on Eagle’s Theatre’s Stage - September 2026 - Photograph by Lorynn Hunt.

“Fire Line Productions started because I had this itch to direct a show.” Halderman states, “Alongside Ham Sadler, we decided on the founding name mostly to have a brand attached to “Almost, Maine”, that I would both be directing and producing. The thought processes was, we would do that one show and then move on, but it became so much more.”

But let’s take it back even further and talk about the rollercoaster of a ride he has been on so far and yet seemed to have lead him right here to this very moment.

Halderman fell in love with theatre when he was a junior in high school at Southwood, where Jessica Keffaber, a member of Stageworks’s board, was the drama teacher. But it wasn’t acting that drew young Halderman in, it was the production side of the show that he found his niche in. After high school, he went on to pursue a theater degree but soon decided to shift degree focus.

“I figured out that I would be better served with a business degree, so I switched majors. I ended up graduating with a business management degree, which personally, especially with Fire Line, has been the biggest blessing versus a theater degree thus far.”

Halderman has been working locally for the Honeywell Center and progressing his way up the latter doing everything from audio to special effects.

“It it's always been, for me, the technical aspects; of the lighting, audio, scenic design, special effects, and how those work. Theater really, in a way, in my educational sense, kinda came late.”

Late or not, there is no doubt about the talent and quality of workmanship that Halderman bestows on a show, both in the technical sense and in his ability to assemble a team of artist on stage and working behind it.

After that first show there was a push from other local talent, theatre enthusiast, and dedicated artists to continue beyond “Almost, Maine”. But jumping off the deep end to starting a theatre company is both risky and exciting. Brett Robinson, the now president of Stageworks as well as a highly talented actor, director and more; spoke in raves about the respect he has for Halderman’s, Salder’s courage and the excitement he, himself, had when he first heard about auditions to perform on the Eagles Theatre’s Stage.

Brett Robinson on Eagles Theatre’s stage - September 2026 - Photograph by Lorynn Hunt

“The draw for me actually was when they did the first show. I saw the audition on Facebook, and when I saw they were going be doing it here at the Eagles Theater, I knew I had to go right then. I saw it the last day of auditions, an hour before. I had no idea what the show was. I had never heard of it but I just wanted to be on this stage. After that first show I turned to Taylin and asked when the next one would be.” Robinson states.

“Thank goodness that Taylin took the leap because I don't think anybody else actually would have around here to create Fire Line Productions.” Robinson continues,
“You know, it was a lot of their own money, Taylin and Ham’s, there was a lot of risk involved there. Now we've come in with Fire Line Stageworks, which is still the brainchild of Talin. But hopefully now, we can create a more firm foundation so that it's not as risky for for him alone to do it. Now we can come in as a non profit, thus hopefully qualify for some grants. That is a really big goal of ours right now and to do more shows.”

From Fire Line Productions to Fire Line Stageworks, Halderman’s dream continues to get bigger beyond what he could have imagined. At the heart of what Halderman and his team wants to build, it is a strong, sustainable difference in their community using high quality live theater as the beacon.

“Financial stability, admittedly, was a big part of founding Stageworks, but also getting into the educational side of things. I wanted branch out into surrounding communities and schools, to teach workshops and hold lectures.” Halderman states.

“Also grow our local talent pool. Getting students and young kids involved, giving them opportunities to learn and confidence to pursue the arts is very important to us.” Robinson adds.

“Exactly.” Halderman continued, “That natural ebb and flow of talent and becoming even better thespians.”

Already drawing talent from surrounding county and producing shows that feature vast ages, Stageworks is already underway of doing just that.

Taylin Halderman, Jessica Keffaber, Robby Stanley, Molly Dazey, Jason Gornto, Janeen Kooi, Brett Robinson, Ham Sadler. - Stageworks Board - photograph provided.

The members of the board include: Taylin Halderman (Executive Director), Brett Robinson (President), Robby Stanley (Vice President), Ham Sadler (Treasurer), Molly Dazey (Secretary), Jessica Keffaber (Member At Large), Janeen Kooi (Member At Large), Jason Gornto (Member At Large).

Every member of the team is well known in the theater community for their unmatched talent but also their deep love for the arts. Halderman speaks with pride about the board’s abilities, “There is a range of ages on our board, which is incredibly important to both continue it on and to bring differing perspectives to the discussions we have. Their talents and their knowledge are exceptional but even more they have a desire to make a difference.”

‍“Our mission is simple: to help build, support, and strengthen the performing arts for
generations to come in Wabash and the surrounding communities.
We believe great arts communities are built by creating opportunities for artists, investing
in young people, supporting local talent, and giving audiences stories worth gathering around.
This is bigger than a name. It’s a commitment to the future of the arts in our community.”

Not only are they taking steps to making a difference in the realm of performing arts, Halderman also finds it incredibly important to push the envelope on the topics of shows.

“It is important to me to spark conversation. I’m not afraid of ruffling feathers, not to be offensive in anyway but to invite thought and growth. I think even more so today, with the way society is, we're very divided no matter what the subject is. I think that if we can provide a platform for for people to maybe erase those lines a little bit, to provoke open eyes, then we've done our job.” Halderman states.

Already doing such things as “No Exit” and “Doubt”, hitting heavy topics and thought provoking feelings, both Halderman and Robinson believe that the arts make a difference in the human experience and understanding. Of course that is part of the risk factor for a small town theatre.

“Everybody could benefit from being being a part of theater. I know there's a lot of folks that it may not be their cup of tea, but again it makes you think. It's a good to experience thought provoking shows and making it a point to go see them. It can help you grow emotionally and psychologically. In the end it just allows people to grow and that is very important part of growing up and growing out as a human being.” Halderman states.

Now about to showcase their 9th show, “Miracle On 34th Street”, through November 20th to the 22nd, Stageworks invites to you to support the arts by simply attending their show.

Having been in countless productions, playing a vast variety of characters and roles throughout his life, Robinson states how the audience is a crucial part of a show. “To support the arts can look as simple as sitting in the audience and bringing radiant energy to the show. There is nothing better, especially for the actors to hear the audience's response to a line. Whether it is a laugh or a gasp, it is so important. It is an energy and a cloud 9 feeling to feeling that I, as an actor, have done my job to make you feel as though you are in it and the outside world is forgotten."

There are countless ways of supporting the arts and you can find your way by heading over to www.firelinestageworks.org to learn more!

Thank you to Taylin and Brett for taking the time to sit down with me and sharing your passion, it was truly an honor. Continue to make history in our small town, and more importantly, a difference!

There is so much in this episode of the podcast that you will not want to miss.

LISTEN TO PODCAST EPISODE:

Follow Stageworks Socials:

https://www.facebook.com/firelineproductions

https://www.instagram.com/firelinestageworks/

MY SPONSORS:

A Simple Farm LLC:

Website⁠⁠: ⁠https://a-simple-farm-store.myshopify.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSS9M9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFKN1N1NVNta0R1WlY5VGN1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHm0-O0VuPIIgwqsr96f6isXGTXXUwPfH2DbPbbdez9X6A_ksBRNjpRzfkyDg_aem_7hkVmF2eNiUnklbk_WKYPA⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/asimplefarm/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dayinthesimplelife/⁠⁠⁠

Turn The Page Books and Music Store

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057158751423⁠⁠⁠