The Town of Danville is proud to present a Sixth Line Studios production of Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps, Abridged at the Village Theatre. This fast-paced, laugh-out-loud theatrical adventure promises to bring big-city caliber entertainment right to the heart of Danville.
Produced by Sixth Line Studios, a professional regional theater company known for hiring working actors from New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, this production marks the company’s first collaboration with the Town of Danville and its first time performing at The Village Theater. One featured actor joins the cast from New York, alongside a company of accomplished Bay Area professionals.
At the helm is Producing Artistic Director Katie Rubin, a working professional actress and director since earning her MFA in Acting from UC Davis in 2005, following her BA in Theater and Dance from Amherst College. Rubin’s vision is to deliver sophisticated, high-energy productions that rival those found in major metropolitan centers—without requiring audiences to leave their own community.
This partnership between Sixth Line Studios and the Town of Danville aims to raise the bar for performing arts at The Village Theater while strengthening the local economy. By drawing residents downtown for evenings and weekends of live theater, organizers hope audiences will also enjoy nearby restaurants, shops, and parking facilities—keeping cultural engagement and spending close to home.
Opening night on March 6 promises to be especially festive. Ticket holders for that evening will be treated to a celebratory pre-show party featuring a live jazz band, along with food and drinks included in the price of admission—making it a true opening-night event worthy of the occasion.
Stylish, suspenseful, and hilariously inventive, The 39 Steps, Abridged transforms Hitchcock’s classic thriller into a whirlwind theatrical experience performed by a small cast playing dozens of roles. It’s a rare opportunity to see nationally sourced professional talent on a local stage—and a compelling reason for Danville residents to discover world-class entertainment in their own backyard.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this limited engagement. Theater lovers, mystery fans, and anyone seeking a memorable night out are encouraged to secure seats early and experience the excitement at The Village Theater.
TICKETS HERE: Sixth Line Studios
About Producing Artistic Director Katie Rubin
Sixth Line Studios
How did your business get started, and what inspired you?
I’ve been a working stage and screen actor since 2005, when I earned my MFA in Acting from UC Davis. Over the past two decades, I’ve acted, directed, produced, written, toured, and taught across the performing arts, gaining a broad perspective on the industry. With that experience came a desire to step into a leadership role and build the kind of company I had long envisioned—one dedicated to treating its creative teams with kindness and respect, while creating meaningful, entertaining, high-quality work. I’m deeply grateful to the Town of Danville for taking a chance on us and supporting our mission to bring professional theater to the heart of the community.
What is your background, and how did you develop the skills to start your business?
I hold a BA in Theater and Dance from Amherst College and an MFA in Acting from UC Davis. I began as an improviser in college, quickly became a theater major, and started creating original work right away. After graduate school, I wrote and performed a solo show, Insides OUT!, which toured nationally for six years and became my full-time profession—an experience that gave me extensive training in writing, producing, directing, and performance. I earned my Actors’ Equity card during a production of the show at Sacramento Theatre Company, then spent the following decade performing in a wide range of productions while continuing to create new work. I went on to write, tour, and produce five additional solo shows, collaborate with directors, teach solo performance creation, and direct other artists’ work. I have also taught acting, improv, and stand-up comedy writing at Stanford University (Continuing Studies), American Conservatory Theater, and numerous theaters nationwide.
What’s the one thing your business is known for over your competitors?
Our company is known for bringing bold, professional live theater to Danville and the greater Tri-Valley. In partnership with the Town of Danville, we aim to create vibrant cultural experiences that encourage residents to spend their weekends locally—enjoying nearby restaurants, shops, and the arts. Our goal is to offer the same caliber of high-quality theater that audiences might travel to San Francisco to see, right here in their own backyard.
What is your favorite part about living/working in Danville?
Personally, I love the energy and spirit of Danville. It’s a charming, safe, and beautiful town with a deeply supportive community. One example that stands out is the local Chamber of Commerce: when members were asked why they joined, an overwhelming number told Noemi Chojnacka and the whole Chamber team that their primary motivation was simply “to give back.” That generosity of spirit speaks volumes about the values and civic pride that define Danville.
