Our History

The Talent Machine Company was founded in 1988 by Bobbi Smith, an accomplished, nationally recognized performer, choreographer and director who loved musical theater and wanted to share her love with young people. Her dream: to give children the chance to spread their theatrical wings while also learning the value of dedication, commitment and teamwork.

Together with several local collaborators, Bobbi wrote a script called The Talent Machine, featuring kids who entered a talent contest not believing they actually had any skill. During the course of the show, a delightful musical revue, they grew in confidence and discovered the real magic: the talent was inside them all along. All they had to do was believe in themselves.

With this show, our Company was born – and it has grown and evolved over nearly 40 years, offering thousands of young people the opportunity to discover their magic and the life-transforming  experience of musical theater.

When Bobbi died unexpectedly in 2001, her daughter, Lea Capps, took on the enormous responsibility of continuing her legacy. Since that time, The Talent Machine has emerged as an award-winning theater company, known for its high-energy, professional-quality productions and amazing choreography.

In 2024, the Company expanded its reach, becoming the first Maryland-based partner of The Penguin Project. This nationally recognized organization gives children with disabilities the opportunity to perform on stage, supported by peer mentors.

Today, The Talent Machine produces two summer shows, one holiday spectacular and one spring production in partnership with The Penguin Project, attracting more than 6,000 people to its shows every year.

Many of the young people who have performed with the Company in its 38-year history have gone on to professional careers as directors, choreographers, composers and Broadway dancers and actors. Many also return to the Company as directors, music directors and choreographers to share their love of theater with the next generation.