The Little Theatre of

Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre ( or ) is a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Luzerne County. Located at the center of the Wyoming Valley in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had a population of 44,328 in the 2020 census. It is the secon ...

is one of the oldest continuously-running

community theatre Community theatre refers to any theatrical performance made in relation to particular communities—its usage includes theatre made by, with, and for a community. It may refer to a production that is made entirely by a community with no outside he ...

s in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

. Founded in 1922 as the Drama League, Little Theatre was incorporated as a

non-profit A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

under the new name in 1929. Its first performance was

Rudyard Kipling Joseph Rudyard Kipling ( ; 30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936)''The Times'', (London) 18 January 1936, p. 12. was an English novelist, short-story writer, poet, and journalist. He was born in British India, which inspired much of his work. ...

's ''The Elephant's Child'', delivered at what is now Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre. Little Theatre purchased its current location, a former movie theatre, in 1956. Following renovations, performances at the new location began in 1957.

History

Little Theatre was incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c) 3 Corporation by decree of Judge Valentine on June 17, 1929. Bernard F. Burgunder, Brandon A. Gearhart, Mrs. Fredrick Hillman, Mrs. Simon Long, Todd Rippard, Raijean Breese, Mrs. Franck G. Darte, Annette Evans, Mrs. Hugh Jenkins, Mrs. Ernest G. Smith, Daniel W. Davis and Leonard W. Parkhurst were the members, incorporators, and directors. Since 1923, Little Theatre has reached over two million people, presenting hundreds of productions. During the 1920s and 30s, “little theatres” proved to be a testing ground for new plays and talent, as well as a place to develop professionalism, foster self-expression, and have fun! Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre is the 3rd continuously running community theatre in the United States, and is still ranked among the 10 best “little theatre” groups in the land and is a charter member of American National Theatre and Academy. Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre made its home at the 537 N. Main Street Playhouse in 1957. The building, an old movie theatre, was purchased in 1956 and renovated for theatrical stage use. In 1972, because of renewed federal and state interest in the fine arts, the Pennsylvania Theatre Association approved the building for production, and remarked on the splendid facilities of the stage and equipment. The theatre's lighting board was a gift from Dorothy Dickson Darte, one of the theatre's founders, and was specially built by Fuchs, an expert and author on stage lighting. Annette Evans provided stage curtains during her lifetime, and the ''Annette Evans Foundation'' has provided for Little Theatre, one of her favorite “children”, with grants since her death.

Mission statement

“To provide professional quality, Broadway-style live theatre while ensuring a welcoming environment that enhances the cultural growth of the Greater Wyoming Valley.”

Notes

References

Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

External links

Official website
Theatres in Pennsylvania Theatre companies in Pennsylvania Buildings and structures in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Tourist attractions in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 1922 establishments in Pennsylvania {{US-theat-stub