Another Opening, Another Show
Theatre Charlotte Celebrates Its 96th Season
Not many community theatres can claim 96 seasons of continuous productions, but Theatre Charlotte is proud to say they can! Theatre Charlotte started in 1927 as a play-reading group sponsored by the American Association of University Women. From there it evolved into full performances all around Charlotte. In 1941, they moved into their permanent location on Queens Road.
It was known at the Little Theatre of Charlotte back then,” says Jackie Timmons, director of marketing and development. “We’ve been doing shows ever since. The building has undergone some changes – dressing rooms were added, the lobby was relocated, but the mission has remained the same – to create outstanding theatre opportunities that are accessible and relevant to the people of the Charlotte region.”
Community is the central focus of Theatre Charlotte. “It is a community theatre, so it’s by the community, for the community,” Jackie says. “All of our actors on stage are local volunteers. Charlotte has an incredibly talented community. We had more than 100 people audition for one of our recent shows who were all excited to have the opportunity to take on roles. They rehearse for four to six weeks and then we have three weeks of performances.”
Theatre Charlotte has a dedicated group of hundreds of “behind-the-scenes” volunteers who help with ushering, lighting, costumes, and a host of other tasks that make the shows come together.
Young people can test their acting skills through two Theatre Charlotte programs. TCjr is for students from 8 to 14 and the Student Theatre Guild is for high school and college students. Both programs take place during the summer and are led by college students who are studying musical theatre. “They work with our professional staff, our director, choreographer, and music director,” Jackie says. “The Student Theatre Guild puts together a full-scale musical theatre production and TCjr does a junior version of a musical. About 50 to 60 kids participate and it’s a wonderful experience for them.”
An electrical fire caused extensive damage to Theatre Charlotte in late 2020. Much of the interior was beyond repair, but the community came together and helped rebuild the beloved theatre. “One thing is for certain: when it comes to community theatre, our community has never been truer. We’ve received an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our friends and family,” Jackie says.
The ever-popular Wizard of Oz was the opening show for Season 96 at Theatre Charlotte.
TowneBank is honored to be presenting sponsor for Theatre Charlotte’s 96th season. Visit TheatreCharlotte.org to reserve your tickets now.