Critiqued on Broadway World’s website, the reputation of the performances is attracting talent and audiences from a wide radius.Īlong with these changes is a name change.
Little theatre professional#
Today, that goal has been reached and the theatre is thriving once again! With all debt paid off, a restructured Board of Directors, professional staff and a newly renovated facility, this theatre is producing shows that are gleaning praise from the entire Central PA region. Funding for the arts allowed performing arts programs to grow during this time. The addition included a new costume shop, green room, dressing rooms, office space, additional backstage space and a Studio Theatre with seating for 110 patrons. This $1.1 million fundraising effort was led by Henry Leader. In 1997, a 7,000 square-foot addition was added to the theatre. He will always be remembered as “a leader blessed with integrity, tenacity, a love of learning and the very deepest humility”. With his death in 1982, the York Community lost the epitome of what a theatre director should be. YLT enjoyed decades of growth and success under Bert’s leadership. The production was a huge success! Many other blockbuster musicals such as THE SOUND OF MUSIC, BYE, BYE BIRDIE and THE MUSIC MAN were highlights of the summers in York County. Exquisite costumes came from New York City and elaborate sets were built. Their combined talents ensured the success of YLT musicals for decades to come.Īs YLT musicals became nationally renowned, Publisher Tams Witmark offered YLT the opportunity to be the first community theatre to produce HELLO, DOLLY! Rita Vasellas, a very talented local actress, starred in the production that also featured another local veteran, Kenny West. It featured the dynamic team of Wells Gemberling as Musical Director and Betty Dressner as Choreographer. In the 1960’s, YLT produced its first true musical, KNICKERBOCHER HOLIDAY. Bert will always have a special place in the hearts of everyone associated with YLT. Bert’s many contributions include bringing Shakespeare to the regular season of shows, shaping Studio Theatre to be a space for untraditional productions and having children perform the shows for the children’s theatre.
His creative talents and tireless efforts to present high quality performances resulted in decades of outstanding productions. The next 30 years were known as the Golden Era, with Bert as the heart and soul of YLT. The 1950’s also brought YLT the legendary Artistic Director Elbert (Bert) Smith. This tradition continues today and is as popular as ever! One of the most enduring fundraising projects in York County history was launched in 1958 with York Little Theatre’s Italian Steak Sandwich Stand at the York Fair. With aggressive fundraising, YLT took title of the building in May, 1956, seven years ahead of schedule.
Little theatre movie#
In July, 1953, YLT signed a lease-purchase agreement for the Elmwood Theatre, a former movie house. The cost escalated to $100,000, and the project never materialized. At a cost of $50,000, the Junior League agreed to help to raise funds, but in return, they wanted to build a larger building to be shared by both organizations. Alfred Hamme designed plans for a single-story theatre with 400 seats, dressing rooms and prop rooms. In 1949, plans were made to purchase a lot on McKenzie Street. Still renting space at the Phineas Davis Auditorium, YLT wanted a home of its own. This goal was not met, however, and the theatre sold the building in 1948 for $15,000, which was $4,000 more than they had paid for it. The renovation goal of $25,000 included a large stage, a fly gallery, generous seating, offices and a rehearsal room. This building had been the former home of the York Safe and Lock Athletic Club. Andrews Parish Recreation Hall on East Prospect Street. In September, 1945, YLT’s board approved the purchase and renovation of St. When World War II ended, YLT wanted to have a home of its own. In 1944, they raised $871,900 for the War Loan Drives, receiving a Citation from Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau “for patriotic cooperation rendered on behalf of the War Finance Committee of York County”. They also raised money for the 6th and 7th War Loan Drives. YLT casts also performed for local industry and they entertained service men at area camps to build morale during this difficult time. In the 1941-42 season, the theatre presented Clare Booth Luce’s THE WOMEN, utilizing a cast of all women. They constructed sets, ran crew and created lighting designs. Women assumed many of the duties formerly performed by men. The Depression ended, but the country was soon at war.
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