Raleigh Little Theatre facts for kids
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| Formation | 1936 |
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| Type | Theatre group |
Raleigh Little Theatre (RLT) is a community theatre located in Raleigh, North Carolina. It puts on many plays each year. RLT also offers fun classes for both kids and adults who want to learn about theatre.
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About Raleigh Little Theatre
Raleigh Little Theatre started in 1936. Its goal was to give local people a chance to act and enjoy live plays. RLT performs about 11 shows every season. They have their own shops to make costumes and sets. A team of 16 full-time and part-time staff helps run everything. More than 600 volunteers from the community also help out. RLT has many people who buy tickets for the whole season. Over 40,000 people come to see their shows each year.
History of RLT
Raleigh Little Theatre began in 1935-1936. A group of performers in Raleigh teamed up with technical workers. These workers were part of the Federal Theatre Project. Together, they wanted to bring community theatre to Raleigh. The theatre celebrated its 75th birthday season in 2010–2011. A play called The Piano Lesson was their 600th show in October 2010.
A local leader named Cantey Venable Sutton helped build the main theatre. She also helped create the outdoor amphitheatre and the beautiful Rose Garden. These were built with help from the Works Progress Administration. In 2000, the main theatre was named after Cantey Sutton. RLT gives out awards each June for great performances. These awards are called "Canteys" in her honor.
RLT was a very important theatre in the South. It was the first community theatre in the South to let actors of color perform. This happened during a time when people were kept separate because of their race.
Theatre Venues
The Raleigh Little Theatre has three places where shows are performed.
- The Cantey V. Sutton Theatre was built in 1939. It has 298 seats.
- The outdoor RLT's Louise "Scottie" Stephenson Amphitheatre was also built in 1939. It can hold 2000 people.
- The Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre was built in 1990. This smaller theatre has 150 seats.
Special Events
Raleigh Little Theatre holds several special events throughout the year. Some of these events help raise money for the theatre. Others are social gatherings to thank the volunteers. Some of these events include:
- Divas!
- The Canteys
- Costume Sale
Youth Education Programs
Each year, RLT teaches over 900 children and adults. These classes are part of the Dianne Davidian Education Program. They happen all year long at the theatre and other locations. Also, more than 1,000 students in Wake County learn about theatre. This happens through the RLT Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Active Arts Outreach Program. This program brings theatre workshops and performances to schools.
Notable Performers
Many famous people have performed at Raleigh Little Theatre. Some of them include:
- Andy Griffith (in the early 1940s)
- Frankie Muniz
- Clay Aiken
- Ava Gardner
- Lachlan Watson
See also
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
