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 fun community theatre in Raleigh, North Carolina. It puts on many plays each year. RLT also teaches kids and adults about theatre. It's a great place for people to learn and enjoy live shows!
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What is Raleigh Little Theatre?
Raleigh Little Theatre started in 1936. Its goal was to offer plays and theatre chances for people in the community. Each year, RLT puts on about 10 to 11 shows.
The theatre has its 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 is very popular. It has the most members of any community theatre nearby. Over 40,000 people come to see its shows every season.
A Look Back: RLT's History
Raleigh Little Theatre began in 1935-1936. A group of local performers teamed up with technical workers. They wanted to bring community theatre to Raleigh.
The theatre celebrated its 75th birthday season in 2010–2011. In October 2010, they put on their 600th play, called The Piano Lesson.
A leader named Cantey Venable Sutton helped build the theatre. She used the Works Progress Administration program. This program helped build the main theatre, the outdoor amphitheatre, and the Rose Garden.
In 2000, the main theatre was named after Cantey Sutton. RLT's yearly awards for performances are called "Canteys" in her honor.
RLT was also special because it was the first community theatre in the South to have actors of color. This happened during a time when people were kept apart by race.
Where the Shows Happen
The Raleigh Little Theatre has three places where plays 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 2,000 people.
- The Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre was built in 1990. It has 150 seats and is used for teaching.
Fun Events at RLT
Raleigh Little Theatre holds special events all year. Some events help raise money for the theatre. Others are parties to thank the volunteers. Here are a few:
- Divas!: A fun show featuring talented performers.
- The Canteys: The annual awards ceremony for the theatre's best performances.
- Costume Sale: A chance to buy cool costumes from past shows.
Learning Programs for Kids
RLT helps over 900 children and adults each year. They learn about theatre through the Dianne Davidian Education Program. This program runs all year at the theatre and other places.
More than 1,000 students in Wake County also learn about theatre. This happens in their classrooms or at youth groups. RLT's Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Active Arts Outreach Program makes this possible.
In 2003, RLT started its Arts Active Outreach Program. This program brings theatre workshops and performances directly to schools. Many students get to experience theatre who might not otherwise.
Famous People Who Performed at RLT
Many well-known actors have performed at Raleigh Little Theatre. Here are a few:
- Andy Griffith performed here in the early 1940s.
- Frankie Muniz
- Clay Aiken
- Ava Gardner
- Lachlan Watson
See also
- List of contemporary amphitheatres
Images for kids
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The main building of Raleigh Little Theatre.
