Our Story

History

1926

Madge Polk Townsley approached the Pen and Brush Club and the Woman’s Department Club with the idea of sponsoring a nonprofessional civic theatre group. Miss Townsley had been inspired by a visit in Detroit with her sister-in-law, Mary Townsley, and her friend, the late Jesse Bonstelle, owner of the Bonstelle Playhouse. Miss Bonstelle had trained nationally-known actors and actresses and fostered the emerging little theatre movement in America.

1928

The idea took root and prospered. In 1928, the Community Theatre produced four plays between February and May, no mean accomplishment for neophytes. They were presented in the Garfield High School auditorium under the direction of Frieda Bedwell

1929

The next year, the budding thespians moved to Indiana State Normal School Hall, certainly an inadequate facility for the presentation of plays. It was a large lecture room with chairs on a flat floor. The stage was a narrow platform of polished oak.

1931

The group moved to the vacant, once grand, legitimate theatre called the Hippodrome, a magnificent auditorium, albeit crumbling, shabby and cold. Community Theatre stayed there until the fall of 1947. Various professional directors were retained. Six weeks rehearsal culminated in one lone performance on Thursday night. It was said Thursday was picked because it was “maid’s night out.” Furnishings and costumes were borrowed. Local merchants were generous; newspaper and radio publicity was free. Volunteers working with “colorful” union stagehands, indulgent with “these amateurs,” created settings. Scenery was largely that belonging to the Hippodrome, immense flats of a bygone era, many rococo or paneled to resemble formal, some palatial, room settings used year after year in various arrangements. Others were painted and repainted. Homes and attics were searched for drapes, costumes, and properties, as is done today.

1937

The dismal financial woes of the thirties threatened bankruptcy for the little group, but lenient creditors and generous friends came to the rescue. In March 1937, the Community Theatre of Terre Haute was formally incorporated.

1954

For 28 years CT led a nomadic existence until the purchase of the Best Theatre. On December 1, 1954, following ten months of frenetic planning, fund raising, and remodeling, the Community Theatre realized its dream, a home of their own. Receiving gifts and pledges from supporters throughout the community, the Best Theatre a neighborhood movie house on the corner of 25th and Washington Avenue. became the permanent home of the Community Theatre of Terre Haute. Best Theatre 1954

1965

In preparation for construction of the new warehouse, the house on the newly purchased land south of the playhouse was razed. Hap Miller, in consultation with Juliet Peddle, supervised construction by contractors Newlin-Johnson, BA Electric, and Pfleging Plumbing Co. The new addition included a spacious workshop/warehouse, costume loft, and areas for props and paint. A full basement with restrooms was designed to be used for rehearsals and as a general meeting space. The newly cleared land was made into a parking lot for patron and provided access to a new stage door and vestibule. The final move into the new warehouse was made in November 1965. CT said “good-bye” to the rented warehouse at 1427 Liberty Ave. which had been home for many props, costumes, and scenery. At last, all the activities of the theatre were under one roof.

1965

First Nighters, a new women’s auxiliary was organized under the leadership of Irene Burget. The primary purpose of the group was to stimulate attendance at opening night performances by hosting receptions in the new lower level of the warehouse after the show. The board had decided to discard the idea of having just one director, as was the case in the previous year, and voted to use a variety of directors. Four of these were associated with Indiana State University and one from the Community Theatre group.

1991

For the first time in 42 years, Community Theatre asked the Terre Haute community to support its programs by providing funding for the $1,033,000 renovation and expansion of the Theatre building. The planning for this project began in 1991 with 6 public input meetings, proceeded to the design development stage with architects, cost estimates developed from the design, board retreat to affirm the project, feasibility studies and fundraising assistance with professional help.

1998

In October 1998 we successfully completed the renovation and expansion of our facility, adding 10,000 sq. ft. of new space to our existing structure, including the addition of large restroom facilities, a spacious two-story lobby, concession area, small kitchen, a rehearsal hall, and new costume and furniture storage space. 40% of the $1.033,000 goal was achieved with the help of a professional fund raising consultant and CT volunteers raised the remaining 60%.

2002

CT created the Oakley Series to be performed in the new rehearsal hall. The Oakley Stage is a “black box” theater area with a movable seating area, a movable stage, and a flexible lighting system featuring small casts & minimal sets. Open seating is limited to 60-70 depending on the configuration.

2018

Fundraising efforts to expand the CT parking lot began in 2017. Construction was completed over the summer of 2018, growing parking from 24 spots to 108.

Our Mission

Mission Statement

The mission of Community Theatre of Terre Haute is to entertain, educate, and enrich the community through dramatic arts.

Vision Statement

Our vision is to be an essential element in the cultural lives of those in our community.

Values

We value our patrons and volunteers. We strongly value:

Communication
Diversity
Education
Integrity
Quality
Respect
Responsibility
Teamwork

Board of Directors

President
Chris Newton

Senior Vice President
Mary Dinkel

2nd Vice President
Gregory Andis

Recording Secretary
Susan Bough

Corresponding Secretary/Historian
Barbara Potter

Treasurer
A.J. Dinkel

Rob Angus
Peggy Apgar
Michael Compton
Karen Crispin
Lois Danner
Jeri Doty
Tatum Dyar
Rachel Eversole-Jones

Christi Fenton
Scott Fisher
Sherrie Herner-Ellinger
Zack McCullough
George Pfister
Kosta Popovic
Sara Solooki
David Stone

Teresa Stuckey
Marie Theisz
Christiana Wittenmyer

President’s Designees
David DelColletti
Chris Gambill
Gary Greiner
Ted Hazledine