About Us
Formed in 1951, The Little Theatre of Tuscarawas County, Inc, is a non-profit service organization dedicated to providing live theatre to the people of Tuscarawas County and beyond. The first play, Biography, was presented on October 9, 1951 at the former Union Opera House in New Philadelphia. After it was razed in May 1957, productions were presented at the New Philadelphia Elks, Dover High School, Tuscora Park, and even a tent! During this time the membership realized the need to have its own building.
After much worry, work, and planning, property was purchased, and plans were drawn for constructing a new facility. On September 9, 1961, the first shovel of earth was turned and construction began on the new theatre at 466 Carrie Ave. in New Philadelphia. Then on June 18, 1963, the new facility made its debut as The Little Theatre presented The Miracle Worker for eleven performances. This was the first time in the history of the organization that they were able to afford such a lengthy run. This milestone was reached only through the considerable amounts of money, building materials, and many hours of labor donated by members and friends of the theatre.
In 1990, a generous grant from the Reeves Foundation of Dover, Ohio funded the construction of an addition to the rear of the building, providing much-needed space for set construction and storage and wardrobe storage. Until this time, rehearsing performers tolerated the sawdust generated by on-stage set construction and the general congestion created by lack of storage space.The air-conditioned structure includes 191 comfortable theatre seats; dressing rooms; facilities for prop storage, set building, wardrobe, and make-up; professional lighting; and a lobby with box office, refreshment counter and restroom facilities.
Over the years, The Little Theatre has had the privilege of presenting hundreds of productions, chosen to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. Productions range each season from musicals to dramas to comedies to children's productions. Everyone involved with The Little Theatre does so with no compensation, giving their time and talents to help present high-quality productions to the community.
The Little Theatre is proud to be a member of the Ohio Community Theatre Association.
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Little Theatre Administrative Team
Board of Trustees
President - Shannon Mitchell
2021-2024
Vice-President - Shavonne McMillan
2022-2025
Treasurer - Machelle Miller
Appointed
Secretary - Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman
Appointed
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- Trustees -
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Doug Kopp
2021-2024
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Jade Boffo
2022-2025
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Shavonne McMillan
2022-2025
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Matt Spies
2022-2025
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April Bonvechio
2023-2026
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Garret Davis
2023-2026
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Josie McCutcheon
2023-2026
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Dan Wiandt
2023-2026
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Committee Chairpeople
Box Office
Jane Deitrick & Charity Waugh
Building & Grounds
Michael Antonelli
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Concessions
Bart Herman & April Tate
Curtain Call Newsletter
Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman
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Education & Outreach
Mary Maxwell
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Grants & Development
Mary Maxwell
Hair & Makeup
Debi DeVore
Historian
Vacant
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House
Don Irven & Halle Holmes
Lighting
Joe Compton
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Marketing & Social Media
Kait Gallagher-Wilsterman
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Membership & Patrons
Kettie Kneuss
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OCTA Delegate
Machelle Miller
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OCTA Regional Representative
Lisa Sommers
Bart Herman (Alternate)
Original Productions
Shawn Clay
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Playreading
Elizabeth Thomakos
Props
Vacant
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Publicity
Lee Elliott
Sound
Matt Spies
Set & Workshop
Kenn Holmes
Ushers
Sheila Samson-Witt
Wardrobe
Sarah Jane Spies