It all began with eight teenagers, $56, and a dream …
From first auditions to final bows, millions of magical Springfield Little Theatre moments were launched 90 years ago today. On July 24, 1934, the curtain opened on eight ambitious young performers, securing the future of the performing arts in the Ozarks.
Recent graduates of Springfield Senior High – now Central High School – Bruce Lemmon and Kirk Denmark sought a reprieve from the burdens of the Depression. With job prospects scarce, they dedicated their summer to producing Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST. Under the guidance of drama teacher Helen Johnson, the young men recruited six friends – Mary Garton, Dorman Sisk, Mary Hardin, Charles Killingsworth, Mary Hornbeck, and Jane Peterson – to join their cast. The group raised 56 $1 donations from area business owners, and the funds secured a one-night only booking at Clara Thompson Hall on Drury campus.
Their expectations were humble – enjoy the summer in a crippling economy. Yet, audiences were delighted by the production despite 106-degree heat. The show’s success provided the foundation for decades of Springfield Little Theatre performances.
Since those eight original members first stepped into the spotlight, thousands of community members have dedicated their time and talent to keeping the performing arts alive in Springfield. The strength and scope of programs has now outgrown the Little Theatre movement where it all began. Today, Springfield Little Theatre is a very big theatre with 9 youth performance troupes, pre-professional training, summer camps, education series productions, presentations of original works, studio concerts, and, of course, a full mainstage season. Careers have been launched from Springfield Little Theatre’s stages, and countless creatives have found their home on them.
All season, we will be celebrating the volunteers and staff who contributed to this great legacy in the series “90 Years, 90 Stories” through video, interviews, and more. Be sure to join us throughout the 90th Emerald Anniversary Season as more lifetime memories unfold.
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EXPLORE Springfield Little Theatre’s exciting shows and programs now.
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- The eight founders of Springfield Little Theatre, featured in the Springfield News and Leader prior to opening of their first production, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST.
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- The original document of business owners who pledged to donate $1 to secure funding for the inagural performance.
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- Cover of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST program, presented at Clara Thompson Hall in 1934.
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- Inside of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST program, presented at Clara Thompson Hall in 1934.
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- Ticket for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Springfield Little Theatre’s inagural production in 1934.
