Raleigh Little Theatre, founded in humble times, excels at enriching its community

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm

At the height of the Great Depression, the federal government launched a program called the Federal Theatre Project (FTP). The program, as part of the New Deal, was designed to reemploy the many theater workers impacted by economic collapse. According to the Library of Congress, "It was also hoped that the project would result in the establishment of theatre as so vital to community life that it would continue to function after the FTP program was completed."

That hope was realized in Raleigh Little Theatre, which was one of the many community theaters that emerged as part of this program, but is one of the few to continue to thrive. In 1936, with support from local leaders, Raleigh Little Theatre was able to open its initial campus that included a 300-seat proscenium theater, a 2,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, and a Rose Garden. More than eight decades later, Raleigh Little Theatre remains one of the oldest, continually operating community theaters in the country.

Perhaps part of that success comes from their mission. The purpose of Raleigh Little Theatre is to create a space where people can come together to discover and share a love of theater. "We see ourselves as a community service organization, we just happen to do that through the lens of theater, because we believe very strongly that when people come together to create and to tell a story, there is a lot that happens in the way of building community and enhancing empathy," said Heather Strickland, Executive Director of Raleigh Little Theatre.

Through the organization's arts and educational programs, it can open up a world of diverse stories and perspectives that unlock opportunities for theater patrons and participants to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Strickland added, "As we continue to emerge from a global pandemic, this also gives people a chance to reconnect with each other and process what they’ve been through."

That mission was shown especially clearly this year through the New Voices Program. New Voices is a playwriting program that seeks to lift up the voices of historically underrepresented populations. Local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as members of the LGBTQIA+ community had the opportunity to learn, share and present important stories that have been too rarely told.

Every year, Raleigh Little Theatre hosts approximately 10 performances. These shows are a mixture of musical and non-musical theater as well as a family series for younger audiences. "When we're picking shows for the season, we're really thinking about the opportunities that this show is going to provide to our community because once a show is up and running at Raleigh Little Theatre, it is entirely volunteer run. All the performers on stage are volunteers, all of the cast and crew that are backstage, and everyone working front of house and ushering, those are all volunteers," added Strickland.

Essential considerations when developing the organization’s programming include whether or not volunteers will have fun with it. From the set to the costumes, Raleigh Little Theatre seeks opportunities that will bring out creativity and stretch the imaginations of volunteers. The organization is welcoming to everyone who wants to participate. "It doesn't matter what your day job is or what your training is, we invite you to come and learn with us," said Strickland. Raleigh Little Theatre also offers year-round educational programs for children and adults to give participants insight into how theater production works, from set and costume design to the basics of acting.

All of these programs are made possible by generous community support. "Our community and corporate partnerships are vital to our existence and continuing to do what we need to do," said Strickland.

The important work that the organization does is one of the many reasons Whitley Law Firm is a proud supporter. "We feel that being part of a community with a well-rounded spirit involves providing entertainment and enrichment for that community. The Raleigh Little Theatre has been an institution that has been around helping to foster local talent and provide ongoing performances for our community," said Ben Whitley.

To learn more about upcoming performances or get involved, visit Raleigh Little Theatre online at raleighlittletheatre.org.

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm