Clarksville Little Theatre

We hope you enjoy your visit and that you consider being a part of one of America's Oldest Continually Producing Community Theatres in some way. Break a leg!

History

CLT began as the dream of Mr. Julius Obermiller, who enlisted the help of the Clarksville Optimist Club, the George Rogers Clark Parent-Teacher Association, and Donald Bottorff to stage a musical production that netted $300. This money was turned over by the Optimist Club to a committee to start a little theatre group. The theatre was organized in 1947 with its first productions taking place in the George Rogers Clark School gym. This was their home for several years, although a few productions were done at Colgate School. When rental fees became too high at the schools, they moved their operation to the Clarksville Optimist Club using a portable stage and sets that had to be moved to and from someone’s garage for every performance. At that time plans to build a theatre began to emerge.

In 1951, committees raised funds by selling 10 year, 2% notes to members of the community. These funds and a bank loan gave them the money to begin their project. The town of Clarksville sold CLT the land upon which the theatre was built. Donations of time, work and materials came from the community. It was a true community project.

Over the years, the building has undergone many improvements and renovations. All the while, Clarksville Little Theatre’s dedicated supporters have continued to provide the Southern Indiana and Metro Louisville Area with quality performances.