Encore Performing Arts Center and Gallery

History:

It was October, 1987, a fledgling community theater was a Carlton High School Band Booster fund raiser. It was a unique idea, "Let's put on a play!" After six weeks of rehearsal for Neil Simon's, The Odd Couple, the parking lot was filled, the show opened, and the laughs came. The community, as well as the organizers, had a wonderful experience, and the band was closer to buying those new uniforms. "Lets do it again next year, and the next!" and we did. After three years of being a school project, we decided it was time to become a theater group with our own identity.

The County Seat Theater Company, by the "Seat of Your Pants Players" was born. We continued to perform, still using the high school facility for 13 years. During those years, the season grew to include Children's Theater, Christmas and summer shows, in addition to the traditional fall production.

Alas, it was inevitable! We began the search to find our own place to perform. It was a big step and slightly terrifying. Then came the discovery (sent from God?). We stumbled upon a quaint little church in the country, and it was, of all things, vacant and looking very lonely. The owner's generosity allowed us to move in and give this little church a try. It was small, but it had immense charm and atmosphere!

The first production in the old church, (September, 1999) was Steel Magnolias, and it was as equally exciting as The odd couple had been those many years ago. The audiences came, and came, and came to "hold over" performances. We were on our way (again)! In January of 2001, we were able to purchase the little church. Public support and love had made it possible.