Theatreworks Usa history

TheatreWorks was founded by Stanford grad Robert Kelley in 1970, charged by the City of Palo Alto with developing new work by local youth in reaction to the unsettled times.

1973: The Little Theatre of New Milford is dedicated in October with a black-tie dinner party and amidst "rave reviews," according to local media, for "The Fantastiks."

By 1980, TheatreWorks had four full-time staff members, a six-member Board of Trustees, 700 subscribers, and a six-figure annual budget.

In 1984, he was succeeded by Randy Adams and the company began growing into a major professional theatre; within three years the annual budget surpassed $1 million and the company signed its first contracts with Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors.

When the 600-seat Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1991, TheatreWorks began producing five mainstage productions there each season, with three shows continuing at the Lucie Stern Theatre.

1997: Then-President Richard Pettibone announces the financial woes of TheatreWorks won't permit an estimated $20,000 in repairs needed for the building's roof.

1998: The Ellen Knowles Harcourt Foundation extends a $12,000 grant to boost TheatreWorks' hopes for the future.

In 2001, determined to expand its commitment to new plays and musicals, the company launched the New Works Initiative.

2002: TheatreWorks' first truly dedicated website – www.theatreworks.us – is launched on New Year's Eve.

2003: In January, a large balcony is built in the house to create a more sophisticated "technical booth," to make way for more seats, and to provide space for a band to play during musicals.

Phil Santora joined TheatreWorks in 2007.

2009: TheatreWorks receives its first ever operating grant from the State of Connecticut.

2014: TheatreWorks is named 'Best Community Theater in Connecticut' by Connecticut Magazine.

2017: TheatreWorks is named 'Best Small Theater in Connecticut' by Connecticut Magazine.

The 2018 production of ‘An Act of God’ was invited to participate in the AACT Regional Festival.