About Us:
One of the most beautiful old historical structures in downtown Appomattox is the old courthouse. With a new courthouse now directly behind the old, the old courthouse was vacant and no longer being used. There was talk of leveling it.
With a love of old architecture, Appomattox and the arts, I made a proposal to the county Board of Supervisors, asking permission to lease and renovate the old unused historical courthouse to turn it into a lively new cultural arts center for classes and a community theatre. It was a niche that had not yet been filled in the community, with many locals interested in the opportunity to take arts classes and perform.
My proposal was granted mid-August of 2006, and a frenzy of activity followed: new flooring, lighting, newspaper articles, growing class rosters and open call auditions.
The response was overwhelming from the beginning. Within two months, the new non-profit Appomattox Courthouse Theatre staged "Anne-Arky", a youth backstage comedy, "Whodunnit", a murder mystery followed, and the response was so overwhelming that an encore performance was required! The Courthouse Theatre also hosted the "Ellington's Nutcracker," a jazzy adaptation of the classical ballet; "Annie", the popular musical; and "Witness for the Prosecution", an Agatha Christie courtroom drama. In addition to running three other popular businesses in town, I produced four of those productions, directed three, and co-directed and performed in another.
Now that I am leaving town and onto another exciting adventure, I lovingly hand over my position to become another supporter in the audience of future performances at the Appomattox Courthouse Theatre, having been so very blessed by the opportunity, the miracles that transpired there, and the friendships that were formed. It will always have a special place in my heart.
