History:
Organized in 1960 under the aegis of the Recreation Department, The Little Theatre of Manchester, Inc. is a theater company of, by and for the community. In 1966, LTM re-organized as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation in the State of Connecticut. Since 1961, LTM has produced at least three major dramatic works each year, a total of 577 performances of 133 major productions, playing to an total estimated audience of a quarter of a million people. Over 1,000 nonprofessional actors have performed in LTM shows and another 700 volunteers have worked backstage and on the business side of the company's operations. Since 1991, LTM has resided in Cheney Hall, a National Historic Landmark building and the oldest operating theater in Connecticut.
For over twenty years, LTM used a variety of "workshops" for holding meetings, building scenery and rehearsing plays; performances were held at local school auditoriums in Manchester and East Hartford. In 1982, the Town of Manchester asked LTM to consider taking over the operation of Cheney Hall, once it was restored. LTM agreed and went on to spearhead the drive to raise the funds for the renovation project. With an extraordinary community base and experienced fundraisers, LTM was responsible for raising $1.8 million toward the $2.6 million cost of restoring Cheney Hall to it former glory. In 1991 the award winning renovations were completed and the Little Theatre of Manchester moved into Cheney Hall, operating the facility for the town of Manchester. This remarkable and unique relationship is a model for non-profits throughout the state and the nation.
In the past few years, LTM has worked to make Cheney Hall an arts and cultural center for the region. In addition to its three major annual productions, which represent a minimum of 33 performances, LTM also produces a winter holiday production and the Rascal Rep Summer Youth Program. LTM also produces The Broadside Poetry Series, Silk Room Series, and art exhibitions in the Silk Room. LTM has also created an expanding, culturally diverse performing arts program that includes a Folk Series, the Milltown Jazz Series, and the Family Series; these and other shows bring nationally and internationally recognized artists to the hall and to the Greater Hartford communities. The Hall is available for use by other community performing arts organizations like the Manchester Musical Players. Numerous community and civic groups utilize Cheney Hall for a variety of event.
With the ongoing support of local businesses, corporations, state and local government, and public foundations, the diverse programming has expanded LTM's presence on both sides of the river, gaining it wide recognition as one of the finest community theater companies in the state.
