About Us:
The Opelousas Little Theatre governing body is comprised of area citizens who are committed to the performing arts in Louisiana. Members of the OLT Executive Committee and the OLT Board of Directors are responsible for the day-to-day operations and physical maintenance of the theater as well as approving, planning and producing the season's selections at OLT. The OLT Board meets the last Monday of each month (except December) at 6:00 p.m. at the OLT building. The public is encouraged to contact OLT for more information.
History:
Opelousas has been a center of business, government and culture for hundreds of years in south Louisiana. In fact, the Sandoz Opera House, which was one of the few opera houses outside of New Orleans, flourished here in the 1800s.In 1939, the Opelousas Little Theatre (OLT) was formed. It is one of the oldest community theaters in Louisiana. The OLT staged its first play, The Adorable Spendthrift, in December 1940. However, when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941, many members of the small group left home to serve their country in the war. Consequently, the OLT temporarily disbanded and reorganized in 1946.
During these early years, members used the old Academy of the Immaculate Conception Auditorium (today, Opelousas Catholic School) to perform. Other performance locations were the auditoriums at Market Street Elementary School, Opelousas Senior High School and the St. Landry Parish Courthouse. It was not until 1959 that the group found a permanent home. In that year, the OLT raised funds and purchased the old Episcopal Church of the Epiphany (built in 1880).The old church was being torn down to build a larger church building. The old church was then moved to South City Park, where it stands today.
In 1976, the OLT fell on hard times. The group continued to exist but shows were put on hold. However, in 1984, the OLT began staging plays again. The re-energized members began an aggressive fund-raising campaign to restore and renovate the old church into today's OLT playhouse. Latest improvements include new curtains, a lighting board, a sound system, new carpet and a concession area. The OLT takes pride in its long history of providing some of the best of Broadway-style productions in South Louisiana.
Opelousas Little Theatre is not affiliated with AmericanTowns Media
