Pontiac Theatre IV began as a summer venture with what was then the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department (now Community and Human Services) of the City of Pontiac. A group of musicians and trained singers (mostly teachers) approached the Parks and Recreation Department to begin a summer musical theatre program. The Parks and Recreation Department agreed to the venture and financed the first four summers of performances.
The first show, Guys and Dolls, was staged in the summer of 1969. It was performed by local talent and was an instant success. Guys and Dolls was followed in 1970 by Music Man, and in 1971 by Camelot.
In 1973, the group decided to become an independent community theatre company separate from the Pontiac Parks and Recreation Department. Because the department had provided sponsorship for four years, the group elected to take the name Pontiac Theatre IV.
During the summer of 1974, Pontiac Theatre IV performed two musicals, Man of La Mancha and Bye, Bye Birdie, followed by the comedy Barefoot in the Park.
For the next 25 years, Pontiac Theatre IV has performed an average of three shows a year, most of them well known Broadway musicals such as Show Boat, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, and a host of other memorable shows. In recent years we have branched out into children’s theatre, comedy, and even some serious drama.
As a community theatre, we welcome the participation of all interested people. Over the years we have enjoyed the support of local business and industry, the Pontiac schools, and the City of Pontiac, which still provides space for storage and rehearsals.
