Mission:
We believe that live theater can be an enhancement to all individuals, and is an essential part of any thriving community. We seek to involve the local community in all aspects of theater production and to provide accessibility to audiences in Ruston, and its surrounding communities. We believe that live theater lifts the spirit and provides a social and educational outlet for our community. We collaborate with artists and theatrical organizations in an effort to facilitate mutual support, recognition, and the exchanging of ideas.
We work to encourage a thriving community of artists and appreciation of theater within Ruston and surrounding areas. We facilitate workshops, performances, and exhibits in an effort to enrich the lives of all citizens of Ruston. The Ruston Community Theatre strives to unleash the artistic potential of every community member.
About Us:
Ruston Community Theater was formed December 19, 1977 by a group of local citizens who loved theater and wanted to create an opportunity for the people of Ruston to direct, act, and attend local community productions. The names of the incorporators were; Mrs. Helen M. Thompson, Ms. Gladys Moore and Ms. Jane Sheppard.
Charter members; Jeanelle Alexander, Bruce Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Campbell, Jr., Mr & Mrs. Gregory Chapman, Mr. & Mrs. Larry Jarrell, Sidney Landman, Mr. & Mrs. John Leich, Mrs. Gladys Moore, Mrs. Helen Moncrief, Ms. Ann Noble, Mr. & Mrs. Joe G. Sheppard, Mr. & Mrs. David Tucker, Dr. & Mrs. W.Y. Thompson, Ms. Carolyn Young, Bendel L. Tarleton, Ms. Beverly M. Davis, Dr. Reba K. Neel, Mr. & Mrs. W.R. Rives, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Faulkner, Dr. & Mrs. Frank N. Edens, Dr. & Mrs. John D. Winters, Dr. & Mrs. Allen Williams, Mr. & Mrs. William D. Jones, Mr. Rick Frederick, Mr. James Amerson, Mrs. Claire Brown, Dr. & Mrs. Floyd Langford, Dr. & Mrs. S. David Buice, Mr. & Mrs. Harold J. Gilbert, Ms. Kathryn D. Robinson, Mr. & Mrs. Guy D. Leake, Jr., Ms. Winona Painter, Mr. Jack Painter, Dr. & Mrs. Dan Day, Mr. John Day, Mr. Douglas Day, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Williams, Mrs. Kay Terry, Ms. Sheri K. Crump, Ms. Virginia Kavanaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Don Beasley and Mr. & Mrs. John W. Perritt.
Without a facility the group preformed in various places around the city of Ruston. There was a need for this type of entertainment, and RCT continued to grow over the years. With the renovations of the Dixie Theater, RCT found its permanent home. When the Dixie Center for the Arts opened its doors in 2006, RCT moved in as a priority partner. Four plays are presented each season. RCT is governed by a board of directors elected by season membership.
