Greenwood Community Theatre
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (July 2011) |
| Formation | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Type | Theatre group |
| Purpose | Musical Theater, Drama, Theatre, Children's Theatre |
| Location |
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| Website | www.greenwoodcommunitytheatre.com |
Greenwood Community Theatre, or GCT, is a non-profit theatre in Greenwood, South Carolina.
GCT reopened in January 2007 after an extensive 1.2 million dollar renovation project. Centrally located in the Emerald Triangle Cultural Arts District, GCT boasts a healthy offering of theatre, musical theatre, comedy, dramas, classic films, Indie films, music concerts and many rentals to local and touring organizations and businesses.
History
Greenwood Community Theatre officially began in 1954. Originally named the Greenwood Little Theater, the first production was Dear Ruth. GCT’s present home at 110 Main Street was built in 1934 as the State Theatre. The floor in the lobby is the original terrazzo tile.
Through the years the theatre went through several name changes including the Jerry Lewis Theatre. In 1978, GCT (then called the Greenwood Little Theatre) was housed at the Village Theatre on Kirksey Drive. The old State Theatre building had fallen into disrepair and was even showing XXX rated movies. The GCT Board of Directors and Artistic Director Donald McKellar convinced the owners to sell the building. Support for much needed renovations came with the city’s decision in the early 2000s to anchor its downtown revival with historic properties.
After being closed for 18 months to remodel, the theatre re-opened in February 2007 for the production Anything Goes. Renovations preserved the original terrazzo tile floor in the lobby. Improvements included seating capacity for nearly 300, better access for wheelchairs, new riggings, curtains, the addition of a catwalk, and an upgraded sound and lighting system.[1]
Greenwood Children's Theatre
Greenwood Children's Theatre is a program offered by Greenwood Community Theatre that includes children's plays and musicals, workshops, and summer camps.[2]
Kids4Kids
Kids4Kids productions are shows open to children 5–17 years old. Every season, two or three Kids4Kids productions are offered.
Kids4Kids shows GCT has presented in the past include: 101 Dalmatians, Annie, Jr., The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Godspell, Jr., Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Alice in Wonderland, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, and many more...
Workshops
Workshops are offered year round and are taught by local theatre, dance, and music professionals and students from Lander University.
Summer Camps
GCT offers many summer camps every year. These summer camps last one week M-F, some full and some half-day.