City Theatre

St. Petersburg City Theatre is a historic institution and the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the state of Florida. Established in 1925 during the boom years of St. Petersburg, the theatre has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing quality entertainment and fostering community spirit through its productions and educational programs. Originally founded as the Sunshine Players, the group underwent several name changes, becoming the Players Club in the late 1920s and later the St. Petersburg Little Theatre in 1933. It wasn't until 2011 that the name St. Petersburg City Theatre was adopted. The organization was incorporated as a non-profit in 1937 with the primary goal of promoting local theatre and providing training and teaching opportunities for non-professional artists of all ages. This mission has remained central to the theatre's ethos as it celebrated its 90th season. The theatre's early days saw productions staged for just one or two nights, with the first being "The Poor Nut," a three-act comedy by J.C. Nugent and Elliott Nugent. During the late 1930s, the theatre purchased an old grist mill on Second Avenue North, which opened as its new facility in June 1944. Throughout World War II, the theatre played a significant role in the community by offering servicemen participation in shows and free entertainment as a form of respite. The 1950s marked a period of growth and relocation for the theatre, with the purchase of property at the current 31st Street South location—one of the first buildings in the Tampa Bay area designed specifically as a theatre. "Teahouse of the August Moon" was the inaugural production in this new space in September 1958, and the season was subsequently expanded to include six plays. Further expansion occurred in the 1960s, including the production of the theatre's first musical, "The Pajama Game," and significant renovations to the building. Additions included a costume room, a green room, and the conversion of the original screened-in verandah into the lobby. In 1983, the theatre celebrated the burning of its mortgage, and in 1994, it underwent its last major renovation, which included the construction of a new restroom wing to meet ADA standards. In 2007, St. Petersburg City Theatre further expanded its reach by launching The Academy at City Theatre, focusing on arts education and offering classes for youth aged 7 to 17. The theatre's commitment to community involvement and educational outreach continues to this day, ensuring its status as a beloved local institution and a beacon for community-produced theatre and the arts.