St. Petersburg City Theatre

St. Petersburg City Theatre is a renowned community theatre located in St. Petersburg, Florida, and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the state. Established in 1925 during the city's period of rapid growth, the theatre has been at the forefront of providing quality entertainment and fostering a vibrant theatre arts community for nearly a century. Initially founded as the Sunshine Players, the organization 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 it adopted the name St. Petersburg City Theatre. The theatre was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1937, with a mission to promote local theatre and provide educational opportunities for non-professional artists of all ages. The early years of the theatre saw productions being staged for only one or two nights, with the first play produced by the Sunshine Players being the three-act comedy "The Poor Nut" by J.C. Nugent and Elliott Nugent. As the theatre grew, so did its facilities and productions. In the late 1930s, an old grist mill on Second Avenue North was purchased and transformed into a new venue, which opened in June 1944. This venue played a significant role during World War II by offering servicemen stationed locally the opportunity to participate in and enjoy shows at no cost. The 1950s marked a period of further development for the theatre, with the acquisition of property at its current location on 31st Street South. This site was one of the first in the Tampa Bay area to be specifically built as a theater. The inaugural production at this new location was "Teahouse of the August Moon" in September 1958, and the season expanded to include six plays. The following decade saw the production of the theatre's first musical, "The Pajama Game," along with significant renovations, including the addition of a costume room, green room, and the enclosure of the original verandah to create the lobby. In 1983, the theatre celebrated the burning of its mortgage, signifying financial stability and community support. The last major renovation occurred in 1994, with the construction of a new restroom wing to meet ADA standards. In 2007, the theatre broadened its scope by expanding youth and adult programming through The Academy at City Theatre, emphasizing arts education. The Academy currently offers classes for youth ages 7 to 17, nurturing the next generation of performers and theatre enthusiasts. As it entered its 90th season, St. Petersburg City Theatre's commitment to community-produced productions and educational experiences remains steadfast. The theatre continues to be a cultural hub for the community, offering a diverse range of performances, including special events, mainstage productions like "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and "A Christmas Carol," as well as youth theatre programs such as summer camps, workshops, and apprenticeships. The St. Petersburg City Theatre has not only survived but thrived through the decades, thanks to its dedication to its mission, the support of its community, and the tireless efforts of its volunteers and members. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community theatre to enrich lives and bring people together through the shared experience of live performance.