Theatre Jacksonville

About Theatre Jacksonville Theatre Jacksonville is a distinguished community theatre located in Jacksonville, Florida, known for its rich history and commitment to fostering cultural understanding and diversity through the theatrical arts. Established in 1919, it holds the honor of being the longest-running community theatre in the state of Florida. The mission of Theatre Jacksonville is to enrich lives and broaden cultural understanding through active community participation in theatre arts. The organization is volunteer-based and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, aiming to develop diversity across its artistic productions, volunteer base, audience, and donors. Theatre Jacksonville achieves its mission by presenting plays of artistic excellence, providing exceptional training and educational opportunities for volunteers and students, and supporting the development of unique and original performance projects and events by Florida artists. Theatre Jacksonville's history is marked by several significant milestones and achievements. In 2023, the theatre kicked off its 103rd season with a full slate of programming that included mainstage productions, educational classes for adults and children, a junior mainstage, "Stories on Stage," summer camp, and special events such as "An Evening with Mark Twain" and "Dinner with Booker T." The previous year, 2022, saw the theatre launch its 102nd season with a return to full programming after a shortened season due to the transition back from pandemic-related restrictions. In 2021, the playhouse reopened to complete the 100th season and began the transition back to full programming with a hybrid of in-person and online offerings. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced the closure of the playhouse, but the theatre continued to offer its 101st season's full programming virtually. That same year, Theatre Jacksonville celebrated its 100th anniversary, a testament to its enduring presence in the community. The theatre's commitment to the arts and the community has been recognized on multiple occasions. Notably, in 2009, the City Council passed Resolution 2009-916-A, commending Theatre Jacksonville for ninety years of uninterrupted community theatre. The Harold K. Smith Playhouse, the theatre's home, has been honored for its longevity and historical significance. In 1994, the playhouse received local historic designation, and in 1991, it was named to The National Register of Historic Places. Theatre Jacksonville has also been acknowledged for its artistic and financial turnaround, receiving the Jessie Ball duPont Fund Turn Around Award in 1994. The theatre's dedication to educational outreach and efforts to diversify its programming have been recognized by the City Council as well. The theatre's physical space has seen several renovations over the years, including the entrance lobby in 2007, restored in the style of the original art deco building design, and the auditorium seating in 2005, which was replaced for the first time in forty years. Theatre Jacksonville's journey began in 1919 and has since evolved into a cornerstone of the Jacksonville arts community. With a history of over a century, the theatre continues to uphold its mission, bringing the joy and transformative power of theatre to generations of audiences and participants.