Theatre Baton Rouge

==Theatre Baton Rouge== Theatre Baton Rouge (TBR), formerly known as the Baton Rouge Civic Theater and the Baton Rouge Little Theater, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been a cornerstone of the performing arts community in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in April 1946, the theatre was born out of a growing interest in community theater, spurred by a talk from John Wray Young of the Shreveport Little Theater. The organization's inaugural production, "The Male Animal," marked the beginning of its long-standing tradition of theatrical excellence. ===Location and Facilities=== Located in the Mid-City district at the Bon Carré Business Center, Theatre Baton Rouge boasts two distinctive theaters within its facility. The Main Stage Theatre, with a seating capacity of 327, offers an intimate experience akin to sitting in the front orchestra of larger venues, without a center aisle to ensure more patrons can enjoy a front and center view. The Studio, an intimate 95-seat space with stepped stadium seating, provides a communal experience with excellent sight lines from every seat. The theatre also features a spacious lobby and Social Room, suitable for hosting various events such as fundraisers, receptions, or celebrations. ===History=== TBR's history is rich with dedicated individuals and milestones that have shaped its identity. After its formation, the theatre operated without a permanent space until 1948 when it found a home at Building 326 at Harding Field, where it remained for thirteen years. The adoption of the name Baton Rouge Little Theater in 1951 coincided with the hiring of Lee Edwards, a talented director who became a guiding force for the organization. Under his leadership, the theatre saw significant growth, including the construction of a new building at the Bon Marche Shopping Center in 1959. The theatre continued to expand its offerings and facilities, producing its first musical, "South Pacific," in 1962 and enhancing its building in 1965. The 1970s and 1980s saw leadership changes, with Frank Pope and Henry Avery succeeding Edwards. Roy Hamlin and Keith Dixon later took the helm, with Dixon playing a pivotal role in modernizing the theatre for the 21st century. In 2013, the organization was rebranded as Theatre Baton Rouge to better reflect its stature and in 2014, Jenny Ballard assumed leadership. ===Mission and Community Engagement=== Theatre Baton Rouge's mission is to provide the community with opportunities to engage in the theatrical process, thereby offering the best in live theater to the Greater Baton Rouge Area. It operates under the principle of "theatre for the community, by the community," relying on the commitment of volunteers and the support of the local community. The theatre's educational programs, such as the Young Actors Program and various scholarships, underscore its dedication to fostering the arts among the youth. TBR continues to evolve, with plans for capital improvements and ongoing efforts to ensure a bright future. As a nonprofit organization, it relies on donations, which may be tax-deductible, and the participation of its patrons and volunteers. Theatre Baton Rouge remains a beacon for community theater, celebrating its history while looking forward to new achievements and contributions to the cultural landscape of Baton Rouge. ==External Links== * [Diamond Jubilee] * [TBR Show History] * [About the Theatre Itself] * [Photo Gallery] ==References== * Theatre Baton Rouge. "About the Theatre Itself." Theatre Baton Rouge, 2023. * Theatre Baton Rouge. "History of TBR." Theatre Baton Rouge, 2023.