Little Lake Theater still going strong after 76 years
If you’re a fan of theater, chances are you’ve been to a show at Little Lake Theater.
The theater on Lakeside Drive in Canonsburg just off Route 19 has been putting on shows for 76 years and is still going strong, embodying the spirit of community theater.
Little Lake Theater is this month’s recipient of the Driven By Hope Award, sponsored by Washington Auto Mall.
“That barn was the first place where shows took place,” says Managing Director Patricia Knapp, referring to the original barn that housed the theater. “When Will Disney decided to start Little Lake, he made an agreement with a farmer that owns the property. He told him we can lease the space and that’s where our first play started. We still use it for props, costumes, storage and camps.”
Right across the street stands the building that houses the 135-seat theater which operates from April through December.
Disney performed in theater all around Pittsburgh, including Pittsburgh Playhouse and Carnegie Mellon University.
“It’s a wonderful success story,” says Knapp. “And a part of it is because of where we are. The people in this community have supported this theater for 76 years, and it’s generational. We have people that came here when they were a little kid and then continued to bring their families after that. Now, there’s a lot of new development around us, too, so that also keeps the theater thriving. Our new artistic director, Patrick Cannon, is also instrumental in keeping the theater vibrant and alive.”
Little Lake normally puts on between nine and 10 productions each year along with summer musical theater and acting camps from June through August.
“All of our actors are volunteers,” Knapp says. “We surround them with professionals; our directors, a lot of our technical people are paid, but all of our actors are volunteers, anybody that supports us in the front of house, the majority of those folks are volunteers.”
Little Lake began a senior program this year that includes acting classes and performing, and puts on special theater productions that welcome individuals with sensory needs and hearing difficulties.
Putting on theatrical productions takes money, and Little Lake Theater relies on strong patrons and community support.
“Washington Community Foundation has been a great partner,” says Knapp. “The Washington Tourism Board along with other foundations like Range Resources, PNC Charitable Law Foundation … we’ve been supported by a lot of wonderful foundations and community partners as well.”
She adds they are always looking for volunteers, whether it’s helping out behind the scenes or with concessions or front of house duties. “We always need volunteers – always, always, always. There is always something to do here and, of course, financial support. I’m not going to say no to that!”
Still to come this year, Little Lake Theater will be performing “Little Women” from Sept. 26 through Oct. 13. After that, it’s the comedy, “Fox On The Fairway, October through Nov. 10, followed by two holiday shows, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” and Jacob Marley’s “A Christmas Carol.”
“We are very community-focused,” Knapp said. “I think that’s probably something that Patrick and I are very, very much in sync with. We care about our community. We try to do things for members of our community. We’re always thinking about that in the shows we choose and the kinds of things we try to do for folks here. We continue to follow that mission and support anyone that needs us in our community. We’re lucky we have really good people who love Little Lake, and we love them right back.”
To volunteer or support Little Lake Theater financially, email info@little lake.org or call the theater at 724-745-6300.