The JC Breakfast Optimist Club donated to the Junction City Little Theater Summer Theater Program on July 12 at the Hampton Inn in Junction City. The Optimists presented their donation to Ellie Dillon. JCLT Board of Directors Secretary and Desiree (Desi) Brown, Director of the JCLT Summer Theater Program.
Ellie explained that “the Junction City Little Theater (JCLT) is the longest-running community theater in the state of Kansas. The theater began in 1949 under the vision and guidance of Bettina Coover. In 1944, Bettina, Betty Cleary, Mona Kessinger and Alma Hornbaker signed the documents of incorporation creating the JCLT. The mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain their regional community by providing quality theatrical entertainment.
Desi Brown shared that “the JCLT Summer Program had 130 youth involved in three shows this summer. There was a new group of Kindergarten through second graders who did a pre-show; third through fifth graders performed Disney’s Aladdin, Jr; and middle through high school students performed Disney’s Peter Pan, Jr. Rehearsals ranged from two to three hours, three days a week for three or four weeks depending on the age group followed by a thirty minute performance at the C.L. Hoover Opera House.”
She also stated that “the youth learned how to work together, problem solve, prop placement, lighting, sound, and many other elements in production of a show.” She appreciated the support of parents and community members who also assisted behind the scenes.
Ellie Dillon stated that ”a Disney production comes with many restrictions and royalty costs. For example, the Aladdin, Junior royalty was $3,500. We rely on ticket sales and donations like those from the Optimist Club to cover our financial obligations, which also includes a rental fee at the Opera House. Although we are housed in the C.L. Hoover Opera House, the Little Theater is a separate entity.”
JCLT’s upcoming season will include Murder on the Orient Express, which is in production now and will be presented in August; Jersey Boys in November; The Foreigner in February and Footloose in April. Tickets for these shows may be purchased by calling 785-238-3871