MERIDIAN LITTLE THEATRE
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our history

From Our Previous Season



Meridian Little Theatre, one of the South’s oldest subscription-based community theatres, was founded in 1932 when its first production was presented in Highland Park.  In 1965, it was chartered as a non-profit arts 
organization. It has since grown to be Mississippi’s largest community  theatre, welcoming over 22,000 theatre-goers each year.   Located on Highway 39 North, housed in a modern, million dollar specially  designed playhouse, comfortably seating 400, it has the latest in stage lighting  and a Peavey sound system.

Since  its beginning, MLT has been entertaining theatre-goers with a stimulating array of musicals and American standards. Meridian Little Theatre programming puts emphasis on the best in large scale musicals and contemporary plays.   Broadway and Off-Broadway productions are composed of volunteer actors from Meridian, the Naval Air Station, surrounding areas, and at times  professionally known actors.

For  50 years, the late Jimmy Pigford served as Resident Director of MLT.   In August of 2013 the  theatre  was under the direction of Ronnie Miller.   Ronnie retired May 2017.  Ellie Massey was Executive/Artistic Director until 2020. Tiffany McGehee became the Artistic Director on June 1, 2022.

The  theatre performs four major productions, a youth production, and a children’s summer workshop each season. Numerous volunteers are utilized to mount over 50 performances annually, with leadership provided by dedicated board members, staff, and volunteers.

MLT  is the only one of the few theatres in the state to have a Youth Division.   CenterStage’s productions provide entertainment and educational outreach   to area children, introducing them to the thrills of live theatre. Some of the productions offered have been   The Wizard of  Oz, Peter Pan, Aladdin,   Madagascar, Jr., and most recently    Mary Poppins JR.,   among many other classics.  Working in cooperation of the  Meridian Public Schools, Lauderdale County Schools, the Private School  Association and home school organizations, as well as schools from West Alabama, over eight thousand school children are bused from area schools to see the live  performances. Each play is presented at least 21 times in one week!   Scholarships are available to some of the students so that no child is denied an opportunity to experience the theatrical arts.  

MLT  and CenterStage began an exciting summer theatre workshop for children in June of 1996.  Here young talents are developed not only in acting but backstage work as well and a mini-musical is performed by students at the end of the week long session. The theatre is funded in a small part by grants from the Meridian Arts Council, Meridian Optimist Club and Lauderdale County Supervisors.

Another jewel in the crown of the theatre is its Ladies Guild.  These women provide the wind beneath the wings of this theatre through their tireless hours of volunteerism.  They have put the Meridian Little Theatre’s Variety Shop twice a year on the map for bargains and buys.  The funds generated  through this tremendous program has helped our theatre purchase a new lighting  and sound system, a flat screen TV  for use by CenterStage, landscaping  and lighting in the garden, and more.  We couldn’t do what we do without  these wonderful volunteers and new members are always welcomed!!!

MLT’s  services to the community include free tickets to the disadvantaged and disabled  through established organizations like East Mississippi State Hospital and  discount tickets to students and senior citizens.  Meridian Little Theater also offers the rental of its facility, primarily the beautiful Linda G.  Davidson Room and Garden for rentals for reunions, receptions and  meetings.  Starting in 2014, Meridian Little Theatre will continue its community outreach by serving as a voter precinct in cooperation with the City  of Meridian and Lauderdale County.

The  energy of any community theater comes from the passion of not only its ticket holders but from the tireless efforts and dedication of volunteers led by a  Board of Directors.  The public is always encouraged to become involved in  all aspects of the Meridian Little Theatre...there’s room for everyone.   This is YOUR theatre.. this is THE MERIDIAN LITTLE THEATRE!



 



Volunteers will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no volunteers.   --      Ken Wyman
  • Home
  • Box Office
    • Membership/Ticket Prices
    • Seating Chart
  • Events
    • A Chorus Line
    • Meet Me in St. Louis
    • The Play That Goes Wrong
    • BIG FISH
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • History
    • Mission Statement
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Artistic Director
    • Archives >
      • Previous Productions
      • In Memoriam: Jimmy Pigford
  • Youth Division
    • FRONT & CENTER
    • Center Stage Youth Division
    • Summer Workshop
  • Support
  • Facility Rental