BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATER'S MISSION

The purpose of Baytown Little Theater shall be to promote the fine arts, and to produce and present dramatic productions as an educational, cultural, nonprofit, community project.

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATER'S VISION

It is the vision of the Baytown Little Theater, under the guidance of the board of directors, to maintain responsible and accountable, yet bold, use of Baytown Little theater resources both financial and human by: continuing our tradition of quality theatrical productions while introducing an ever expanding program of educational opportunities promoting a community presence of Baytown Little Theater by effective publicity and marketing increasing the membership base by encouraging participation and enthusiasm, while maintaining the sense of family that is the hallmark of Baytown Little Theater motivating involvement of membership through effectively structured working committees building participation from surrounding communities through marketing and outreach to create a diverse and regional art center creating a year round youth program involving educational and performance opportunities developing a facility which will provide multiple performance and rehearsal spaces to accommodate the growing needs and interests of the membership and community.

BAYTOWN LITTLE THEATER'S HISTORY

In May, 1961, 60 friends gathered with an idea at Goose Creek Country Club and planned the formation of a legal organization to produce community enrichment. Because of their enthusiasm, 40 families quickly joined the non-profit entity called Baytown Little Theater, and when the first production, “Biography,” was staged in August, family memberships had reached 100. “Biography” ran for three days in a rented grocery market building on Bayway Drive — to the delight of 527 theater-goers and the Little Theater’s treasury. With initial success to spur it on, the fledgling community theater produce three more plays. In the summer of 1962 the Baytown Little Theater purchased the old market building and began its gradual conversion to a theater-in-the round. Members voluntarily gave their knowledge and energy to build the necessary additions. By the close of the 1968-1969 season, membership had more than doubled. From the Baytown Sun of March 31, 1969:

There was one interesting feature of the theater that was around for many years — a large leally column smack dab in the middle of the stage that couldn’t be removed as it was a major support of the roof. All sorts of creative staging took place that incorporated this column — it was the center pole of a tent, for example; it was the chimney for a wood stove, and it was many, many other things across the years. Then Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil) donated equipment, and materials to take out the column and install a steel beam in its place. Staging a production became much easier after this and the Theater was most grateful for this major enhancement.

On Friday the 13th of July 2007, the theater was destroyed when a car drive down Baker Road out of control and straight through the side wall to the other side of the arena. This accident occurred only two weeks before the opening of Titanic: the Musical. With the help of many people and the determination of the director, Jason Howard, the show opened on-time at the Cedar Bayou Middle School.