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History

Begun in 1936, Raleigh Little Theatre is now one of the oldest continuously operating community theatres in the country. We offer entertainment, education and community programs year-round. RLT showcases 11 productions each year, with more than 150 performances. No other theatre in North Carolina produces as many shows.

Raleigh Little Theatre started when a group of Raleigh performers joined forces with technical workers from the Federal Theatre to bring community theatre to Raleigh. Then, civic leader Cantey Venable Sutton pushed through bureaucratic red tape and galvanized the Federal Works Progress Administration construction of our main theatre, amphitheatre and Rose Garden. We are still the beneficiaries of her diligence and passion. In 2000, we named the main theatre in honor of Mrs. Sutton. RLT's annual performance awards, given each June, have been called "Canteys" in her honor for a number of decades.

Read the story of our history and see some of the photos in Curtain Up! Raleigh Little Theatre's First 50 Years by Guy Munger. This book was published by RLT in 1985 and is presented below.

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Want to comment or provide your own insights? Add your comments to our discussion forum (opens a new window).

The original entrance to the theatre. This wall now forms the interior entrance to the Cantey V. Sutton main stage theatre from the lobby. Click to see a larger image.
The original entrance to the theatre

Curtain Up! Raleigh Little Theatre's First 50 Years

By Guy Munger
Book designed by Lynne Evers and Sue Sunday
Book ISBN: 0-9615689-0-9

© Copyright 1985, Raleigh Little Theatre

Table of Contents:

Note: We now have copies for sale in our online store for $20.00. You might also be able to get a second-hand copy from local book dealers or from online stores.  See BestBookBuys for a list of online sources.

 


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