Carriage House Theatre, Lexington KY
The Carriage House Theatre in Lexington KY is a performing arts center, offering plays, musicals, and other live performances. Located in the historic Bell Ct neighborhood, this is the state's oldest community theatre, having been in operation since 1953.[1] Operating as a non-profit organization, Studio Players manages the theater, relying entirely on volunteers to support its productions.[2] In the summer season, they typically offer shows every weekend.[3] As with other off-Broadway theaters, the Carriage House Theatre runs a rotating selection of productions.[4]
History
In January 1953, several individuals including Lucille Caudill Little and Charles Drew, founded their non-profit organization "Studio Players, Inc." Initially without a dedicated building, they offered several products wherever they could find. Whether a street corner, the Phoenix Hotel ballroom, Bryan Station, University High Schools, or even beneath the grandstand at Keeneland Race Track, they found locations opportunistically. As for rehearsals, the basements of member’s homes and other borrowed spaces were made to work. However, Studio Players secured the Carriage House Theatre building for their productions in 1957. When Clara Bell Walsh passed away on August 12, 1957, her house (The Bell House), stable, carriage house, and surrounding land passed to the City of Lexington. Lucille Caudill Little, Charles Drew, and others, approached the town and requested use of the building. A town committee was formed, which eventually advised that the Carriage House be utilized for a "Little Theatre."[5]