[title subtitle=”WORDS Catherine Frederick with Deepu Thomas, Board President, Fort Smith Little Theatre
IMAGE courtesy Fort Smith Little Theatre”][/title]
Come downtown for year-round entertainment from comedies to dramas and musicals to mysteries. The Fort Smith Little Theatre’s casual, comfortable setting is perfect for date night, a matinee with mother, or girl’s night out. Do South®reached out to Deepu Thomas, 2019 FSLT Board President, to learn more.
Fort Smith Little Theatre
401 North 6thStreet
Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901
479.783.2966
fslt.org
DS: We understand Fort Smith Little Theatre has a rich history. Tell us about how it began.
In 1947, the Young Ladies Guild of Sparks Hospital (now Baptist Health System) produced a play as a fundraiser that literally “sparked” the beginning of our organization. For the next five years, productions were staged in school auditoriums and hotel ballrooms. Then in 1952, the group renovated an old grocery store on North “O”St. that was home to FSLT until 1986 when the present 200-seat downtown theatre was completed at 401 N. 6th St.
DS: Can FSLT offer any gift ideas?
FSLT makes shopping easy! You can buy a gift certificate in any denomination online or by calling our box office. Alternately, give us a call to purchase a gift Season Pass.
DS: Tell us about Season Passes.
Two types of Season Passes are sold November-January – both offer savings and plenty of perks. You’ll find all the details on our website fslt.org, or give us a call to request a season brochure.
DS: What are your next events our readers should know about?
The hilarious Christmas classic, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, will be performed at 7:30 pm December 5, 6, and 7. As an “off-season” production, there is no reserved seating. Tickets will be $7 per person at the door. Then on December 16 & 17, early auditions will be held for TheGlitter Girls,the first production of 2020.
DS: If our readers wish to volunteer, how can they sign up?
Building sets, helping backstage, acting, ushering, making coffee at intermission– there are plenty of jobs to do and friends to be made at FSLT. Just come to auditions to discuss what interests you. Audition dates are posted at fslt.org and on Facebook.
DS: How can show tickets be purchased?
Advance tickets with assigned seating may be purchased online at fslt.org or by calling our box office. Walk-ins are also welcome.
DS: How do you find the actors for your performances?
Like all our volunteers, our actors come from throughout the River Valley and Eastern Oklahoma. What’s great is that FSLT provides a real showcase for local talent and an open door for involvement, so those without experience have the opportunity to learn from those with professional theatrical training.
DS: When is FSLT open?
Show and audition dates are listed at fslt.org and on social media, but rehearsals, set building, and/or performances actually occur seven days a week, forty-nine weeks a year. FSLT operates year-round, providing more than seventy shows and involving hundreds of volunteers annually.
