Contributed/JCCT

After more than a century of performances, the Johnson City Community Theatre is looking to rebuild itself. 

The first theater group was originally founded in 1885, but in 1912, the organization began performing more consistently. The Little Theatre Players of Johnson City were responsible for the theater’s productions. In 1924, the two organizations merged to form the Johnson City Community Theater. 

Throughout their early years, the organization moved from venue to venue for performances until finding a home at 600 E. Maple Street, formerly known as Temple Baptist Church. 

The first production performed at the location was The Curious Savage, directed by Darryl Frank. Their productions spanned the Great Depression and both World Wars. The theatre is known as the oldest running theatre organization in the state and one of the oldest in the country. 

The organization’s more recent performances include Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Suessical, Blithe Spirit, Boeing Boeing and Grease. 

After residing at 600 E. Maple Street for more than 60 years, the theatre needed to move again. On Nov. 17, 2022, their Facebook page announced their move. The post explains they had the chance to buy the building from the state to renovate it and bring it up to code. Unfortunately, the group could not afford the project. 

By spring of 2023, the theatre wrapped up the move to a storage unit. Now, more than ever, the theatre’s future depends on volunteers willing to lend their time, skills, and passion. The organization is determined to continue its legacy as they search for a new place to call home with support from the surrounding community. 

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