AUBURN — In 1941, sets were assembled, roles were filled, and lines were rehearsed for the first public performance of an energetic and joyful troupe at the new Community Little Theatre on 30 Academy Street in Auburn.
Over eight decades later, CLT is still providing outstanding and affordable entertainment to local residents and visitors while engaging young dreamers.
“This is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that produces high-quality plays and musicals as well as introducing the performing arts to the next generation through summer youth camps,” said Brandon Chaloux, co-executive director of Community Little Theatre. “Many local groups and organizations can also rent the theatre space. CLT truly makes a cultural and community impact in so many ways.”
“The effort extended by the adult performers and volunteers to put forth these live productions is really impressive, as is the theatre’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that young people are also given opportunities to grow in confidence and creativity,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “NSB is happy to provide support to an organization that has genuinely stood the test of time thanks to its love of performance and its patrons.”
Longtime supporters of CLT, Norway Savings made a recent donation of $1,500 to the organization in advance of its upcoming 2024-25 season and has contributed over $11,000 in just the last five years.
“We recognize and appreciate that we wouldn’t be able to keep providing high-quality entertainment, community engagement, and the all-important arts education without exceptional partners like Norway Savings,” said Chaloux. “We’re looking forward to CLT’s 85th exciting season!”
That season will kick off with “1776”, directed by Celeste Philippon, on Oct. 25 to Nov. 3. In 2025, the musical comedy “Nunsense”, directed by Jackie McDonald, will take center stage on March 7-16, followed by “The Little Prince”, directed by Britny Anderson, on May 9-18. A popular new musical making its way around the country will arrive at CLT next Aug. 8-17 as “The SpongeBob Musical”, directed by Chaloux, hits Auburn. In addition, the CLT Youth Summer Musical Theater Program and Teen Summer Musical Theater Program return next summer and will produce a still to be announced production on July 18-20.
“History, hilarity, love, loss, and the importance of friendship will mix together for a season to remember,” said Chaloux. “We’re excited for the year ahead and thankful for the incredible support that has helped maintain the magic of CLT for generations.”
For more information about CLT, visit www.laclt.com or call 207-783-0958. To reach the CLT Box Office, email [email protected].
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
