Historical Tradition and Heritage: The Laredo Little Theatre (LLT) has been a part of Laredo’s heritage since 1911. Our work promotes the expression of local voices, talent and issues in a way that no other organization has done. Our annual collaboration with the Teatro Chicano de Laredo is a fine example of how the theatre showcases local writers and community issues. The theatre also participat
es in the Washington’s Birthday celebration every year. Service Work: All of our members, actors, staff and technical assistants are volunteers who share their time, labor and talent in order to provide a venue for young people and adults to shine. While our stage may showcase local talent, our backstage showcases the generosity of people who have chosen to devote their free time to help others. We provide a wonderful example for people to learn the value of volunteer work. Although we are a “good cause” on our own, we have also made our facilities available for other good causes who need to raise money—for example, in late March 2012 we allowed a local high school drama group to distribute concessions at one of our productions in order to raise money to travel to the American High School Theatre Festival in Scotland to perform. Thus, by helping the LLT the City of Laredo is allowing us assist other smaller groups in need. In this way, the city and the theatre can “pay it forward” and achieve something that is more than the sum of its parts. The ladies residing at Casa Misericordia, as well as drug recovery groups, have been our guests at numerous productions and additionally, we invite the children from the Sacred Heart Orphanage to enjoy our children’s productions at no cost. Inclusivity: Our facilities provide a venue for anyone in the community to participate in the theatre, whether they enjoy acting, playwriting, directing, costuming, makeup or working on technical aspects of the productions. As a true “community theatre” we require only interest and enthusiasm. Our doors are open to young people and to adults who have always wanted to dabble in drama. Participants need not be enrolled in any classes in order to use our theatre. We are also available for dance recitals, poetry readings, comedy shows, art exhibitions, school graduations and private theatrical groups who need a place to call home for a weekend or two. Additionally, ticket prices at the Laredo Little Theatre are purposefully kept low (usually $10.00 per person) so that everyone, regardless of income, can be exposed to and enjoy the beauty of live theatre for less than the price of a movie ticket. Examples of Success and Role Models: We also provide experience in the areas of light and sound technology, costuming, make up, set building and carpentry, acting, directing, and writing. These are skills that are valuable in the market place and can be used to achieve success later on in life. Veterans of our stage have had success in the entertainment industry and some have even appeared in movies, plays and cable television comedy shows. Some have even gone on to start their own theatre groups
Quality of Life: The LLT, provides a quality of life component in our fair city, as it provides a much needed venue for creative and artistic expression and entertainment. As such, the LLT fits in nicely with the city’s recent focus on quality of life facilities like North Central Park. Our scale and facility allows us to offer the charm of a true neighborhood theatre. In 2011 the theatre produced two children’s shows, and both productions had casts of approximately twenty-five to thirty children. During productions, the theatre becomes a safe haven for thespians of all ages, where they can learn how to work in groups, learn responsibility, learn the importance of discipline, raise their self-esteem, and become role models for their peers. Social Responsibility: Our participants learn the importance of recycling. Costumes are also carefully put away in anticipation of the next production. Even props are carefully saved. We truly are a “waste not” organization. In conclusion, we at the LLT look forward to our continued cooperation with the City.
