Sumter Little Theatre

10/13/2026

“Yes, you're smart! You've got courage, wit, and heart!”

SLT’s Executive/Artistic Director Heather Turner is leading the Youth Theatre production of “Wiley and the Hairy Man” in October. Here’s what she has to say about the message shared in this fantastical play: “YOU ARE ENOUGH EXACTLY AS YOU ARE. You are strong, smart, and courageous, and you don’t have to be someone you’re not to take on your biggest challenges in the world, no matter how scary they may seem. Just being the real you, believing in yourself, and trusting in the ones who love you is enough to help you find your place in the world. And sometimes by confronting your biggest fears, you will discover that they were never even real to begin with, just scary shadows that disappear the minute you face them.”

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

Our fearless SLT leader says there are many reasons adults should come see the Youth Production of “Wiley and the Hairy Man.”
“Its theme is universal. No matter how old we are, we all face fears and challenges that can overwhelm us. The message of believing in yourself and finding the courage to face those fears applies to everyone.
Parents may also see themselves in Mammy and identify with her love for Wiley and her strong desire to protect him. They will recognize the challenge she faces as she encourages him to believe in himself, along with the worry and fear she experiences when sending him into the swamp alone to confront his greatest fear – the Hairy Man.
Watching the play together can open the door to meaningful conversations between parents and children about fear and what it truly means to be brave. It can encourage children to recognize their own strengths and consider how they can use them to solve problems, face challenges, and build confidence.
Finally, it’s a great opportunity to escape into a spooky swamp and enjoy some very creative story telling filled with humor, magic, superstition, monsters, and triumph of the human spirit.”

“Wiley and the Hairy Man” runs Oct. 16-25. Please note the performance schedule for this Youth Theatre production: There will be no Thursday shows, and Saturdays will offer two performances – a matinee and an evening show. Hours are Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Get your tickets at SumterLittleTheatre.org.
Photos by Isabelle Blizzard

10/09/2026

We will be selling Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels during our Saturday performances of Wiley and the Hairy Man! A delicious bonus to a fun day of theatre!

10/09/2026

ADULTS ONLY: Make your plans now to attend “Carolina Spirits” Halloween weekend!
Tickets for this adults-only Halloween fundraiser are $45 and include specialty cocktails. You must be 21 or older to attend; IDs will be checked at the door.

The show – held Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m. – will feature South Carolina ghost stories and other dark and spooky tales. It’s directed and curated by Sumer Jarvis, who crafted last year’s wildly successful “A Toast To Poe”!

10/08/2026

MEET THE CHORUS: LAILA WILLIAMS, BELLA WISEMAN

Laila, 17, is a homeschooled student and has been involved in theatre since age 7. Her previous productions include “The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon,” “Crushed” and “Knock, Knock.” Laila especially enjoys how the creativity and diversity of the ensemble awaken the magic of the swamp and bring the world of “Wiley and the Hairy Man” to life.

Bella is a high school junior who has participated in SLT theatre classes for the past year. She is excited to be making her mainstage debut. Her favorite part of the chorus is using movement and creativity to transform into different parts of Wiley’s world.

“Wiley and the Hairy Man” runs Oct. 16-25. Please note the performance schedule for this Youth Theatre production: There will be no Thursday shows, and Saturdays will offer two performances – a matinee and an evening show. Hours are Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Get your tickets at SumterLittleTheatre.org.

Photos by Isabelle Blizzard

10/08/2026

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPL2ybUaV/

10/08/2026

MEET THE CHORUS: McKENZY SHANNON, SEAN SUCHOMSKI
Mckenzy has been involved in theatre for two years, beginning with “The Wizard of Oz.” She also enjoys other arts, including band, choir and digital and traditional art. Mckenzy says being part of the chorus has been one of her greatest theatre experiences and she has loved working with this cast and crew. She hopes audiences enjoy “Wiley and the Hairy Man” as much as she has enjoyed bringing it to life!

Sean is a sixth-grader at Thomas Sumter Academy and has been involved in theatre since the first grade. He previously appeared on the SLT stage in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” He says “Wiley and the Hairy Man” is one of the most fun shows he has been a part of!

“Wiley and the Hairy Man” runs Oct. 16-25. Please note the performance schedule for this Youth Theatre production: There will be no Thursday shows, and Saturdays will offer two performances – a matinee and an evening show. Hours are Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Get your tickets at SumterLittleTheatre.org.

Photos by Isabelle Blizzard

10/06/2026

MEET THE CHORUS: HADLEY NEWMAN, PEYTON PIERRE

Hadley is a seventh-grader at Clarendon Hall and is excited to be part of the chorus. She has previously performed in two showcases at SLT; this is her first mainstage production. Hadley enjoys participating in Book Club and Art Club and playing the electric guitar.

Peyton is a seventh-grader at Alice Drive Middle School. She has been part of the SLT family since 2023 and has loved every moment of it. After previously appearing in “Gravestone Manor,” Peyton is excited to be back on stage. She says she is grateful to be part of this production and looks forward to another unforgettable experience at SLT.

“Wiley and the Hairy Man” runs Oct. 16-25. Please note the performance schedule for this Youth Theatre production: There will be no Thursday shows, and Saturdays will offer two performances – a matinee and an evening show. Hours are Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 3 p.m. Get your tickets at SumterLittleTheatre.org.

Photos by Isabelle Blizzard