The group went on to present an average
of three plays a year. In the spring of 1960 the group began a two-year
reorganization. No plays were produced but new members were recruited
and plans were developed for the future. At this time the name was
changed to "Little Traverse Civic Theatre."
Soon LTCT began presenting musicals, the
first being Guys and Dolls in 1967. It was another musical,
Fiddler on the Roof presented in 1973, that began the group's
ascent to its present successful position. This production was so
well received by the community that for the first time, LTCT had a
bank account which was healthy enough to produce equally ambitions
shows without having to borrow money to do so.
These achievements were possible despite
the lack of a permanent home. The group persevered all those years,
rehearsing in schools, Stafford's Bay View Inn, Voorheis Hall in Bay
View, and a converted movie theatre. Finally, in May of 1981, LTCT
became a tenant of the newly opened Virginia M. McCune Arts Center.
The first show presented in their new home was Oliver.
In 1989 the LTCT board of directors decided
that it was time to stop moving lumber, tools, and supplies from one
set construction location to another. A building was purchased, suitable
for storage of flats, costumes, props, and other assorted theatrical
necessities.
While the group's growth has taken it
through many changes over the years, the fundamental purpose of the
group remains unchanged. Charter member
Ross Stoakes (for whom our auditorium was named) wrote in 1970:
"Little Traverse Civic Theatre has always been an open organization.
The only requirement for membership is a conscientious desire to help
in whatever phase of theatre interests a person. And there are many
phases which are fully as important as the acting onstage. Likewise,
while not designated as members of the organization, each person who
attends our productions is vital to our continued existence."
This is every bit as true today as then. Every participant, whether
backstage, onstage, or in the audience is a valued contributor to
the continuation of live theatre in northern Michigan.