Look Ahead: Limelight shines bright on Florence Little Theatre

By Nicholas Hilbourn
Arts and Entertainment Writer
Published: January 3, 2009

Perhaps no other arts venue within Florence had a bigger year in 2008 than Florence Little Theatre.

The construction of a new theater building, after a 40-year presence at the former Cashua Street location, was a huge push for a venue that already is popular within Florence.

FLT enters its 2009 spring season with such productions on the docket as “The Odd Couple” and “Peter Pan.” The success within the new building in its inaugural year — along with the energy associated with downtown burgeoning on an immense revitalization — has many excited.

“We’ve sold out shows, membership has increased from last year,” executive director Sue Schatz said. These results are something “we’ve all worked very hard to accomplish.”

The new theater building features a bigger stage and auditorium as well as increased backstage space and new electronic equipment.

“People were very impressed when they walked into the new auditorium. They’re thoroughly impressed that a building like this is in Florence,” Schatz said.

“I don’t think we could have had a year without the response the plays have gotten,” FLT board member Patsy Stone said. “The community has been so supportive. We’ve had full houses at practically all of our shows. We can’t ask anymore than that.”

Looking forward to 2009, Schatz and Stone agreed there might not be more productions — but that doesn’t mean FLT won’t be expanding.

“I’d like to see more rentals, like renting out the theater to other local organizations: church groups or civic groups (and) I’d like to see additional programming for children or for young adults,” Schatz said.

Personally, she said, “I’d like to see us apply for more grant money, raise additional funds to build up our endowment fund for the future of the theater.”

“We want to try and increase in the workshops and they do,” Stone said. “Right now, it’s for the younger children, but we don’t want to lose them when they go to high school.”

Personally, she said, “I don’t have any personal expectations for the theater. I just think we have such a wonderful opportunity in this new building and we want to make the most of it. Find ways to expand we haven’t even thought of.”

As “anchors” appear in downtown Florence — such as Francis Marion University’s Performing Arts Center and the planned construction of a new Florence Museum — Schatz said it can only work to serve attractions already within downtown.

“The more people that come to see these other (attractions) will see the FLT,” she said. “I see this (as) being the cultural center of Florence.”