The Richmond Community Theatre came into existence in 1977 and produces three mainstage productions every year. It is one of the longest operative community theatres in the state of North Carolina. In a published article, the Richmond Community Theatre is listed as the fifth oldest producing theatre behind theatres in Raleigh, Hickory, Charlotte, and Wilmington, North Carolina. When population size was included, there was no statewide comparison that equaled our percentage of attendance.
The Theatre was converted from the remains of “The Strand” movie theater. It was given to the city of Rockingham. After four “phases” of renovation which included building the stage, rebuilding the balcony, and creating the theatre’s outside facade, the theatre acquired and adapted the “Journal Stationary Store” which now serves as our reception area, costuming, makeup, and stage property room.
The theatre also acquired the “Old Rescue Squad” building which now stores the theatre’s scenery items. From the reuse of past scenery, the cost of presenting productions has been lessened and admission prices have remained low. The Richmond Community Theatre has presented over one hundred major presentations and over thirty children’s productions before over 100,000 people.
Beginning in the summer of 2003, the Richmond Community Theatre building was used to show children’s movies during Arts and Agriculture. The weekend event was held Saturday mornings at Harrington Square in front of the theatre building.
The Rockingham Downtown Corporation agreed to install a permanent video screen that was used for movies. This installation was completed during the summer of 2004. The Downtown Corporation presented movies during downtime between stage productions.
The Richmond Community Theatre experience can be incredibly positive for the people involved. Participants gain a variety of individual resiliency skills, and a positive sense of purpose and belonging to a group which contributes to their own well-being. Participants also serve as positive role models for others.
Principles:
To create community programs of entertainment which respond to the wishes and needs of the targeted community areas of Richmond and surrounding counties.
To ensure that these programs are as accessible as possible.
To provide activities which encourage individual growth, promote mental health, increase participant’s communication skills, increase participant’s team sense, increase participant’s confidence, increase participant’s mobility, stimulate creativity, and stimulate the imagination.
To ensure that the programming is both challenging and enjoyable.
To increase participants’ theatre skills.
To raise the profile of Richmond Community Theatre within the targeted areas.
To ensure that the programming is run in line with good and equal opportunities practice.
Research (Bright Futures Report 1999) has shown that young people and adults are negatively affected by stress which can lead to disaffection within school and society. It has been suggested that the creative arts can play a role in promoting social inclusion. Richmond Community Theatre has embraced this model in their work and maintains it as part of their values.