This is OLT?
Ouachita Little Theatre (OLT) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the purpose of providing quality entertainment to citizens of the Ouachita Mountain region. OLT’s history began in 1979 under the leadership of its founder and first president, Leda Benson. The Old Lyric Theatre, built as a movie house in 1923, became the permanent home for OLT in 1985. Since that time, there have been countless theatrical presentations on the stage, primarily showcasing local talent in live performances. OLT is well known across Arkansas for staging recognized Broadway musical shows, popular comedies, moving dramas, and even special performances from guest artists from time to time. The foundation of the OLT theater season is based on four plays a year, including a musical. There will be a sprinkling of productions springing from the subgroups described below. OLT is also open to rentals which can bring in professional musicians or entertainers from other areas of the country. For information about renting the theater for your performance or event, call our information line at 479-216-2538, or email us at oltwamembs@gmail.com
Who Runs OLT?
Ouachita Little Theatre is totally managed by volunteers and non-professionals. However, some who have had professional experience serve in several volunteer capacities which has raised the level of excellence over the years. It remains a non-profit organization that strives to bring material that is meaningful, sometimes thought provoking, often hilarious, and always entertaining, to the community. OLT is governed by an elected Board of Directors, including officers, and operates under an updated constitution.
JOLT
In recent years, the burgeoning Junior Ouachita Little Theatre (JOLT) has become a staple of the theater community group, producing two plays a year in addition to the regular four shows anchoring the OLT theater season. With a definite purpose to introduce young people to the arts both on the stage and backstage, JOLT has fueled many students to become theater majors in college. Some of those young people have returned as adults to be valuable contributors to the Ouachita Little Theatre. As of May, 2018, JOLT is now officially recognized under the auspices of OLT, as are The Lyric Players and the Just 4 Fun Players.
Lyric Players
The Lyric Players are a subgroup of OLT that consists mainly of mature actors who might be limited in their ability to perform due to mobility or memory issues. This hearty group of people perform regularly at the monthly free movie night parties at the theatre, as well as other functions such as the Lum and Abner Festival. They do a lively “readers theater” style of performance that has been delighting audiences for a long time.
Just 4 Fun Players
The Just 4 Fun Players are a group of actors and directors that often cross-over to other OLT groups. They love to perform for more intimate audiences at the Mena Mountain Resort as dinner theater productions as well as larger groups on the OLT stage. They are also willing to travel to other communities to perform and even compete in state-wide theatrical competitions.
FREE Movie Nights!
OLT also hosts a monthly “party” for it’s patrons where the Lyric Players will perform a short skit followed by a free movie and $1 concessions. This occurs the second Wednesday evening of every month. As well as a fun night out, it serves to enrich the community with classic films through decades that enlighten, entertain, and showcase some of Hollywood’s best endeavors.
Benson Awards
Every two years, OLT hosts the “Benson Awards” which is named for the first president of the theatre. It is a night to celebrate the productions performed the previous two years and award volunteers for their work both onstage and backstage. The community is always invited to this fun event.
Become Involved!
OLT is always looking for volunteers who like to act, direct, or help backstage. We also need concession stand workers, set builders and painters, make-up artists, musicians, costumers, ushers, and technicians to run lights and sound. If you are interested in volunteering, if you would like more information, or if you think you might want to rent the theater for an event, you can click the “Contact Us” tab on this website. If you prefer, you can send an email to oltwamembs@gmail.com or you can call 479-216-2538 and leave a message.