The Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Inc. got its start in 1920 as “The Players Club” started by Madelyn Jones Osgood and a group of interested thespians; a regional community theater group. In 1929, a young woman named Lucille Ball was cast in a play called “Within the Law”; this was Lucy’s first acting experience outside of school. In 1936, George and Harriet Warren came to Jamestown with experience from the Cleveland Playhouse and were hired as permanent, paid directors. The Warrens spearheaded the evolution of “The Players Club” into a new organization called “The Little Theatre of Jamestown”. The Little Theatre presented a full season of productions with revenue from annual memberships. From 1936 to 1945, membership grew from 1,100 to 5,400 Season Tickets; making Little Theater the largest membership theatre in the United States at the time. After continued growth and hugely successful seasons a permanent location was sought to house the organization. Jamestown's longest running entertainment facility, known as Shea's Theater, located at 18 East Second Street had recently become available. It was decided to proceed with the purchase of the historic building in 1968 and to create a smaller theatre inside the old Vaudeville Theatre, which had been closed for five years. The ornate, Italian renaissance 2,000 seat auditorium was covered and scaled down to a 405-seat auditorium with a large front lobby area. A minimalist design approach was taken for the creation of the new home of the organization. The new theatre held its grand opening on April 19, 1969.  Early in 1989, Lucille Ball allowed us to rename the theatre;  Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown in her honor.  On April 26th, 1989, Jamestown’s most famous person, Lucille Ball, had passed away. A formal dedication was held on May 24, 1991 to rename the theatre in her honor, with her daughter Lucie Arnaz and family in attendance. In January of 2020, the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Inc. will enter its 84th Season of celebrating the performing arts through live theatre, entertainment, education and community involvement. The organization remains New York State’s longest-running community theater.

Currently the Lucille Ball Little Theatre is a Community Theatre with 5 major productions each year, plus the annual Junior Guilders Show.  The Theatre Season is January to December.  It has a 405 seat auditorium and a 30 X 60 foot lobby, a full stage with a fly capability plus office, check room and toilet facilities. The theatre is handicap accessible. The plays or musicals are presented for two weekends.  All productions are open to the public and special group prices are available.

Click here for more information on the history of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre

Shea's Theater

Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown, Inc.