The Little Theatre of Jefferson City nurtures talent and builds community.

From the Beatles’ final public performance to Woodstock and Bob Dylan’s rise in popularity, 1969 was a pivotal year in American culture. Creativity became a key tool for navigating cultural change and advocating for local communities.

In Jefferson City, the late 1960s also marked a cultural shift with the establishment of the area’s first local theater: The Little Theatre (TLT) of Jefferson City, Missouri. Wyn Riley, the founder of TLT, partnered with Saint Mary’s Auxiliary to put on a production of “Little Mary Sunshine” as a fundraiser. After its success, Wyn saw the potential to create a nonprofit theater. Her husband, Michael Riley, helped turn McClung Park’s former pool house and snack bar into TLT. Years later, 56 years in fact, TLT still rehearses in this same building and remains a cornerstone of Jefferson City’s thriving arts scene.

But as is the case with most nonprofits, TLT depends on individuals like Wyn — those who are willing to dedicate time, money, and their talents to the local community.

One such person is Maria Bish, TLT’s treasurer and costume mistress. Her long commitment to the theater has led her to costume more than 72 productions.

“I always have people ask me, ‘Why do you do this work if you don’t get paid for it?’ It’s because I love it, and it’s my family,” Maria says.

Maria is one of many who passionately support the theater and give back to the community. Notably, her daughter, Gabrielle (Gabe) Wittenberger, is a former TLT president, executive director, and longtime participant; and her granddaughter, Natalie Wittenberger, is directing her first show for the theater this season. This familial contribution is common at TLT, which emphasizes and depends upon community involvement.

“Usually, it happens with parents who have no history or knowledge of theater, but a kid wants to get involved— either because of music at school or dance classes— and all of a sudden, the parents are drawn in,” says Keith Enloe, former president and executive director of the TLT board. “They see what’s happening, and they get bitten by the bug, so to speak.”

One of TLT’s most important contributions has been nurturing the youth of Jefferson City. Keith notes TLT’s long-standing partnership with the Jefferson CitySchool District.

“We [TLT] have always been invested in partnering with public and parochial schools,” he explains. “In the early days, we performed at Jefferson City High School’s Little Theatre, then at Richardson. When the Miller Performing Arts Center was proposed, TLT made a significant investment in the project.”

Through this partnership, TLT provides educational opportunities for students via live theater. Gabe Wittenberger recalls one of her favorite moments being the 2016 production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” directed by Jennifer Lowery.

“We were able to bring in eighth graders from across the district to watch the show after they’d read the book in their classes,” she recalls.

After the show, the theater organized for a Holocaust survivor to speak to the audience.

“It’s not just for the community; it is the community.”

Keith Enloe

Gabe has been instrumental in TLT’s relationship with local schools, directing many TLT plays as well as all Jefferson City High School productions. Her passion lies in nurturing the next generation through sharing her love of theater.

“All of my shows are special to me,” she says. “There’s something special about each one of them… but I feel the thing I’m most proud of is that we’ve cultivated this place for people to grow and learn about theater.”

Gabe and Keith both note that small theaters can also deliver quality performances, and TLT is committed to high-level productions despite being a local nonprofit. This dedication to excellence has paid off, with several TLT performers and Jefferson City natives making it to Broadway, such as Hollie Howard, who has toured with shows like “A Chorus Line,” “Hairspray,” and “Mamma Mia.” She now runs a mentorship program for aspiring Broadway actors in New York.

Creating this sense of community hasn’t been without challenges. From a fire in 2004 to storm damage and the impacts of COVID-19, the theater has faced many obstacles. JC Parks has been crucial in assisting with renovations and providing resources to help TLT thrive. Today, the theater’s greatest challenge is financial.

“The cost of producing a show now is astronomical,” Keith explains. “Like others, we’re competing for the entertainment dollar because families have so many options.”

“Not only that, but theater is changing technologically,” Gabe adds. “A classic show like ‘The Sound of Music’ doesn’t have the same technological needs as, say, ‘Anastasia.’ Modern shows now require more complex technology, like projections, which increase costs.”

In the past, TLT received substantial funding from individual memberships, which provided season passe sand member benefits. But, as a new generation emerges, membership numbers are declining.

The theater, however, presses on, looking toward its60th anniversary. Gabe hopes to establish TLT as a Missouri Historical Community Theater and continues to rely on sponsorships and community volunteers to keep the theater afloat. Come what may, TLT is determined to overcome future challenges as a united community.

“Community theater really is a community,” Keith says. “It’s not just for the community; it is the community.”