PAST SEASONS SINCE 1928

For a list of all shows that the Coach House Theatre has presented, click here.

ABOUT THE COACH HOUSE THEATRE

The Akron Woman's City Club was formed in 1923 through the interest and efforts of the late Miss Helen Wolfe and was housed in the former Mason residence at 115 South Union Street. By 1926 its vigor and expected longevity warranted a move to larger quarters in the downtown Pythian Temple located at 34 South High Street.

In November 1928 a group know simply as the Little Theatre Players was formed.  It was the first Little Theatre of its kind in Akron, Ohio.  The first play presented by the Little Theatre Players was “The Texas Nightingale” by Zoe Akins and it played to a standing room only audience on March 12, 1929.  Performances were primarily at club functions, local service groups, hospitals and the Children’s Home.  From the first, modest card parties and in-home teas augmented box office ticket sales and playbill advertising.  However, budget restrictions so inherent to little theatre presented only a minor obstacle since husband, brothers and sons wielded carpenter tools and wives, daughters and aspiring thespians from all around handled the paint and scrub brushes.

As its first paid director on October 31, 1931 until her death in 1969 Florence “Billie” Lahrmer nurtured and protected our little theatre with intense devotion.  Even today her presence is felt.  An oil portrait of her by Jack Richard has a prominent place in the lobby and no performance goes on without it.

An August 13, 1932 edition of The Literary Digest magazine listed the Little Theatre Players as one of Eighteen Little Theatres in America.  The Literary Digest was an influential general interest magazine published by Funk and Wagnalls. The first issue was in 1890 and in 1938 it merged into Time Magazine.  Little Theatres were the hope and salvation of drama.  This is because as film and radio became popular during the late 1920’s, commercial touring companies (known as “the road”) declined.  Hundreds of Little Theatres blossomed across the United States to encourage theatre productions in communities.

Before very long the popularity of the Little Theatre Players required Miss Helen Wolfe to recommend that a Theatre Board be formed.  The board of directors consisted of eighteen members of the Akron Woman’s City Club.

In 1946 the Akron Woman’s City Club moved to the Grey Lodge on West Exchange Street.  To accommodate the rapidly developing theatre, land harboring an abandoned carriage house at the rear of the Grey Lodge property was purchased.  In 1946 the Coach House Theatre was born and the identifying horse and buggy logo soon appeared.

By 1954 a new seating plan for the Coach House Theatre had to be arranged.  Dressing rooms and the traditional Green Room followed in short order.  The best available lighting and sound panels of the time were added to the technical equipment.  As recently as 1990-91, the accumulation of many years frugal planning was spent and almost $30,000 used for exterior renovation and interior improvement.  Raising the proscenium and extending the stage permitted a broader choice of plays and more ambitious productions.

At one time the Coach House theatre was not eligible for tax-deductible gifts or grants, consequently fundraisers were undertaken.  In 1959 a Lake Erie cruise was sponsored, 238 people responded.  Yellowed, undated newspaper clippings of the 1960’s or 70’s speak of the “Seventh New York Theatre Trip.”  This cultural money making excursion known as “Theatour” continues today.  In 1977 the practice of Opening Night Patron Dinners in the elegant Akron Woman’s City Club dining room was begun.  This popular event also continues today.

The long established practice of presenting plays each season from September to May culminates in June with the Royal Coach Awards when engraved plaques carrying the theatre emblem are presented to Best Actor and Actress, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Featured Actor and Actress and Best Production as determined by ballot.

The Coach House Theatre of the Akron Woman’s City Club continues to appeal to local performers, musicians and technicians.  Actors and audiences are drawn from all sections of the community.  They respond to its intimacy.  They are comfortable in its quiet professionalism.

All theatre goers are welcome and urged to come and enjoy productions at the Coach House Theatre.

Note: Literary Digest magazine cover used by permission of Nostalgiaville.

 

Akron Woman's City Club
COACH HOUSE THEATRE
Board of Directors

Nancy Rosche
Chairman

Jean Anne Belfonti
Vice Chairman

Bridget Dolin
Secretary

Lucy Hunter
Corresponding Secretary

Betty Cole
Treasurer

Shirley Jacot
Assistant Treasurer

Jane Bond
Rosemarie George
B.J. Hittle
Dianna Kauffman
Johanna Knabe
Jean McCurry
Patty Norval
Betty Peiser
Peggy Radak
Betty Peiser
Donna Schobert
Mary Jo Stasell