The Little Theatre of Monroe, Louisiana: A Hub for Community Entertainment

Located in the heart of Monroe, Louisiana, the Jack Howard Theatre is proud to host the Broadway in Monroe season, presented by Jam Theatricals and Impresario's Choice. This partnership marks a new era for the organization, which has been serving the community for decades. As one of the oldest continually operating community theaters in the nation, Shreveport Little Theater has long been a beloved destination for entertainment.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina left a lasting impact on the region, and Impresario's Choice responded by partnering with Jam Theatricals, Ltd., a renowned entertainment company from Chicago. This collaboration has enabled the organization to bring bigger and more popular titles to Monroe while maintaining its financial stability. As a result, the community can enjoy high-quality Broadway musicals on national tour, presented at the Jack Howard Theatre.

The Little Theatre of Monroe has a rich history that dates back to 1949, when it hired its first permanent director, Kay Crandall Causey. The organization quickly outgrew its original home and moved into an old recreation building in Selman Field, which was renamed the Selman Field Playhouse. This venue housed Little Theatre productions for over a decade before the construction of the current Strauss Playhouse.

The Strauss family played a significant role in the development of the Little Theatre, offering to help finance a new theatre building through the Carolyn Rose Strauss Foundation on a matching basis. The community responded by raising $20,000, which was matched by the Strauss family. This funding enabled the construction of the current playhouse, which has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years.

Today, the Monroe Theatre Guild operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported by its members, sponsors, and community partners. The guild's mission is to bring high-quality theatrical events to Northeast Louisiana, expanding the theatre-going audience in both number and diversity. With its commitment to excellence and dedication to serving the community, the Monroe Theatre Guild has earned a reputation as a premier entertainment destination.

The Little Theatre of Monroe has a long history of producing critically acclaimed shows, including a memorable production of 'Pajama Game' in 1973, which played to packed houses for 19 performances. This tradition continues today, with productions ranging from classic musicals to contemporary dramas.

As the Little Theatre of Monroe looks to the future, it is clear that its commitment to community entertainment will remain unwavering. With its partnership with Jam Theatricals and Impresario's Choice, this beloved organization is poised to continue bringing world-class entertainment to the people of Monroe and Northeast Louisiana for generations to come.

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