In June 1962, twenty-five citizens founded Warner Robins Little Theatre, the first community theatre in Warner Robins.

Only seven months after their founding, in January 1963, WRLT presented “My Three Angels” in a converted dairy barn on the old Richard Johnson farm on Elberta Road. Actors had to climb a pull-down staircase to get to the barn’s loft, which served as a cramped dressing room. There was a small prop room, but no running water, which meant no bathrooms. Productions of “The Last Leaf” and “Only an Orphan Girl” completed the 1962-63 season.

Later, the theatre group moved to ‘The Upper Room,’ so named because of the narrow flight of stairs leading to the small stage located on the second floor of the building next to the old Wellston Theatre on First Street. Many rehearsals took place in that room, which doubled as a storage space for costumes, props, and scenery. Meanwhile, the WRLT Board of Governors would rent available stages for the evenings of the actual performances.

In 1972, WRLT incorporated, and in 1977, WRLT supporters began looking for a permanent location. Later that year, the Board of Governors received a clear deed for 2.3 acres on Glen Drive, but plans to construct a new facility were tabled due to the prohibitive cost.

On April 24th, 1979, a fire destroyed the Wellston Theatre and ‘The Upper Room.’ Everything was lost: sets, costumes, props, and a lighting control panel. But the show must go on, and it did. In June 1980, WRLT purchased Harold’s Catfish House, formerly Harold’s Bar-B-Que, at 502 South Pleasant Hill Road. It needed a lot of renovation, but it had 1,800 square feet, a paved parking lot, storage space, and a sign. The Board of Governors took out a 15-year mortgage on the building and property and spent countless volunteer hours and $45,000, on renovations and furnishings. Interior walls were removed, fire exits were installed, dressing rooms were built, a stage was constructed, an office and lobby were added, and restrooms were renovated to make them accessible.

On January 28th, 1982, WRLT opened the doors to its new playhouse with the presentation of “Move Over, Mrs. Markham,” featuring the talents of local thespians.

In December of 1992, WRLT finally achieved one of its main goals to have a fully paid for facility. The mortgage was paid off and the building became one hundred percent ours. This was accomplished without any major funding. Our prime source of income has always been ticket sales, memberships, and program advertising.

In July of 1993, WRLT purchased the adjoining lot of 1.5 acres on South Pleasant Hill Road. This will allow for future expansion of our facility, allowing us to serve the community for many years to come.

As of June 2024, WRLT celebrated sixty-two years of showcasing outstanding theatre in middle Georgia.

Have any questions?

Contact our box office.
Monday – Friday: 11am-5pm.

WRLT is a non-profit community theatre that has been providing live theatrical productions to patrons in Middle Georgia since 1962. The theatre stages five main shows every season, from comedies to dramas to musicals, as well as short-run special events and theatre workshops.

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In June 1962, twenty-five citizens founded Warner Robins Little Theatre, the first community theatre in Warner Robins.

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