About Portsmouth Little Theatre
Founded in 1948, Portsmouth Little Theatre (PLT) is a cornerstone of community arts in Portsmouth, Ohio. Occupying the historic Strand Theatre—originally opened as the Brady Theatre in 1914—PLT transformed this former movie house into a vibrant hub for live performances . Our inaugural production, My Sister Eileen, was directed by Barbara Robinson Webb, renowned author of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and proud member of the Ohio Community Theatre Association (OCTA), PLT is dedicated to nurturing dramatic and technical talents within our community. We strive to enrich Portsmouth's cultural landscape by offering accessible, high-quality live theater experiences. Our productions are entirely volunteer-driven, encompassing actors, directors, and crew members from all walks of life. This collaborative spirit has brought to life a diverse array of shows—from timeless classics to contemporary hits—over the decades.
PLT's mission is to foster a love for the performing arts by providing opportunities for community involvement and by presenting a variety of theatrical works that entertain, challenge, and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned theater enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore, we welcome you to join us—on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience.
A Rich History of Community Theatre in Portsmouth
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Portsmouth Little Theatre was born in 1948, with its very first production—My Sister Eileen—staged on September 21 and 22. The play was directed by Barbara Robinson Webb, who later gained fame as the author of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. That inaugural production was a true community effort: the set was built in volunteers’ garages, and auditions were held at the Portsmouth High School Auditorium, which served as the theatre’s home for several years. Charter memberships were just $5.
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Eventually, Doc Metro’s Strand movie house on Lawson Street went up for sale, and the newly formed nonprofit organization purchased the building. Today, the theatre still proudly stands at the corner of Lawson Street and 12th Street (State Route 52 West). For nearly seven decades, it has been home to a wide variety of dramas, comedies, and musicals.
The first PLT production in the new location was Dirty Work at the Crossroads, starring Harold Micklethwaite and Anna Louise Stanton. Familiar Portsmouth names—like Oberling, Marting, Compton, and Gulker—appeared in the cast, crew, or audience. Local businesses such as Kresge, Keystone Printing, and WPAY generously donated props and support. Much has changed over the years—but the spirit of PLT has remained the same.
Portsmouth Little Theatre has always relied on the people of Portsmouth as its heart and soul. Whether you’re an actor, a business owner, or someone who just loves live entertainment—we need you. We need new faces and longtime friends. We count on local businesses for support, and we support them in return. We even still welcome volunteers who can help build sets in their garages! Just like the early days, the theatre—both the building and the organization—is a community treasure that constantly needs care and involvement.
A message from the program of our very first show still rings true today:
SPECIAL ATTENTION!!!!
We need a suitable place for our actors and actresses to rehearse.
If you know of any such quarters we may use,
PLEASE call: Mrs. Heinrich, 1284-M. Our need is urgent.​
Ladies and gentlemen, our need is always urgent. And after 70+ years, we are proud to say: many things have changed—but many of the most important things on our stage have stayed the same.