Town Hall Theatre (Centerville)
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39°37′45″N 84°09′33″W / 39.629167°N 84.159167°W Town Hall Theatre is a children’s theater group located in Centerville, Ohio. It operates and performs in Washington Township Hall and is part of the recreation department of Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio.
The theatre group was formed in 1991 under the name All Children's Theatre. Town Hall Theatre presents about eight to ten shows per season. There are three producing arms of All Children's Theatre. The Landmark Children's Theatre Company productions include professional adult actors, volunteer community adult performers, and youth. The All Children's Theatre produces ensemble cast shows for audiences ranging from ages 7 to 18. The ACT Touring Teens group is made up of high school student actors on an in-school tour.
In addition to the production schedule, the group offers acting, dance, and music classes. Washington Township also sponsors performing arts summer camps at the theatre.
According to the Township, Town Hall Theatre performs for approximately 20,000 audience members and has 400 community volunteers.[1]
Premises
Built in 1908, Washington Township Hall previously served as the seat of the Washington Township government. During this time, it was a meeting space for township trustees and a venue for community activities. It served as the Washington Township government offices until 1985.[1][2]
In 1989, the township decided to turn the building into a performing arts center.[1] Between 1992 and 1996, the building was renovated to include an auditorium, a lobby, rehearsal space, a dance studio, and a scene shop.[1]
In 2019, a disagreement arose between the city of Centerville and Washington Township regarding how to use the open space adjacent to the theater, with the Township preferring to keep it as green space. Both parties bid on the property; Centerville won the bid.[3]
The Centerville Noon Optimist Club donated $20,000 to the Town Hall Theatre in 2023 for renovations, helping to replace the Theatre's seating area and contributing to the improvement of comfort and acoustics.[1][4]