In today’s society of advanced technology and special-effects cinematography, a person might argue America’s appreciation for live theatre has long since died out. In southwest Missouri, however, there are a few people hard at work to make sure that such a thing never happens.

Joplin Little Theatre, along with support from many area people and organizations such as the Spiva Center for the Arts, the Missouri Council of the Arts and the “Angel Guild”, has been bringing live theatre to the Joplin area for 66 years.

The oldest continuously running theater this side of the Mississippi, JLT was officially formed in November 1938 by a group which had been active in local amateur theater. The first production was Bertha, the Beautiful Typewriter Girl, in October 1939.

The theater has had a few various locations in Joplin since its creation. In June 1942, due to World War II, JLT closed its doors for 2 years, but members continued to perform, putting on shows for the 25,000 men in uniform stationed at Camp Crowder.

In 1946, JLT purchased an old riding academy building and 20 lots at First and Adams Streets near the tennis courts at Schifferdecker Park.

The building was renovated to accommodate theater seating, and an army-surplus Quonset hut was added for a stagehouse.

Although major constructions funded by the JLT’s own income and upwards of $500,000 in donations have changed the look of the original building, JLT has kept its current location since that time. “There is nothing like live theater,” said Cecie Fritz, musical director and 25-year veteran of the JLT whose favorite productions include My Way, a musical tribute to Frank Sinatra and Chicago.

It’s nothing like a movie, the audience is actually involved with what’s happening on stage, and there aren’t any special effects, Fritz said.

Many Missouri Southern students have participated in the work of the JLT. Members of the JLT board of directors feel this is a great asset to the JLT, and a great way to let the students use there talents to benefit the community.

“We rely on Southern students,” Fritz said. “You get anyone that has been trained by Dr. [Jay] Fields and you get someone who can act on stage.”

The primary support for the continued work of the JLT has always been the people of Joplin and citizens from the four-state area. No outside help or funds from the state or federal government are used. JLT uses local actors and live music for all of its plays and usually has five plays per season, including two musicals. Kiss the Girls Goodbye, Oklahoma, Showboat, My Fair Lady, The King and I, The Music Man, Fiddler on the Roof and West Side Story are a few of the JLT’s 262 total performances.

“In a community theater, you don’t always know if you are going to get what you are looking for,” Fritz said.

“But we have been pleasantly surprised by the caliber of talent that has come out of the Joplin area. Many of our actors have gone on to New York and are still acting today,” she said.