About the Little Theatre

Exciting news for the Little Theatre!

LATEST IMPROVEMENT
We are happy to announce that the Crow River Players, Inc. has installed new LED stage lights!! After years of struggling with our antiquated lights, we have finally acquired the funds to purchase tarjetas de creditos en linea a whole new lighting system. Funding came from several sources including a grant from the New London-Spicer Area Fund in the amount of $5000.

NEXT PROJECT
We are in the process of installing a rear projector and screen to be used to enhance our productions, compliment the concerts, for community enrichment documentaries, health awareness videos, training sessions for various organizations, and some good, old, classic movies. We see a need in the community to have a location to offer these varying venues. The fundraising efforts with a $25 grant and are challenging the community to MATCH that contribution.

In addition, we are pleased to announce that we received a $10,000 grant awarded by the SW Minnesota Arts Council. Even though we have not reached our goal of total funding, we are scheduling installation for later this summer. We are still accepting contributions for this project. We hope the community is as excited about these new improvements as we are. Come join us for a new entertainment experience!!

These projects were supported by the New London-Spicer Area Fund of the Willmar Area Community Foundation and made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a SMAC grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

NEW POSITION

We have a new face at the Little Theatre, Laurel Iverson, is the new Operations Manager!! She will be responsible for scheduling and overseeing plays, concerts & events, working with the performers & volunteers, and promoting the theatre through a variety of mediums. Her background in art, marketing and theatre will be an asset as the Little Theatre expands their season to year-round live entertainment.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the SW Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

History of the Little Theatre

Welcome to the historic Little Theatre in downtown New London, Minnesota. The Little Theatre is owned and operated by a non-profit organization, the Crow River Players, Inc. Our purpose is to bring to the communities of New London and Spicer, and the surrounding areas quality affordable live entertainment. Our venue includes theatrical productions, concerts, and a variety of special events.

We are one of the rare community theatres that shares our facility with the local school district. The New London-Spicer Schools use our facility for their Spring, Fall, and One Act play productions.

The Little Theatre, built in 1921, has had different titles and uses through the years. Known as The Ideal Theatre, the building’s main purpose was a community playhouse. When it was renamed The Rialto, it began its life as a silent movie house and later with ‘talkies’ in the ‘50s & ‘60s. A basketball court, high school graduation auditorium, and community meeting center are among the many other purposes this building has served. In the ‘70s, it acquired its present name, The Little Theatre, when the New London- Spicer High School began holding their drama class rehearsals and productions there. This continued until the early ‘90s when the building was condemned. Unwilling to allow the destruction of this piece of history, a group of concerned citizens from the New London-Spicer area united to save the building. Following a massive effort of fund-raising, contributions of materials, and many hours of donated labor, the restoration and modernization of the building was completed. In 1998, this group officially became the Crow River Players accepting the responsibility of maintaining and managing the building. Once again, The Little Theatre became a community playhouse as well as the performing arts center for the school; providing quality live entertainment. That continues today, in conjunction with a new purpose, a concert hall.

Our Mission Statement:

1. Preserve, restore and operate the historic structure known as The Little Theatre.

2. The operation of the theatre shall be for the purpose of providing space for students of the New London-Spicer School District as well as other persons or organizations who desire to use the theatre for any lawful purpose including plays, lectures, concerts and meetings.

3. Advance the performing arts of the New London-Spicer schools and the community at large.

The Little Theatre/Crow River Players promotes community involvement and afford artists personal growth opportunities. In addition to plays the group has held artists’ showcases featuring local musicians, concerts, displayed artwork of visual artists and worked with local organizations to create programs for special events. The group has no paid staff [only the production Directors are paid]. Profits are used to maintain and improve the building.