Little Town Players

Backstage Pass

Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way.

This issue, we are visiting one of the longest running theaters in this area. Currently in its 49th season, Little Town Players of Bedford, Virginia is showing no signs of slowing down. Located on the property of Spring Oak of Bedford, better known as the Elks Home to locals, this theater produces shows ranging from small dramas to large musicals every season. Loyal participants and audiences have been involved for decades, many from the theater's inception in 1975. With this type of longevity, one naturally wonders how a theater in small town Bedford manages to thrive nearly fifty years later.

In 1975, Karen and Roy Thorpe of Bedford asked their church, St. John's Episcopal, to sponsor a play. The play chosen was Our Town, the timeless American classic depicting the everyday life of two families in Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. The setting was perfect for small town Bedford, Virginia, and the church readily agreed. The show was performed at what is now Bedford Middle School's auditorium, and the proceeds were divided among various charities. St. John's was so enthusiastic about the performance that most of the cast was made up of parishoners. In the program, director Karen Thorpe writes, "We hope that our production of Our Town will renew an interest in theatre in our community." With this show, the seed had been planted.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, 2021

Based on the success of Our Town, Little Town Players was formed. The theater prides itself on its long-lasting dedication to the arts and ability to bring live theater to Bedford and the central Virginia region. This would not be possible without the dedication and commitment from the Elks Home. Early on, it was discovered that the Elks Home had an unused movie theatre on the grounds. It was opened up for Little Town Players' use and continues to house the theater to this day. Over the years, volunteers with Little Town Players have spent countless hours and thousands of dollars in coverting the space into a playhouse. There are dressing rooms, stage lights, an enclosed lobby, and the expansion and reinforcement of the proscenium stage. Today, the theater seats over 200 people and has retained much of its historic charm with modern theatrical amenities.

"The mission of Little Town Players is to entertain and educate our audience and participants through the production of quality theatre."

Desiree Baughmann is a current board member at Little Town Players. "LTP has thrived for almost fifty years now due to the people that so selflessly and tirelessly give of themselves to this theater," she says. "The fact that there are people who have been involved with LTP for decades and decades that are still giving their time, energy, and talents with no end in sight is a testament to what it’s like here." Indeed, many of the earliest members of the Little Town community can still be found involved in shows or in the audience. Stan Butler was the first president of the Little Town Players' board, and he continues to serve in the Treasurer position to this day. Karen Hopkins is also a founding member and you can still see her volunteering and occassionally acting in a show. "The dedication here is almost unmatched, and it’s inspiring for those of us who are still 'new' to LTP - and you still feel new when the time you’ve given to LTP is compared to those who have given 30, 40 or now almost 50 years to LTP," shares Baughmann.

A Grand Night for Singing, 2019

Company, 2018

The Marvelous Wonderettes, 2016

With longevity like Little Town Players has been blessed with, there are also many dedicated individuals that have passed away over the years. Most recently, the theater has mourned the loss of Nancy Johnson, one of the original founders of Little Town Players who died in October 2023. Not only did Nancy act onstage, she also wrote and directed historical plays that were performed at Little Town Players including 1997's Salute to the Century. Only weeks later, Little Town Players also lost its longtime set and lighting designer, Denis Deane (for more on Denis' story, see our final interview with him in our January-February 2024 newsletter here). On August 25, 2024, Little Town Players officially dedicated the stage to Nancy Johnson and the lighting booth to Denis Deane in honor of their years of dedication to the theater.

Denis Deane

The Rainmaker, 1980

Featuring Denis Deane and Nancy Johnson, pictured above

Nancy Johnson

Desiree Baughman in 2024's Always a Bridesmaid

Elizabeth Butler in 2017's She Loves Me

Little Town Players has produced numerous classic shows over the years. From comedies like Arsenic and Old Lace, to practically every Rodgers & Hammerstein musical written, to dramatic shows such as Doubt and Steel Magnolias, the list of past seasons is like reading an encyclopedia of theater. Baughmann has spent the past few years involved in many of these productions. "These diverse seasons are important; in just one season, a production may have you laughing as you leave the theater, and the next production may be an impactful drama with thought provoking material that has you walking away deep in thought." This comes from listening to the patrons and performing what loyal audiences want to see. In addition, Little Town Players prides itself on quality productions complete with spectacular sets, excellent costumes, and some of the best talent in this area. A show at Little Town Players is sure to leave audiences ready to come back.

Elizabeth Butler is an actress who works professionally at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts in Fredericksburg, Virginia. However, she got her start on Little Town Players' stage and performed in multiple shows over the years. "With the exception of some of the production staff, no one is gaining anything monetarily; everyone is there because they want to be there," Butler shares. As many professional thespians can attest, starting in community theater makes one appreciate all that goes into a production. Butler continues, "You need all parties involved to make it work. You need lights, you need costumes, you need a set, you need performers, you need an audience!" Little Town Players has a faithful group of volunteers that continues to expand and grow with every show. Nearly every show has someone who has never acted or worked backstage before, a testament to the welcoming environment fostered by Little Town Players.

Promises, Promises, 2017

My Fair Lady, 2019

"Aside from the pure magic of the theater, which obviously is what brought us all here and what keeps bringing us back, the people that make up this community in general is what makes community theater so special," says Baughmann. "The people in this community become your family - it’s unavoidable considering how much time we spend with one another. And you couldn’t ask for better family, or more interesting family!" Community theaters like Little Town Players bring people together that are so wildly different, from different careers to different backgrounds, all working together for the same goal of providing entertaining live theater.

The upcoming season includes The Odd Couple (female version), directed by Reghan Cutler; the comedy Bedroom Farce, directed by Desiree Baughmann; The Buttercups Were Lovely That Year, written and directed by David Walton; and the Lynchburg area premiere of The Color Purple, directed by Chris Evans. There are many ways you can get involved. Auditions for future shows are available on Little Town Players' website and announced on social media. You can also find audition dates on our calendar here. In addition, Little Town Players is always looking for box office volunteers and ushers. Contact the theater via Facebook or calling at 540-586-5881.

The Secret Garden, 2022

Mark Foreman and his daughters on the stage at Little Town Players days before his passing

L-R: Erin Foreman, Lindsay Leonard, Mark, Kelly Croucher

We would be remiss if we did not mention that the final show directed by Mark Foreman was on Little Town Players' stage. The Secret Garden closed on June 12, 2022; Mark passed away suddenly less than a week later on June 17. This production was very special for the family as all three of his daughters were involved in some way backstage or as a box office volunteer. In addition, many of his colleagues from the theater community were either in the show or came as audience members. Like most of the theaters in the greater Lynchburg area, Little Town Players has a unique connection to Mark's story and his last show was his privilege to direct.

Camelot, 1982

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, 2023

Other Desert Cities, 2018

South Pacific, 1978

Arsenic and Old Lace, 2012

12 Angry Men, 2023