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.