ABOUT LITTLE THEATRE
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Little Theatre of Fall River has spent more than 90 years bringing performances to the Greater Fall River area. It is one of the oldest community theater organizations in the nation and a multiple Moss Hart Award recipient. It started in 1935 when a small enthusiastic group banded together with its goal, “to bring good theater to the surrounding community at a price nearly everyone could afford.”¹ That goal has not changed, nor has the enthusiasm from this totally volunteer non-profit organization.
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The initial group embarked on a season of at least three major productions, an early schedule followed except during the years of World War II. Over time, the organization rented spaces from the Women’s Club and five other locations under less-than-ideal conditions. In 1975, following the 1974 fire that destroyed the Herrick House, Little Theatre arranged a lease with the city for the vacant Prospect Street Engine House – Quequechan No. 1.² The building, soon nicknamed the Firebarn, became the organization’s home after volunteer-led cleanup and renovations transformed it from an unused firehouse into a functional theatre space. The first shows staged there were Adaptation/Next and Hay Fever.
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Securing ownership of the Firebarn allowed the organization to invest in essential structural improvements. Plumbing, masonry, door restoration, and attic renovations were completed with support from members. The Panos Room, named for Peg Panos, was renovated into a dedicated rehearsal space, and the adjacent garage was purchased and transformed into a construction workshop.³ These improvements created a permanent, sustainable home for LTFR while preserving historic elements of the original firehouse.
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The Firebarn is now a very busy place with auditions, rehearsals, and performances happening daily. It holds a large workshop, lobby, an 80-seat intimate theatre, and the Peg Panos Rehearsal Room, and every spare inch is used to bring art to life. The building includes restored historic features from its time as a firehouse including engine room doors and the hose tower structure.³ To date, Little Theatre has completed more than 425 productions, and continues to grow, including presenting two productions at the Narrows Center for the Arts, bridging two local non-profit arts organizations.
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As part of its Community Outreach, Little Theatre has hosted Open Houses with tours and a performance, and play readings where local authors have had their work performed on stage. LTFR conducts an annual Youth Workshop production and has supported Forever Paws, The Salvation Army, The American Red Cross, and the Department of Children and Families. Every year, LTFR awards two scholarships including one to a student majoring in the performing arts.​
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However, all of these activities, past and present, would not happen without the heart and soul of Little Theatre — the 110+ members. As reflected in the organization’s history, members dedicate “hours and hours of time for a performance,”¹ along with the many responsibilities required to maintain the Firebarn and support each production. We have a proud history of accomplishments, and as we move through 2026 and beyond, we look forward to seeing you at a show.
Notes
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Angus Bailey, “History of Little Theatre,” program history, Little Theatre of Fall River, 1976.
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Patricia A. Taylor, History of the Little Theatre of Fall River (2009), edited by Susan Fortes-Couitt (2012)
3. Roberto S.C. Soares, History of the Firebarn, 2024.