1938

Theatre founded with help from American Association of University Women & Junior League.
Purpose: “to present educational entertainment for children & to provide the opportunity for creative expression.

1939

First production in March: Noah’s Flood

1939-40

First full season of plays by & for young people.

1940-41

First all-adult cast:  Little Women, with members of the Junior League.

1945-46

First mixed cast of adults & children: The Wizard of Oz.

1947-48

First theatre workshops  for  young people taught by volunteers.  LCT presents first production by professional touring company.

1958-59

LCT joins Dept. of Parks & Recreation in offering productions & classes for young people. First 8-week session of theatre classes offered.

1963-64

LCT celebrates 25th anniversary with Silver Jubilee revival of past productions & playwriting contest.

1965-66

First season in which teenagers help backstage.  First theatre scholarships awarded.

1968-69

LCT cooperates with Junior League to establish a “Youth Arts Center,” which becomes Living Arts & Science Center in 1969.

1971-72

First full-time director hired. LCT begins developing full program of classes & professional adult touring company.

1974-75

First touring production visits 18 sites in Eastern Kentucky. Special school performances added to season.

1976-77

Production program moves into Opera House.

1979-80

ImpACT  (Improvisational  Acting Company for Teens) formed to give advanced training to highly motivated young people.
LCT begins producing professional Opera House shows for school audiences.

1982-83

Local season expanded to 5 productions.  Weekday school performances of 2 productions. Education program expanded to include 2 semesters of Theatre School classes, Summer Youtheatre & summer classes.  First full-time Business Manager hired. ReACT (Resident Ensemble Acting Company for Teens) implemented.

1984-85

Part-time Resident Company of professional 5 adult actor/teachers produce 5-show season.   3 productions available for school performances.  Participation in Very Special Arts Kentucky spawns ACTcessible program for disabled teenagers.

1985-86

LCT joins Fund for the Arts. Professional Resident Company expanded to full-time staff of 6.  Local & touring productions reach over 38,000 young people.  LCT named “official Children’s Theatre of the Commonwealth” by Kentucky Legislature.

1986-87

Season expanded to 6 shows. Additional studio space leased to increase Theatre School offerings.

1987-88

Staff increased to include a part time Marketing Director and full time summer education staff. Kentucky Scrapbook showcased at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Louisville.

1989-90

LCT shared in the creation of a scenery construction site in an old store front in downtown Lexington increasing the efficiency of production values.

1991-92

Initiated regional performances of Main Stage productions in performing arts venues outside Lexington. Jack and the Wonder Beans showcased at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Alexandria, Virginia.

1993-94

Expanded education program to include performance workshops in two area elementary schools.

1994-95

Initiated a professional internship program by adding a full time education intern. Kick-off of the Campaign for the Future capital fund drive.

1995-96

Season expanded to include two Discovery Series productions bringing the season offering to eight shows. Received one million dollar challenge grant from theatre founder Lucille C. Little.

1996-97

Ground broken for new facility. Added Summer Musical for LCT alumnus and current students.

1998-99

LCT celebrates its 60th anniversary by moving into its first permanent home. Expanded professional internship program to include acting, education, production and arts administration positions.

1999-00

LCT completes Building for the Future Campaign and establishes an endowment. Summer education program expanded to include full day camps.

2000-01

LCT awarded the Southeastern Theatre Conference's Sara Spencer Award for outstanding contribution to the field of Children's Theatre.