Red Clay Theatre in Duluth

Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center - Backstage

Plans for Duluth's newest theatre and arts center were started in 2005.  It was clear that the community wanted an arts center - sustaining both cultural and entertainment was important to the city council.

It was decided that a new theatre would be designed and built utilizing an existing church building on Main Street.  A new building had been considered, but it was decided that the existing structure (owned by the city) would provide excellent accommodations for an auditorium.

The theatre was approved for design and re-fit by Mayor Shirley Lassiter, the Council of the City of Duluth, Phil McLemore - City Administrator and the 'Theatre Search Committee' - a body of Duluth citizens.

The theatre would be designed by Mark Pitt - a local actor and former arts educator from the UK, Shelly Howard - a citizen of Duluth for whom the theatre represented an essential part of her community and architects, The Sizemore Group.  All would work closely with the City of Duluth to design and build an elegant 280-seat auditorium and stage.  Realistic Home Solutions of Cumming, Georgia would handle the building conversion.  Atlanta lighting experts Barbizon and Georgia sound company 'In Time Productions' were hired to provide the latest in sound and lighting technology.

The building received its certificate of occupancy in October 2006 - days before the opening night of "Educating Rita" - the theatres inaugural production.

In its first season, "Educating Rita" was deemed Suzi Bass Award eligible and the Sunday Paper reviewed Red Clay's production of "The Woman in Black" as beng "A solid hit".  The theatre also transferred the Horizon Theatre's hit "Bad Dates" to Duluth.  This represented the first time that an in-town professional company had traveled to the suburbs.  Additionally, Red Clay's community work featured local company "New Dawn Theater", as they brought "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus" to the theatre at Christmas 2006. 

The theatre is owned by the City of Duluth and is operated by Red Clay Theatre and Arts Center, LLC.

Shelly Howard - Producer and Managing Partner

Mark Pitt - Associate Producer and Designer

Allen O'Reilly - Red Clay Theatre Associate Director

Mike Smith - Red Clay Theatre Company Stage Manager

www.redclaytheatrearts.com