About Courtenay Little Theatre
For more than 60 years, Courtenay Little Theatre (CLT) has been bringing live theatre to the Comox Valley. We’re a volunteer-driven, community-based theatre organization that believes theatre is about more than what’s happening on stage. It’s about creativity, collaboration, learning, friendship and bringing people together through shared stories.
From plays and musicals to workshops, festivals and original local productions, we create opportunities for people to experience theatre, develop their skills and become part of a thriving local arts community
What we Do
There’s more to Courtenay Little Theatre than our mainstage productions. We support theatre and the performing arts in many different ways, creating opportunities for audiences, artists and community members to participate.
Productions and Performances
We produce a diverse range of live theatre, from comedies and dramas to musicals and original works. Our productions bring together local performers, directors, designers and production teams to create memorable experiences for audiences.
Festivals and Special Events
We support local theatre beyond our regular season through festivals, special performances and events that celebrate creativity, encourage participation and showcase local talent.
Learning and Skill Development
Theatre offers endless opportunities to learn. Through workshops, hands-on production experience and collaboration with other members, people can develop skills in acting, directing, set construction, lighting, sound, costumes, stage management and much more.
Supporting Local Theatre
We help strengthen the wider performing arts community by sharing resources, supporting emerging artists and providing opportunities for local theatre groups and individuals to create and present their work.
Supporting the Next Generation
We believe in encouraging young people to explore their creative interests. Through our bursary program, we support graduating Comox Valley students pursuing further education in theatre and the performing arts.
A Community of Volunteers
Everything we do is made possible by volunteers. Whether on stage, backstage, on a production team or helping guide the organization, our members contribute their time, skills and enthusiasm to keep community theatre thriving.
Our History
Courtenay Little Theatre has a long history of bringing theatre to the Comox Valley. From our early beginnings as the Courtenay Amateur Dramatic Club to the productions, people and milestones that have shaped the organization, our story reflects generations of local creativity and community spirit.
Milestones
1921 ~ The Monkey’s Paw: First formal presentation of Courtenay Amateur Dramatic Club- Oct 1960: Comox Valley Drama Club becomes Courtenay Little Theatre
- Nov 1960 ~ Night Must Fall – Les Penegar: First play as Courtenay Little Theatre
- Jan 1972 ~ Charlie’s Aunt – Alice Winsby: First play in new Civic Theatre
- Oct 1979 ~ The Shadow Box – Kathleen Weiss: First time outside director brought in
- Jan 1982 ~ Waiting for the Parade – Kathleen Weiss: First Canadian Play
- Oct 1982 ~ You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – Marcus Handman: CLT’s First Musical
- Aug 1983: CLT becomes registered non-profit society
- Mar 1989: Bursary set up for local Secondary School student
- Apr 1991 The Monkey’s Paw – Dale Burgess: Sid Williams as the Sgt. Major in his last role
- Apr 1991: CLT donated funds to create Sid Williams Bursary to be administered by Theatre BC
- 1991: Civic Theatre renamed Sid Williams Theatre
- Oct 2000: CLT 40th Anniversary
- Oct 2000 ~ Amadeus – Stephen Andrew: First production in newly renovated Sid Williams Theatre
- June 2025: Courtenay Little Theatre moves into The Studio at the Views in the old St Joseph’s Hospital lobby, thanks to Providence Living
Whether you’d like to take to the stage, work behind the scenes, develop new skills or simply enjoy great local theatre, there’s a place for you at Courtenay Little Theatre.