Beginnings
In February 1989, a call went out from a Lowndes/Valdosta Arts Commission (LVAC) ad hoc team announcing auditions for a production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. The purpose of this show was to establish a community theater for the area. With a weekend of performances in Valdosta State College’s Sawyer Theatre and the seed-money from the show's profits, LVAC Theatre Guild was born.
“One shell of a building.”
In 1992, after three years of begging and borrowing space to meet, audition, build, store, and perform, the LVAC Theatre Guild bought the old dilapidated Dosta Movie Theater. The Dosta had no seats, no heat or air conditioning, and not much of a roof, but what it had in abundance was opportunity. A capital fundraising campaign began to turn 122 North Ashley Street into the Dosta Playhouse. After three long years of fundraising, while still producing four shows a year, the renovations were completed. After an organizational name change, Theatre Guild Valdosta was ready to occupy its new permanent home.
The momentous occasion was marked with an appropriate dedication and celebration: klieg lights, champagne and caviar, a ribbon cutting by Valdosta City and Lowndes County dignitaries, and the closing of Ashley Street. That night the lights of the TGV marquee were the first neon lights lit downtown in many years.
The momentous occasion was marked with an appropriate dedication and celebration: klieg lights, champagne and caviar, a ribbon cutting by Valdosta City and Lowndes County dignitaries, and the closing of Ashley Street. That night the lights of the TGV marquee were the first neon lights lit downtown in many years.
Original TGV logo; Design by Keith Best
Growth
As audiences and productions grew, the two adjoining buildings (116 and 118 N. Ashley) were purchased separately and turned into production space: office, dressing, make-up and sewing rooms, storage, and scene shop. A red-letter day was when a door was cut between 118 and the Dosta, so that actors no longer had to go through the alley in order to make an entrance!
In 2007, the Dosta was updated with new paint, lighting, carpet, and remodeled upstairs restrooms. While technical work on the buildings has been done by professionals, many volunteers have put in countless hours of “sweat equity” to bring the three buildings to their present condition.
In 2007, the Dosta was updated with new paint, lighting, carpet, and remodeled upstairs restrooms. While technical work on the buildings has been done by professionals, many volunteers have put in countless hours of “sweat equity” to bring the three buildings to their present condition.
Current TGV logo; Design by Ryan Swaims
The Present and Future of TGV
Many people have made it possible for TGV to flourish for so many years: the local banker who made a no-interest loan for the purchase of the Dosta, the owner of the three buildings who allowed TGV use of the upstairs of the adjoining ones while he rented the ground floors to others, architects who donated time, City and County governments, individuals who have made donations from $1 to $300,000, businesses who have donated materials and loaned set furniture, and ultimately, loyal patrons who continue to buy tickets.
Theatre Guild Valdosta is proud of its accomplishments and looks toward an exciting future. From cardboard sets in the back seat of someone’s car to three buildings and over 225 productions spanning 35+ seasons, “everything’s coming up roses.”
Theatre Guild Valdosta is proud of its accomplishments and looks toward an exciting future. From cardboard sets in the back seat of someone’s car to three buildings and over 225 productions spanning 35+ seasons, “everything’s coming up roses.”
Martin Theatres logo revealed after installation of new work lights
Season 30 logo; Design by Clay Lee & Johnathan Cooks