Ottawa Little Theatre
Encyclopedia
The Ottawa Little Theatre, originally called the Ottawa Drama League at its inception in 1913, is the longest-running community theatre company in Canada
. Based in the national capital, it presents eight plays per year from September through May.
The OLT's longevity is surprising, given that it has never received any government funding, and was completely destroyed by fire in 1970. Its income is derived mostly from ticket sales and donations, with supplements from renting out props, costumes, and theatre space as well as running drama workshops and training programs.
A number of Canadian actors have cut their teeth on OLT's stage, including Dan Aykroyd
, Michael Burgess
, Rich Little
, Adam Beach
, Saul Rubinek
and more. Famed photographer Yousuf Karsh
also has a rich history with the Ottawa Little Theatre as it was there he learned about lighting and met his first wife, Solonge. The theatre has several original photographs of Karsh on display.
The importance of Ottawa Little Theatre to the arts in Ottawa is discussed in the September 2007 issue of (Cult)u're Magazine.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Based in the national capital, it presents eight plays per year from September through May.
The OLT's longevity is surprising, given that it has never received any government funding, and was completely destroyed by fire in 1970. Its income is derived mostly from ticket sales and donations, with supplements from renting out props, costumes, and theatre space as well as running drama workshops and training programs.
A number of Canadian actors have cut their teeth on OLT's stage, including Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd
Daniel Edward "Dan" Aykroyd, CM is a Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, musician, winemaker and ufologist. He was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, an originator of The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters and has had a long career as a film actor and screenwriter.-Early...
, Michael Burgess
Michael Burgess (singer)
Michael Burgess is a popular Canadian actor and singer .Burgess is best known for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the Toronto production of Les Misérables. He appeared as one of the 17 Jean Valjeans at the end of the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert...
, Rich Little
Rich Little
Richard Caruthers "Rich" Little is a Canadian-American impressionist and voice actor. He has long been known throughout the world as a top impersonator of famous people, resulting in his nickname, "The Man of a Thousand Voices"....
, Adam Beach
Adam Beach
Adam Ruebin Beach is a Canadian Saulteaux actor.He is best known for his roles as Tommy on Walker, Texas Ranger, Kickin' Wing in Joe Dirt, Marine Private First Class Ira Hayes in Flags of Our Fathers, Private Ben Yazzie in Windtalkers, Dr...
, Saul Rubinek
Saul Rubinek
Saul Rubinek is a Canadian actor, director, producer and playwright, known for his work in TV, film and the stage.-Early life:...
and more. Famed photographer Yousuf Karsh
Yousuf Karsh
Yousuf Karsh, CC was a Canadian photographer of Armenian heritage, and one of the most famous and accomplished portrait photographers of all time.-Biography:...
also has a rich history with the Ottawa Little Theatre as it was there he learned about lighting and met his first wife, Solonge. The theatre has several original photographs of Karsh on display.
The importance of Ottawa Little Theatre to the arts in Ottawa is discussed in the September 2007 issue of (Cult)u're Magazine.