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In 1936, a group of passionate local performers joined forces with technical workers from the Federal Theatre Project to begin a community theatre in Raleigh. This nation-wide movement of little theatres focused on intimate, non-commercial theatre that would employ artists, create relevant art, and provide entertainment for low-income families. The commitment to accessibility defined the organization early on and continues today, with a focus on keeping ticket prices affordable, choosing accessible while thought-provoking theatrical works and opportunities for anyone in the community to be involved by working onstage or behind the scenes.

While Raleigh has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 78 years, RLT has grown as well in size and stature. RLT produces eleven fully-staged shows yearly, reaching 40,000 people. In 2007, RLT was inducted in to the Raleigh Hall of Fame. In 2012, RLT received the Community Theatre Award from the North Carolina Theatre Conference. In 2014 RLT the N&O said RLT’s production of Hairspray was “the best musical production this reviewer has seen.“ In 2016, RLT won the Independent Weekly’s award for Best Live Theatre in the Triangle.

RLT’s six-acre site is an urban jewel that includes two indoor theatres, an outdoor amphitheatre and the exquisite Raleigh Rose Garden. Parking is free in our private lot. All of our shows are performed at RLT, located near NC State University and just off Hillsborough Street, next to Cameron Village. RLT is easy to find whether you’re coming from downtown, the Beltline or I-40.