History

Hawkeye Community Theatre

Hawkeye Community Theatre was established in 1957 by a group of enthusiastic locals, many who had been prior members of the very first community drama organization in the city — the Drama League.

The Drama League was organized and directed by Mrs. Jett Wray. She was one of the very first people to sign up for membership in the newly formed HCT group (see actual clip below right — FD Messenger and Chronicle circa February 1957). She remarked that the Drama League, which was one of the city’s most popular civic groups for over ten years, didn’t die from lack of interest or financial support, but from lack of persons to do the work that was required in putting on a play.

The newly formed HCT organization held its first meeting on Thursday, February 14th, 1957 at 8:00 PM in the Hotel Warden in Fort Dodge, IA. Ronald Gee, director of little theatre extension, University of Iowa addressed the group detailing the privileges and duties of membership in the same.

The first production was “Heaven Can Wait” (shown lower right) by Harry Segall, which was performed at St. Edmond High School auditorium on May 2-3 and was attended by over 800 patrons at $1.25 per ticket.

Since that initial show 52 years ago hundreds of actors, crews, volunteers and many directors have put on shows under the HCT name. Including this year’s season opener, the Annual Dinner Theatre production of “Any Body Home” the count reaches an astounding 197 full length performances, not counting all the side performances and benefits!

Stages have been set in:

St. Edmond High School

Webster County 4-H Auditorium

Old Senior High (then NJH, now Phillips)

FDSH School Little Theatre

North Junior High (now Phillips)

Sheerer Red Barn

Starlite Restaurant

Stark White Barn

The United Kingdom of England

Holiday Inn

Truck Trailer Flatbed (Dayton)