Valparaiso Magazine Fall 2022

VALPO VIEWFINDER
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Playing the Lead
for
Over 60 Years
Since 1955, the Community Theatre Guild
has moved Valparaiso to laughter and tears,
while providing opportunities for actors
of all ages to hone their craft.
By Kelleen Cullison and Chris Hough
Thanks to diligent efforts by community organizations and leaders over the years, Valparaiso
is widely regarded as one of the key cultural destinations in Northwest Indiana. In any given
month, the city is host to farmer’s markets, multicultural festivals, marathons, live music, and
local food events. And throughout the year, theatrical performances are held, indoors and
out. Those who attend are enjoying the labor of a long-established theatre community in
Valparaiso by the Community Theatre Guild (CTG), which has been working since 1955 to
provide spectators and actors of Northwest Indiana the opportunity to engage in theatre.
It all started in spring of 1955, when a performance of “The Little Dog Laughed” by a PTA
group was a surprising success, prompting the formation of the Little Theatre Group, soon
renamed the Community Theatre Guild in 1957. Tryouts followed in June at the
Memorial Opera House for “Papa is All,” which actors performed in August
despite the gigantic fans required to keep the auditorium hospitable (fans
which nearly blew the set down!) The CTG
performed almost exclusively at the Memorial
Opera House, with building and group
developing a symbiotic relationship. The
Memorial Opera House served as host and
home for the Guild, and the Guild took
responsibility for maintaining the building,
overseeing renovations and fundraising for
new equipment and furniture.
In 1981, the group participated in the
Indiana Community Theatre League. Best
Actress was awarded to the CTG’s Mary
Beth Wiese for her role in “Vanities.” A
decade later, the group won the League’s
annual competition with their production
of “The Boys Next Door,” sending them
38 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | FALL 2022