History of "LT"
The theatre arts have long been a tradition at Canisius College. Drama was a part of the regular curriculum at most Jesuit schools around the turn of the century. Canisius College gained fame by presenting "The Passion Play" in 1914, and again in 1917, 1920, and 1923. These performances would draw thousands to the temporary, outdoor theatre behind Old Main, and were often done by classes or groups of students. A formal club was not created until 1934, the name of the organization was "The Bard's and Board's Dramatic Society." They would continue to serve the theatre art needs at Canisius until the creation of "Little Theatre" in 1946.
The first show to be performed by Little Theatre was "Libel!" on November 10, 1946. The Little Theatre organization continued to grow through the decades. They began to perform a variety of shows from religious dramas, to Shakespeare, to musicals and contemporary comedies. As the oldest club on campus, Little Theatre saw a change of its performance areas as well.
"Libel!" would be performed at Mt. St. Joseph's School but they would soon find themselves traveling to a variety of new locations. When Canisius College acquired the Sister's Hospital building (now where the Koessler Athletic Center is located) they would finally have a home to call their own. However, the building was a safety concern and was closed in 1958. Little Theatre would be given an auditorium space in the Richard E. Winter Student Center from 1963-1994. This would serve as the theatre until the acquisition of Mt. St. Joseph's School. At this time, Little Theatre would return to the newly renovated and renamed, Marie Maday Theatre.
Compiled by Daniel Kuether