The Mission of The Old Courthouse Theatre is to offer quality theatrical  performances for all to enjoy

Detailed History of Old Courthouse Theatre

The Historic Courthouse was set for demolition in 1975. Historic Cabarrus, Inc., a group formed to preserve the history of Cabarrus County, went before the County Commissioners to ask for a reprieve to preserve the 99-year-old building. Some felt that Concord needed another parking lot and the building was to be torn down to make way for progress. The Commissioners granted Historic Cabarrus six months to present bids for restoration and to determine a use for the building.

Consistent with most successful ventures the theater began as one person's dream. On May 5, 1976 without much fanfare Third Century Artist Mary Snead Boger held a meeting at Hotel Concord for those interested in forming a community theater in Cabarrus County. There had been a community theater group, The Concord Little Theatre, in Concord during the early fifties but it was no longer active. Mrs. Boger placed 25 chairs in the hotel ballroom and hoped there would be enough interest to fill them. Before the evening ended more than 70 people attended and contributed five dollars to become Charter Members of this unnamed dream. Mrs. Boger, looking for theater space, joined with Historic Cabarrus, Inc. in a successful effort to save the "old courthouse" and was granted the use of the second floor courtroom for the theater.  The Old Courthouse Theatre was born.

For its first production Mrs. Boger wrote, auditioned, cast, and directed a variety Chautauqua show performed in June. Mrs. Boger choose the two day play to quickly introduce Cabarrus County to the beginning potential of the theater, to give Cabarrus County an opportunity to see the potential in the "old courthouse," to show that the group was serious and a variety of local talent could be used. OCT presented "Cabarrus Chautauqua" with 12 acts representing real stars that may have actually performed in and around the area during 1890's to 1910's on June 25th and 26th to sold out audiences. Now with almost 200 charter members The Old Courthouse Theatre had become a reality. The point was proven. Cabarrus County was ready and eager for live theater.

Many people helped in the efforts to save the "old courthouse" but two stand out. Mary Snead Boger with her efforts to bring the cultural arts to Cabarrus County and give a proven use for the old building by the formation and leadership of the Old Courthouse Theatre and Robert Burrage. Mr. Burrage began a fund raising drive for Historic Cabarrus and appeared before the County Commissioners to convince them that the historic structure should be saved. He appealed to everyone from school children to businesses for donations from dimes to thousands in money or donations of labor and paint. Many others who could not donate money gave freely of their time to paint, clean, cut back the ivy that had spread almost through the windows on the second floor, or to catch and remove the pigeons humanely from the old clock tower. By the time OCT's first season production was presented in November a fresh coat of paint covered the old building inside and out. OCT was credited by many as sparking the drive that saved the 1876 courthouse from the wrecker's ball.

The First Season

That first season the people of Cabarrus County saw a serious drama, "The Lark; " a comedy, "Finishing Touches;" and a musical, "Brigadoon." All played to sold out audiences. OCT goals were and continue to be to present quality theater, to provide opportunities for the citizens of Cabarrus County and the surrounding area to participate in the experience of a live theater production whether on stage, back stage, or as an audience member. "Theater is possibly the most encompassing of all art forms. It satisfies the creative talents, not only of those who want to act, sing, or dance, but there is a need for visual artists, people skilled in make-up, set design, business abilities, ticket sales, promotion, lighting, costuming, and sewing. OCT is for everyone in the county with a need for self expression and it needs an appreciative and supportive audience." Mrs. Boger told the press after the first season.

For the next five seasons OCT became a moving force in broadening the cultural awareness of our community and the surrounding counties. During the fifth season Mrs. Boger entered the North Carolina Theatre Conference one act play competition with the play "The Lover." "The Lover" was probably one of the most sophisticated pieces of theater ever presented in Cabarrus County. The actors John Nordan, Linda Pierce, and Richard Moore impressed the judges and walked away with the Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Actress Awards. This accomplishment by OCT helped to secure more grant money to continue the restoration effort. Local and state dignitaries attended a performance after the award winning group returned home including Sarah Hodgins, secretary of Cultural Resources of North Carolina, who presented OCT a $12,000 restoration grant to help upgrade the theater.

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