Town Hall Theatre (Centerville)

Built in 1908 as Washington Township Hall, the building previously served as the seat of the Washington Township, Montgomery County, Ohio government, providing meeting space for township trustees and a central hub for community activities such as graduations and public performances. It served as the Washington Township government offices until 1985.[1]

In 1989, the township decided to turn the Centerville, Ohio landmark into a performing art center.[1] With the help of a grant, a theatre company, the All Children's Theatre. Between 1992 and 1996, the building was renovated, resulting in a newly refurbished auditorium, lobby, and rehearsal room, as well as the installation of an accessible ramp entrance and restrooms, a dance studio, and a scene shop.[1]

Town Hall Theatre is dedicated to the presentation of theater for young audiences and presents about eight to ten shows per season. It does this through the three producing arms of All Children's Theatre. The Landmark Children's Theatre Company features professional adult actors performing alongside volunteer community adult performers and youth. The All Children's Theatre features large, all-ages cast shows ranging from grades 2–12. The ACT Touring Teens feature high school students grades 7–12 performing on an in-school tour. In addition to the production schedule, the theatre offers classes in acting, dance, and music. The Town Hall is owned by the Washington Township Recreation Center, which sponsors performing arts summer camps at the theatre.

Each year, the Town Hall Theatre performs for over 20,000 audience members and involves over 400 community volunteers in every facet of its productions.[1]

In 2019, a disagreement arose between the city of Centerville and Washington Township regarding how to use the open space adjacent to the theater, with the Township preferring to keep it as green space. Both parties bid on the property; Centerville won the bid.[2]

Official website