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A History of Loveland Stage Company

Founded in 1979, a creative team of 11 people, interested in live theatre, gathered at the home of Pat Furterer. After introductions and discussion, they began what is now known as the Loveland Stage Company. They spent the next several months creating the by-laws and constitution. Next came the task of obtaining a tax-free status. Newspaper articles and word-of-mouth brought a great deal of interest to the newly formed community theater organization. With a generous donation from a local businessman, the group set their first production for the fall of 1979. The first production, My Three Angels, was a great success! The initial funds were paid back and a small profit was realized.

 

In the 1980s, LSC continued its success by consistently presenting at least two major productions, introducing theatre to new theatre lovers with each show. It also continued community outreach and held fundraisers to raise money for the company's continued successIn 1989, LSC celebrated its 10th anniversary.

 

LSC created a college scholarship during the 1991-92 season called the “Creative Arts Scholarship “. This scholarship is to help a graduating senior within the Loveland School District going on to a degree tract in performing or creative arts. This scholarship is provided annually and at various points throughout the history of LSC provided additional scholarships in the name of patrons and members close to LSC.

 

In the 2000s, after performing in backyards and various local schools throughout Loveland, an offer was made to LSC. The Loveland Firefighters Association purchased the old Crist Movie theater in the heart of Olde Loveland. They generously donated the building to the Loveland Stage Company, providing a home for the traveling troupe. Months were spent and thousands of volunteer hours were put in to raising funds, installing new electric, plumbing, HVAC, acoustic ceiling with insulation, painting and new walls built to bring the building up to code. With a permanent home, all issues with storage and housing of sets, props, and costumes were gone. The theatre company was set for bigger success.

 

In October of 2008, the theater was devastated by a fire. Over a dozen fire departments responded. Fire crews stayed all night to make sure the fire would not restart. The building was a total loss. The remaining shows that season were performed back in the Loveland schools. “Rebuild and Play On!” was the theme for the next season. LSC reopened in November 2009 with a production of Miss Saigon.

 

The aughts also brought along a new theatre experience for the young and the young-at-heart. LSC Children’s Theatre Workshop. For the first time shows were dedicated for children to be cast in all roles of a show. This has become a summer tradition. Giving talented young people the opportunity to not only be on stage but to learn what it takes to be a part of a production backstage.

 

In the 2010s, with the theater rebuilt and the tradition of a great award winning organization back in the swing, LSC continued to strive to better theatre. A campaign was launched for new seating, the marquee was added back to the façade, and the group continued to perform top quality shows. Our beloved founder, Pat Furterer was made President Emeritas. In 2019, LSC celebrated its 40th anniversary gala.

 

Over the years the Loveland Stage Company has encouraged, nurtured, and worked with people to expand their talents in every area of live theatre. We’ve held workshops for the community and the schools. We’ve performed not just in our home theater but at nursing homes and senior centers. We’ve held dinner theatre, ice cream socials, musical picnics in the parking lot, one-act play festivals, and have been a stop on the Amazing Race from Milford to Loveland and back. In 2024, the inaugural Loveland Shorts Film Festival was held at LSC. 

 

LSC will continue to produce award winning theatre and work in part with the local community to make a positive impact through the performing arts.

Loveland Stage Company Venue Information

  • Venue Address: 111 S 2nd St, Loveland, OH 45140

  • Venue Owned: Owned

  • Stage Dimensions: 42'W X33'D

  • Set Construction: On Site

  • Wing Space: Minimum

  • Fly System: No

  • Load In: No

  • Time Onstage Before Opening: Unlimited

  • Lighting Equipment: 48, 2.4K per

  • Lighting Equipment Owned: Owned

  • Lighting Control: Computer

  • Available Dim Channels: Dependent on venue (We own 4 of our own Chauvet stand alone DMX controlled dimmer packs)

  • Sound Equipment Owned: Owned

  • Year Founded: 1979

  • Full Time Staff: No

  • Website: http://lovelandstagecompany.org

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