Tulsa Little Theater: Tulsa, OK

Theater Tulsa incorporated in 1922, making it the longest running community theater west of the Mississippi. The troupe had raised enough money by 1932 to build a permanent home. The small brick art-nouveau building, referred to as Tulsa Little Theater, is simple but charming. Its sandy walls and turquoise accents lend the building a distinctly southwestern flavor.
Tulsans took great pride in the company, helping it through foreclosures and fires. Throughout its history, the company has counted an estimated 1.5 million members, with hundreds of volunteer actors at a time performing ten plays a year. In 1984 the company outgrew its Little Theater, moving into a larger performing arts center. The old building saw a parade of short-term occupants in the following years, including a church, recording studio, and nightclub. In 2004, attorney Bryce A. Hill bought the building to house his law practice and spent the following year restoring the building. Moving into the front offices, the practice restored the auditorium for performances.