FCT History | Flag History | FCT Board of Directors
THE FAMILY CHILDREN'S THEATRE
GENERAL HISTORY & BACKGROUND
Early in 1988, long time residents and community activists, George and Betsie Andrews, invited their friend and professional actor Patrick McCreary to come entertain at festivities honoring Hutchinson, KS as a newly named "All American City". While visiting, the Andrews introduced Patrick to the community and many of its leaders. They spoke of a need for a "family arts organization". That fall, Mr McCreary moved to Hutchinson and with $5000 of his own money started the Hutchinson Children’s Theatre. Early the next year HCT auditioned and produced its first production, the musical Oliver!, with a cast of eighty two of all ages.
The Hutchinson Children’s Theatre was incorporated as a not for profit, 501c3 organization early in 1989 with a founding board of Elaine Cloyd, George Andrews, and Dr. Robert Rate. Soon the Board was expanded to five, then eight, and currently has a membership of 15 with community minded citizens from throughout the area. Currently, the Board of Directors include Craig Williams, President, David Adcock, Vice President, Susan Bacon, Treasure, Mary Norris, Secretary, Jan Bretz Hughes, Mary Kay Dechant, Betsy Geddes, Melissa Hendricks, Janice Hoppes, Elisabeth Orr, Linda Orwoll, Lisa Sack, Dale Schrag, Suzanne Thomson, and Stephen Wilson.
For five years the Family/ Children's Theatre performed musicals, comedies, and dramas throughout the year in public facilities
As the organization grew and began to attract participants and audience from a greater area of south central Kansas, we became known as the Family Children’s Theatre (even though the official incorporated designation is still HTC). The Family Children’s Theatre was established to strengthen the self-worth and poise of each individual and to build bridges that unify the creative energies and resources of all people. Its main goals include the following:
In 1995 the FLAG, a former downtown movie theatre, was purchased and for the first time in its history, the Family Children's Theatre had a home. Soon their season grew to six productions a year in addition to some monthly melodramas. And now the theatre produces eight shows a year. The facility is also available as a rental facility serving other performing artists and businesses throughout the community.
Some unique marketing plans of the FLAG include its "walk of fame", the original "paint your face into history" murals within, and its charity auctions.
In 2006 the FLAG was honored with a Governor's Award of Excellence. A partnership was struck with Hutchinson Community College to host a Summer Performing Arts Academy and there have been programs to foster the writing and the presentation of original plays on the FLAG stage.
The Family/ Children's Theatre and the FLAG continue to welcome all from throughout the region, both as patron, sponsor, and participant, regardless of age, race, socioeconomics, or experience. It continues its commitment to the best of quality, family oriented programming and commitment to community.
The Family Children’s Theatre, as it is known today because it is a regional, rather than a city, is a non-profit educational/arts organization. It was established to strengthen the self-worth and poise of each individual and to build bridges that unify the creative energies and resources of all people. Our Mission is:
We are a non-profit community organization that promotes and inspires personal and family growth by providing educational and creative opportunities through quality theatrical arts
The values upon which the theatre operates include the following:
1) Creating family friendly educational activities and stage shows that enhances our quality of life and connects people of diverse backgrounds
2) Unifying the creative energies and resources of the community to elevate their enjoyment of life.
3) Providing a safe and inviting environment for education and personal growth.
4) Offering opportunities that inspire creativity.
A Board of Directors governs the Family Children’s Theatre. There are 15 members on the Board representing a broad spectrum of the community. The Board has a President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer. The Board of Directors meets monthly.
The Family Children’s Theatre produces eight shows a year. Seven of the eight are staged in the FLAG Theatre while the major musical is staged at the city’s Memorial Hall. In the 22 years that we have been operating, 146 mainstage shows have been presented.
Our shows have traditionally provided opportunities for all ages to be a part of the production. The late summer show is traditionally our junior musical focusing on a show that is known and appreciated by younger audiences and which includes roles for young actors. This year’s show is Disney’s Jungle Book, Jr. (August). The January show is generally geared for adults. The September show has focused on the educational mission of our organization involving special showings for area schools. This year we present The Orphan Train. The annual major musical is presented in February. It is aimed at including families in the experience. Our production this year is Narnia. The other shows will involve a wide range of ages. The remainder of the shows of this season includes The Adventures of Robin Hood (July), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (November), 12 Angry Men (January, The Robe (April) and 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (June).
In addition the FCT provides entertainment throughout the community by presenting mystery theatres and melodramas. Each summer a Junior Summer Academy is held for our youngest actors, ages 6 – 12.
Even though our shows are aimed for family consumption, we have not shunned the opportunity to provide thought provoking shows, but when we use shows of more adult themes, we are careful that we present them in a way that is in good taste. The content and themes of the shows are carefully judged to meet our goals and purpose.
The Family Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization. The approximate monthly cost of maintaining building is $4,000. This past year’s expenditures were $88,500, which is raised by earned income (60%) and grants, donations, and gifts (40%). We rely on grants from the Hutchinson Cultural Activity Fund and various foundations. We depend on the generosity of our patrons through their donations, and we encourage underwriting of our shows. We have a small, but dedicated base of season ticket holders. Of course, we utilize the receipts of our shows.
We own the FLAG Theatre. The building served as an old movie house that was built in 1936. It was purchased in 1993 and renovated for live theatre. It seats 300 - 265 on the ground floor and 45 in the balcony.
Since we have no paid employee at this time, the jobs in the theatre are done by volunteers. If a task requires a skilled specialty, the job is hired for the show.
