About Town Hall Theatre

Town Hall Theatre is dedicated to inspiring personal growth in young people and creating shared performing arts experiences for families. By selecting professionally-trained artists committed to sharing their craft, seeking out fresh new plays that speak directly to young people, and continually offering a wide-range of performance opportunities, workshops, classes, and community outreach programming, the theatre encourages a nurturing, creative environment in which an arts dialogue between adults and children can begin.

Each year, the program reaches over 20,000 audience members and involves more than 400 community volunteers in every facet of production. By combining professional directors, designers, and educators with community actors and crew, the theatre provides these volunteers with a professional and quality-driven atmosphere in which to develop as artists. The program receives the majority of its support from community tax dollars, ticket sales, and class fees.

Town Hall Theatre occupies the historic Washington Township Hall, located at 27 N. Main Street in downtown Centerville. The hall was built in 1908 for the purpose of holding town meetings, graduations, and Grange activities. Washington Township housed its government offices in the building until 1985.

In 1989, Township officials decided to turn this historic landmark into a viable performing arts center. In 1991, after a series of public hearings, the All Children's Theatre was formed with the assistance of a $5,000 MCRACD Special Projects Grant.

Between 1992-1996, a facility renovation was initiated, 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 scene shop.

A 2021 community strategic plan needs assessment identified the theater as a top priority for RecPlex program development and facility improvement. The deciding factor for moving forward with renovations was being awarded a Community Development Block Grant to cover the cost of replacing the theater’s seats, flooring, and curtains, and installing a chair lift and accessible seating. Matching funds for the grant were generously provided by the Centerville Washington Foundation and corporate sponsors, including Rieck Services, Buck Run Commercial Doors, and Sonshine Commercial Cleaning.

An extensive HVAC upgrade was the first project to undertake, since many of the HVAC components dated to the 1950s and were in dire need of replacement. Funded by the Federal Cares Act, new HVAC components were installed to improve air quality and flow in the building.

To replace the theatre's seats, the Township launched a fundraising campaign to cover much of the cost of the renovation. Seat naming rights were available for any business, club, or individual who wanted to do their part to preserve this piece of local history. The Centerville Noon Optimist Club provided a $20,000 donation toward the renovation. With this donation, the first two rows of seats in the auditorium are named in honor of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club as generations of young people continue to enjoy and benefit from the arts in our community for years to come.

All performances at Town Hall Theatre are inclusive. In addition to accessible seating areas, the theatre provides assistive listening units. Please allow two weeks notice for staff to coordinate additional inclusive services such as audio description, a wheelchair lift, or braille programs. Periodic sensory-friendly performances include reduced lighting and softer sounds.

Town Hall Theatre is always looking for great people to join our staff -- from box office staff and drama instructors to production artists and technicians. Click here to apply for current openings.