About Us

Our History


In the 1970s, the Pawling Recreation Department sponsored (and still does) a Children’s Summer Theater. Concurrently, in the early 1980s, a group of talented adults presented the “Away We Go” shows, musical variety revues to earn funds for the newly created (1976) Pawling Community Resource and Service Center.

Time went on, and many young players, now college graduates, returned to the area. Also, many “Away We Go” adults hankered for more stage time. Three Local Recreation Directors (Betsy Brockway, Pawling; Pat Martens, Beekman; and Carol Lee Kantor, Patterson) sensed these conditions, and developed a theater workshop. As part of the Community Leisure Education Program, and using Pawling High School facilities, the group premiered with Thorton Wilder’s Our Town in 1983. To enhance the “Pawling flavor,” many lines were changed to reflect local landmarks.

Following Our Town, an informal group formed to plan future productions. Soon, the group became “Pawling Community Theatre” with financial independence but still part of Pawling Recreation Department. To accommodate changing needs, the group altered its structure in 1995, and emerged as Pawling Theatre Company. Finally, in 2000, they added the “INC.” upon receiving NYS and Federal Non-Profit Organization status. Today, while only a few of the original members still participate, at least one new generation has returned.

With almost 90 live shows since 1983, PTC is celebrating its 25th season. There are three to four shows annually - usually a main stage musical, a comedy, a mystery or drama, and possibly a youthful revue or fundraiser. Although most shows are still staged at Pawling High School, PTC also lends its talents to others: Miss Liberty (Town of Pawling Bicentennial, 1988); Murder at the Inn (Holiday Hills YMCA, 1992); A Valentine’s Cabaret (Village of Pawling Bicentennial, 1993); Our Town Benefit Performance with James Earl Jones (Village of Pawling Master Plan and Zoning Fund, 1993); Meet Me in St. Louis Benefit Performance (Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Pawling, 1995); PreSharps Musical Benefits for the Pawling Heath Association. In the 1990s, the Company sponsored the teenaged “B Sharps” and the younger “PreSharps” who presented musical/dance revues for community organizations, nursing homes, libraries, and events.

On-stage and off-stage participation comes from far beyond Pawling. With eleven people, the active Board of Directors both participates on productions, and has secured grant monies from the Dutchess County Arts Council (almost yearly since 1997) and the Community Foundation of Dutchess County. Numerous corporate sponsors and seasonal advertisers provide the financial support necessary to reach a much wider audience.

PTC recognizes that live theater offers an avenue of lifelong personal growth for community members. With year-round performances, there’s always something in the works, so participation - be it costumes, time, money, suggestions - are always welcome. The organization’s mission - to enrich the cultural fabric of the community - is shared by other groups in the area. We hope we can work together towards a common dream: A home of our own.