About the Lake Wales Little Theatre
The Lake Wales Little Theatre (LWLT), since its formation in 1978, provides the only continuous source of live theatrical performances available in Lake Wales, Florida. For the first 14 seasons, productions were presented in various facilities. For its 15th season, LWLT proudly opened its current theater building at 411 North Third Street.
Constructed in 1947, our building first housed the public high school band. The building fell into disuse after the relocation of the high school. LWLT expressed an interest in using the building in the mid-1980s, resulting in the property being legally deeded by Polk County to the City of Lake Wales. The city leased the property to the Lake Wales Little Theater, Inc. in 1987.
The current facilities, supplemented by generous donations from the Polk County Tourist Development Commission and the City of Lake Wales, are maintained by tremendous volunteer labor and funded by various cooperate sponsorships and family endowments. By opening night, October 2, 1992, approximately $60,000 had been spent on the renovations. Roughly half was earned by the theater group, and the other half came from donations and grants.
Renovations to the historic building have been extensive. The wheelchair-accessible auditorium is entered through angled stairwells or at floor level at either end of the lobby. One hundred forty comfortably upholstered seats are situated on six high-raked rows and ensure unobstructed views of the stage. An addition on the north side of the theater provides public restrooms, a large construction shop, and an office. Backstage, you’ll find dressing rooms, restrooms, and costume closets. A large metal building (donated by the City of Lake Wales) behind the theater provides storage space for set pieces and props.
LWLT has provided high-quality, all-volunteer, live entertainment to Lake Wales and East Polk County for over forty years. Our offerings include recent hits and old favorites, and we frequently offer new plays never before produced. As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations, sponsorships, grants, and ticket sales.
2024-2025 Board of Directors
President – Terry Higginbotham
Vice President – Kara Wiseman
Secretary – Karen Fewell
Treasurer – Leslie Grondin
All members of the Lake Wales Little Theatre are volunteers who give of their time and talent.
Our Productions
Lake Wales Little Theatre is known for offering a variety of plays. We select recent hits, old favorites, and playwright submissions and frequently offer plays that have never before been produced.
Our season begins in September, running through June, and consists of five productions.
Children’s Theatre – features many talented youngsters from the Polk County area. Productions are held in September.
Adult Theatre – We feature three plays featuring our talented adult actors. Productions are held in November, January, and March.
Teen Theatre – features talented teens from the Polk County area. The show is almost totally produced by the teens.
