From the organizational meeting in the spring of 1966 under the leadership of Dr. L. V. and Pat Baker, Theatre
Guild of Elk City, now known as Red Carpet Community Theatre, has weathered the years in an admirable manner with the cooperation
of many enthusiastic supporters.
Each season we produce four shows, usually consisting of one dramatic play,
one musical, one comedy, and possibly one children’s show with six performances of each. Our season runs from March to November. We
are also very involved in giving our youth access to the arts by supporting a teen program.
The first production, “The Night of January 16th”, was a one-night stand in the high school auditorium. For a number of years, many
rehearsals were held in private homes and in the former Catholic school located across the street from the present theatre building.
In 1972 the Catholic Church was purchased and remodeled into a theatre with new red-cushioned seats able to accommodate 160 patrons
and handicapped accessible. Recently a residence was purchased to house guest professional directors and costume storage.
In 2002 Red Carpet was awarded O.C.T.A. Theatre of the Year. The highest of honors for an Oklahoma community
theatre was awarded to Red Carpet Community Theatre in recognition of its continued efforts: 1) to provide quality theatre entertainment
in its area of the state since 1966, 2) to encourage and develop theatrical and technical talent in the youth of Elk City and nearby
communities through its Jr. Actor’s Guild and scholarships to the statewide Youth Conference on Theatre Arts, 3) to be a strong and
supportive part of community cultural arts and commerce activities in Elk City, and 4) to offer encouragement and assistance to the
theatrical endeavors of small and large theatres throughout the western half of Oklahoma. RCCT joined the ranks of these past recipients:
1992 Shawnee Little Theatre; 1993 Watonga Community Theatre; 1994 Muskogee Little Theatre; 1996 Broken Arrow Community Playhouse and
Ponca Playhouse, Ponca City; 1998 Town & Gown Theatre, Stillwater; and 2000 Lawton Community Theatre.
With 41 seasons and over 176 major productions to its credit, Red Carpet Theatre has truly become Western
Oklahoma’s community theatre. Our audience reaches out to the Texas Panhandle and surrounding small communities. It is quite typical
for the cast to represent four to five communities. We actively promote our projects and credit the past assistance of the Oklahoma
Arts Council and Oklahoma Community Theatre Association. Local corporate support and patron memberships help make our theatre strive
for excellence.
