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Homegrown Theatre
Homegrown Talent
OUR HISTORY
The Franklinia Playhouse was organized in 1976 by Dottie Brantley and a group of interested citizens for the purpose of promoting the cultural, educational, literary, and civic welfare of the community. At that time there was no money and not any where for the group to build a theatre building or anywhere to perform plays. After much discussion for a name that was unique for this area, Kitty Peterson submitted ”The Franklinia Playhouse.” Franklinia, a tree indigenous to the Altamaha area of Toombs County, was named by the well-known explorer and botanist, William Bartram.
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Margaret Taylor was Franklinia’s resident director for a number of years and became its heart. To most people in Toombs County, her name and the Franklinia Playhouse were one and the same. Mrs. Brantley and Ms. Taylor found the first location, a run down meat processing plant and got a one-year lease from the City of Vidalia for a $1.00. For several of those beginning years there was no running water and the restrooms were located next door at the Vidalia Police Department.
Now, through the generosity of Dr. Cathy Mitchell and the Board of Trustees of STC, The Franklinia Playhouse resides in the Tattnall Auditorium of Southeastern Technical College.
And now, many years after its humble beginnings, hundreds of actors and actresses from Vidalia and the surrounding communities have participated in the Playhouse’s productions. People from all walks of life and all age groups have come together, worked together, learned together, and experienced live theatre due to the existence of the Franklinia Playhouse.
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