court square theater harrisonburg
Court Square Theater, submitted image

Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg has new life after a local nonprofit group stepped in to secure a short-term lease agreement through the end of the year.

Act One Theater Company plans to continue programming already scheduled for the year, and it will work with the Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority to explore the best use for the space beyond 2026.

In addition to events, the HRHA will host a series of community outreach members to seek input from residents about the future of CST.

“This short-term lease allows Court Square to remain open while creating space for community conversation and collaboration,” a news release from Act One read.

“The goal is to ensure CST continues to serve as a vibrant, accessible hub for arts and culture in Harrisonburg.”

The news was met with a positive response from community members who were thankful for everyone who rallied to keep the theater open.

“This is such great news for the community! Court Square Theater is so special and I’m so glad to hear it will stay open this year,” wrote Benjamin Wilkins.

“This is amazingly good news,” wrote Gwyn Mellinger. “Thanks to everyone who worked so diligently to make this happen.”

“I can’t wait to see what all unfolds,” wrote Misty Newman. “Thanks for stepping in at this time.”


ICYMI


Act One’s production of The Little Mermaid Jr. runs Feb. 19 through March 1.

Additional information is available online at actonetheaterco.org

Published by Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at crystal@augustafreepress.com