Categories: Entertainment
Description: Richmond Community Theatre (RCT) was founded in 1965 by Alice Morin and 36 theatre enthusiasts, sponsored by the City of Richmond and the Richmond Community Schools as part of a shared recreation program. Two years later when the shared agreement was concluded the Richmond Community Schools took on the Richmond Community Theatre as part of adult education. Previously housed in the Civic Auditorium, now the school administration building on Main Street, the Richmond Community Theatre in cooperation with the Richmond Community Schools became lease holders of the former First Congregational Church at 69619 Parker Street in Richmond. In 1973, with the acquisition of the former First Congregational Church, application was made to register the building as a State and National Historical Monument. The building now known as the Richmond Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to the memory of Wallace Edlund, former Superintendent of the Richmond Community Schools, who was an inspiration and a practical advisor during the early days of planning for purchase of the former church. Historical registration was completed in 1975, after the renovation of the interior for use as an auditorium facility, and maintenance of the exterior in compliance with Historical Commission requirements. In 1975, Richmond Community Theatre became an independent, nonprofit corporation registered with the State of Michigan. The volunteer group, whose purpose is to provide the best live theatre possible to enhance amateur and educational programs in the area, is governed by an eleven person board. Membership of 36 in 1965 has grown to an active list of over 150, involving members and audience members from Macomb County, St. Clair County, Oakland County and Wayne County.