History
The story of Batesville Community Theatre, often affectionately called BCT, begins in the fall of 1970 with a group of passionate citizens who shared a dream of bringing live theatre to Independence County. On October 20th of that year, the organizational meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church in Batesville. It was at this gathering that the foundation for the theatre was laid, with a slate of officers and board members chosen to guide the new organization.
The first officers included President Jennifer Engles, Vice President Nelson Barnett, Secretary Jimmie May, and Treasurer Neil Wilkins. They were joined by the inaugural board of directors, which consisted of Roy Henderson, Betty Rose Sims, Lou Murry, Reverend Arvil Brannon, Johnny Homesley, Virginia Henry, Charles Hathcock, and Bill Walmsley.
Founding & Early Days
In the early months of 1971, Articles of Incorporation were signed by Nelson Barnett, solidifying the group’s official existence and setting in motion a half-century of creative community endeavor. Just days later, on January 20th through 23rd, BCT staged its very first production. The play was Warm Wednesday, directed by Roy Henderson and performed in the old Lafferty Memorial Methodist Church, located at the corner of 8th and Neeley Streets. The production was brought to life entirely by volunteers, from the actors to those working behind the scenes. This spirit of collaboration and grassroots determination set the tone for the countless productions that would follow.
Growing Through the ‘70s
During its earliest years, particularly throughout the 1970s, the theatre produced three to five plays annually. Performances were staged at a variety of venues, including the familiar Lafferty Church, the Brown Chapel at Arkansas College (now Lyon College), the Independence County Fairgrounds, Ramada Inn, and Holloway Theatre. The willingness to adapt and move from one stage to another demonstrated not only the flexibility of the group but also its dedication to keeping theatre alive in Batesville, no matter the challenges.
In 1974, BCT hosted its very first Awards Banquet, which soon became a major annual event in its own right. This evening of recognition and celebration eventually evolved into the much-beloved “Rave Revue,” a showcase that highlighted local talent while streamlining the awards to focus on a few cherished honors. For many in the community, these events were as memorable as the plays themselves, offering another opportunity to gather, celebrate, and support the arts.
Expanding Horizons: Repertoire & Collaboration
By the early 1980s, shifting times brought new challenges. With volunteers balancing careers and family life, the theatre reduced its schedule to two major productions a season, often with smaller community events. Still, the commitment to quality never wavered. A milestone came in 1983–84, when BCT, supported by a modest bank loan, a $10,000 allocation from the Independence County Quorum Court, and countless volunteer hours, built its own 3,300-square-foot facility on Pepsi Road. The space provided for costumes, sets, rehearsals, and workshops in skills like mask making, painting, and dance.
In 1985, longtime board member and theatre historian Jo Cudd began documenting productions, cast lists, and memorabilia in scrapbooks, a project she continued until 2014. These archives are now housed at the Old Independence County Museum, preserving BCT’s story for future generations.
Over the years, BCT broadened its repertoire to include comedies, dramas, musicals, mysteries, children’s plays, Shakespeare, and dinner theatre. Original works by local playwrights such as Freeman Mobley, Dr. George Lankford, and Annie Stricklin added to the mix, while collaborations with Lyon College, area schools, the North Arkansas Dance Theatre, and other groups enriched both the productions and the community’s cultural life.
From Dream to Permanent Home
In 2014, BCT held its first “Barn-Raisin’ Hoedown” fundraiser, an event designed specifically to raise money for a new permanent theatre home. Five years later, in 2019, this decades-long dream finally became a reality with the acquisition of the former Van Atkins Department Store building in downtown Batesville. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the dedication of our board, and the generous support of community members who understand the vital role the arts play, Batesville Community Theatre at last had a place to call its own.
That same year, we christened the BCT Performing Arts Center with our first production on the new stage: Star-Spangled Girl. The purchase of the building, made possible through a low-interest loan and a generous donation from the Murphy, Arnold, and Moseley families, marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our history and laid the foundation for countless performances to come.
Today, more than fifty years after its founding, Batesville Community Theatre continues to carry forward the vision of its founders. It stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism, the strength of community spirit, and the unending value of live performance. With a legacy of hundreds of productions and thousands of community members touched by its work, BCT remains dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality theatre to Batesville, Independence County, and beyond. Its history is one of perseverance, creativity, and above all, a love for the stage.
