Athens Little Theatre
About Athens Little Theatre
At Athens Little Theatre, live performance is not just something you watch, it is something people in Henderson County help build, from acting and design to sets and costumes. The group presents plays and musicals for local audiences, while also giving young people a place to take theater classes and step onto the stage. If you care about arts that are rooted in a community and open to all ages, this is the kind of place that keeps that tradition alive.
What sets HCPAC apart is how long its community has been showing up for it. Since 1964, volunteers have helped shape the work, and that hands-on tradition still runs through the theater’s productions, training, and youth programming. The YES program gives that same energy to young people through classes and performance opportunities.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Community theater productions
Mainstage plays and musicals presented for audiences in Henderson County and the East Texas region.
YES, Youth Excellence on Stage
Youth theater craft classes and performance opportunities for young people.
Youth productions
Annual youth productions, including the Summer Musical and the Christmas Show.
Theatre activities and training
Theatre activities, play productions, youth theatre, and training for any interested individual.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To enrich lives through the power of the performing arts.
Who they serve
Residents of Henderson County and the East Texas region, including young people, performers, and community audiences.
How your donation helps
- The YES program
- Youth productions such as the Summer Musical and the Christmas Show
- Technology and lighting equipment upgrades
- Live theater productions
- Educational programs
Our story
Athens Little Theatre began in 1964 as a volunteer-led theater group performing in borrowed spaces. In 1980, it became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continued as the Henderson County Performing Arts Center, building on a long tradition of community members acting, designing, building sets, and creating costumes.
In their words
We Entertain. We Educate. We Change Lives.
Events
Ghost Light Campaign
ongoingOngoing fundraiser supporting the future of the arts, including technology and lighting equipment upgrades.
2026 production season
annualAnnual season of mainstage productions, including musicals, dramas, and comedies.
YES classes
weekly seasonalYouth Excellence on Stage classes offered every Thursday at 5 pm from Feb. 12 through April 2.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Athens Little Theatre has shared.
Current needs
- Season sponsorships
- Support for the Ghost Light Campaign
- Technology and lighting equipment upgrades
Volunteer opportunities
- Act in productions
- Design sets
- Build sets
- Create costumes
- Serve on the volunteer Board of Directors
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What is the YES program?
YES, Youth Excellence on Stage, offers theater craft classes for young people and puts on two youth productions each year, the Summer Musical and the Christmas Show.
What kinds of performances does HCPAC present?
HCPAC presents live theater productions, including plays, musicals, dramas, and comedies.
What accessibility options are available for patrons?
The Main Stage Theatre has wheelchair seating, and assisted listening devices can be checked out at the box office.
Similar nonprofits
Other theater nonprofits in TX.