Kelly Dolejsi speaks at Los Alamos Kiwanis Club, April 1. Courtesy photo

KIWANIS News:

At the Kiwanis April 1 meeting, Kelly Dolejsi, member of the Los Alamos Little Theater (LALT), talked about the history, achievements, challenges for the next season, and future plans of their organization.

LALT began to organize during the Manhattan Project and in 1943 was the first organization in Los Alamos. They presented their first seven productions during the war, including “Arsenic and Old Lace”, which featured Director Robert Oppenheimer in a non-speaking role. LALT was a nomadic troupe until 1973 when they worked with the county to renovate the old East Cafeteria (later converted to a recreation hall), and renamed the Performing Arts Center (PAC) where they perform today.

Since then, they have presented over 230 productions, ranging from serious drama to uproarious comedy and small stage musicals. LALT continues to operate and manage the building on behalf of Los Alamos County on a completely volunteer basis.

Dolejsi discussed the performances that comprised their 2024-2025 season. She outlined the organization’s community outreach activities, including providing space for folk and modern dancing groups, collaboration with Los Alamos Light Opera to present the musical “Fun Home’, their new “Littler Theater” project that provides workshops for children in all aspects of theater production, a professionally led directing workshop, music concerts, standup comedy shows, and short plays at the senior centers.

Because the PAC will be undergoing renovations this summer, LALT is working to be able to go back to their nomadic roots and offer productions in alternate venues for the next season. They will work with the county to renovate the fire suppression system and hope to continue to provide scholarships, educational programs, collaborations with and support of local groups in the arts community. Longer term goals include remediating asbestos, revamping the hearing-impaired system, and purchase of new chairs and easily moveable risers.