Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
December 15, 2015 1:00 a.m.
Saturday, December 12th, marks the end of the 24th season of Fernandina Little Theatre’s productions and also the final curtain according to Kate Hart, founder and managing director. The adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, is a charming tale and a fitting final production for the season.
The theater on Beech Street and South 11th Street had its beginnings at varied locations, such as the downtown Post Office and the Palace Saloon until it found its current home. It also housed poetry, readings and film festivals for many years.
Hart’s letter sent to subscribers and supporters explained it best…
“As many of you know, the Fernandina Little Theatre began at my kitchen table almost 25 years ago. Now it stands proudly on Beech Street, an integral and vibrant part of the Fernandina Beach/Amelia Island/northeast Florida artistic community, a place where people come to share and enjoy theatre, film, music, poetry.
It is with some sadness, a tinge of guilt, but also with great relief, that I have decided to retire as Managing Artistic Director of the Fernandina Little Theatre, and the Board has decided to retire FLT along with me.
I am looking forward to free evenings, time for friends and travel, and time to contribute to our community as a volunteer with other organizations. I am looking forward to attending theater strictly as an audience member. In time, I may even consider directing a play again – who knows?
But most important, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your support, which made that crazy dream of mine 25 years ago come true. I thank all of you who have served as on-state and off-stage volunteers, and as Board members, for all you have done for FLT. together, we have accomplished a great deal, and as an organization have so much of which we can be proud! It has been a terrific run!”
She will still be busy with Miss Kate’s Pre K in Fernandina Beach, as well as taking more time to enjoy life on our lovely island and will surely be using her creativity in other ways. You may even see her volunteering in other theater productions.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
From its creation to its end, Kate has been a guiding force for FLT and it has provided hundreds of hours of entertainment for residents and visitors as well as immense accomplishment for its actors, crew members and supporters. It is an end of an era, but the start of a new phase for Kate and her activities for which she is always so passionate about. Thank you Kate and all the FLT supporters!
Thank you Kate for your many contributions to the arts in our community.
So sorry to see FLT close! It was a wonderful cultural addition to Amelia Island, and I especially will miss the Oscar Shorts and Documentary films that Kate presented!!
I hope that perhaps a local film advocate might find a way to present independent films and take on the wonderful presentations of documentaries and Oscar nominated shorts that Kate brought to our island . . . thanks Kate for everything!