Penny Smith Theater

French Creek Community Theatre (FCCT) is celebrating one of the most exciting chapters in our 50-year history as we celebrate our first anniversary in The Penny Smith Theater and Rehearsal Space at Cussewago Square. While our large-cast main stage productions continue to be presented in larger offsite venues, The Penny has already transformed the way we serve young performers, volunteers, and our community.

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This extraordinary project has provided both FCCT and Meadville Community Theatre (MCT) with a permanent home—a 150-seat black box theatre, a 5,000-square-foot ADA-accessible rehearsal facility, costume and set storage, an outdoor theatre venue, and dedicated spaces for design and construction. After decades of working within rented and often limited spaces, navigating rising venue costs, rehearsing in inaccessible facilities, and accommodating record-breaking cast sizes, we now have a home designed to support the future of community theatre.

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This move was never simply about improving our facilities; it was about protecting and expanding the heart of community theatre in Crawford County. Located in Meadville's vibrant 5th Ward community, just two miles from downtown, The Penny Smith Theatre has become part of a growing cultural destination alongside Dominico's, Cup 'n Spoon, French Creek Arts Collective, and other community partners. Together, we are helping create a space where arts, culture, and community can thrive.

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Over the past year, The Penny has allowed us to expand programming, host cultural and fundraising events, welcome more families, and create new opportunities for artistic growth. Yet our work is not finished. While the building has been beautifully restored and brought to life, continued improvements and equipment investments are needed to maximize the theatre's potential.

 

Additional seating, lighting, staging enhancements, technical equipment, and audience amenities will help us better serve our performers and patrons for years to come.

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As a 100% volunteer-run organization committed to keeping participation free and tickets affordable, we continue to rely on community support, donors, and grant funding to sustain and grow this vision. Every contribution—whether from a member, parent, alum, business partner, or arts supporter—helps strengthen theatre education and cultural engagement throughout Northwest Pennsylvania.

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Together, we are building more than a theatre. We are creating a lasting home for creativity, connection, and community that will serve the region for the next 50 years and beyond.

This version shifts the story from "we're moving in and building it" to "we've proven the value of the space, and now we're investing in its future," which tends to be a stronger message for sponsors and donors.