Since WDLT was established as part of the West Deptford Township recreation program to develop an appreciation of the "arts" (drama, music, dance, art, and set design) and to provide an opportunity for residents to develop their creative skills. Also to gain skills in drama, music, dance, art, and set design and knowledge molding them into well-rounded adults with a greater understanding and appreciation for the "arts" in general.
WDLT also donates time to entertain at local events, children's programs, and to benefit many charities.
West Deptford Little Theatre is an incorporated non-profit organization with a constitution and by-laws. Our Board members are volunteers who freely offer their time in order to help children of all qualifications enjoy the theater experience.
As per our By-laws--We do not prevent admission of anyone applying for membership because of his or her race, creed, sex, religion, national origin, disabilities, sexual or political persuasion. We provide accessibility, and make any necessary accommodations, for wheelchairs in parking, entrance, bathrooms, and seating.
Because WDLT was founded by two educators, they wanted toincoprpatd all ares of education into their daily program, they still do to this day:
Reading: interpreting, vocabulary development, character study
English: proper usage, vocabulary, oral-speaking skills
Music: singing, harmony, and rhythm
Physical Education: Dance, movement, coordination skills, endurance
Math: building sets using measurement; budgeting for productions
And much more…
But most of all Good Self-Esteem! All children accepted and made to feel important. Providing shows with a wide range of parts to accommodate many children with lines, writing additional songs to add to productions so that more children will have an opportunity to shine.
Miss West Deptford Little Theatre: Katie Knoblock |
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Katie is 16 years old and has been a member of the West Deptford Little Theatre family for 10 years. This year Katie as selected to be "WDLT Princess" and is very excited to represent the organization she has been attending since she was 6 years old. Katie enjoys acting, singing and teaching others the joys and wonders of the preforming arts. As well as acting in the summer, this junior in high school also participates in the spring musical at West Deptford High School. Katie also enjoys playing soccer, running and staying in shape. She is an Honor Roll student and is taking 4 honors classes. In her spare time Katie enjoys spending time with her friends, babysitting and eating. She wants to thank her friends and family for always being there and the "crew" for never letting a dull moment pass. She knows this Little Theatre season is going to be one of the best she has ever participate in and hopes everyone will support this amazing organization this year! . |
Young Man of the Year: Brett Matlack |
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Brett Matlack is a recent graduate of West Deptford High School, class of 2008. There, he was honored as Valedictorian, the best academic student in French, English, Mathematics, Science, and selected as the school’s representative for 6 ABC’s Best of Class. Besides academics, he was involved with the boys’ soccer program, ultimately earning the title as NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year for West Deptford High School. Likewise, he has held various positions in community service groups such as secretary for the National Honor Society and Publishing Coordinator for Renaissance. He currently attends Ithaca College as an International Business student. There, he participates on the men's crew team, honors program, and International Business Association (IBA). He has held various roles such as Augustus Gloop in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Sultan in Aladdin, Percival Browne in The Boyfriend, and Grimsby in The Little Mermaid. He aims to en tertain, serving as the talent winner in the comedic event of WDHS’s Mr. West Deptford. Brett is honored to represent WDLT as Young Man of the Year and anticipates many more years of success! |
Theatre Princess: Kristina Lail |
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Kristina has been a member of West Deptford Little Theatre since 2003. She has performed in a number of productions with the group and is excited to be the WDLT Princess. Kristina is honored to have been selected as one of the 2007 Senior Performers of the Year. Kristina attends Kingsway Regional High School where she is a sophomore. She takes all honors classes, is a member of student council, and is a Varsity cheerleader. Helping kids succeed has always been a joy for Kristina. She coaches the fourth and fifth grade Kingsway cheerleading squad and is looking forward to represeting WDLT. |
| For Past Representatives & Selection Process Click Here | |
Coming Soon:
West Deptford Little Theatre had its conception in the fall of 1973. It was the project of Mr. Joseph J. Schramm, a teacher at WD High School and his wife Susan T Schramm an elementary school teacher. The Schramm’s and some students of the high school approached Mr. Robert Oldt, a member of the WD Township Recreation Commission about a community theatre group for children and teens.
The township supported the idea with start up money of $1000.00 and the use of the high school for its productions. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cassabian, parents and township residents who offered their home and yard for rehearsals. Little Theatre began with about 65 children from age 7 thru 15. High School students helped by teaching music, dance and designing scenery thus earning independent study credits from the school. The first season of theatre lasted from the end of June to the middle of August and producing four shows. They were Cinderella, The Emperor’s New Cloths, Snow White and an original written by one of the high school students called “The Fantasy Matchmakers”.
Since then, every season the organization has grown. The township gave us a building to rehearse and store our equipment. We also were continued the use of the High School stage and if that was not available we have also performed in the Middle School and Redbank 11 School. With this help we are able to give the high school and college students who work for us by directing and producing the productions, a scholarship to help further their education.
Over the years, our numbers have grown from the original 65 members to now being over 300 members strong. Children’s theatre is still running strong, but we also have one of the best Community Theatre groups in the state. We have traveled state wide to perform and even spanned out to major theatre competitions in Atlanta, GA. This competition is sponsored by Music Theatre International Inc. where we have won a number of awards including Best All Around Production and Best All Around Actress. These have given us the opportunity to perform on the stage of the historic Fox Theatre in Atlanta. Besides traveling to performances and competing we also have represented our community in parades and benefits around our state.
West Deptford Little Theatre and Community Theatre continue to have a great deal of community support and its productions have grown in size and technique. Our members have gained an appreciation for live musical theatre and some have gone on to be successful professionals in the theatre and performing arts. We are very proud of our organization and what we have accomplished.
Theatre continues, six weeks of fun, learning, and excitement with more kids and fabulous shows!
West Deptford Little Theatre Motto for the last 36 years:
“Live Theatre….Entertaining, Exciting and Educational fun for the whole family!”
Click Here for Show History
- Riverwinds Community Center
- Mummer's Parade Philadelphia
- Miss West Deptford Pageant
- Welcome Santa Claus Parade Woodbury
- Woodbury Fall Festival Parade
- Sisters of Mercy Bordentown
- Greenbriar East Nursing Home
- Underwood Memorial Hospital
- Woodbury Mews
Please contact Susan Schramm if you would like WDLT to perfrom for you.
