The Historic Garden Theater

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In July of 1921, Dr. C.B. Walters broke ground on a new state-of-the-art building in downtown Louisa with a steam shovel. The upstairs was to be used as offices for Dr. Walters. The downstairs was divided into two rooms. The first was used as a modern pharmacy. The second was leased for use as a picture show.

The theater opened on New Year’s Eve, 1921. The theater presented stage shows and frequently hosted circus acts, magicians, and live music.

The Garden Theater was a vital part of the community until its closing in 1957. In the subsequent years, it survived several iterations – serving as an auto parts store, a law office – until it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

In 2007 the theater was purchased, then by 2019 it was refurbished and resumed its rightful place as a lively gathering place in the heart of Louisa. Mountain Movers Theatre Company is proud to call The Garden Theater home and celebrate its 100 year anniversary with you this New Year’s Eve!

Meet the team

Kim Willard

Kim Willard is the Artistic Director and Resident Director of the Mountain Movers Theatre Company and brings over 30 years of teaching and directing experience with her. In addition to winning a Grammy Award for her exceptional theatre curriculum design, Kim has taught public school k-12 music and theatre in NH, VA and SC, served as adjunct theatre faculty at James Madison University, created the highly successful educational programming for the former Jenny Wiley Theatre, and founded a theatre minor at the University of Pikeville. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, and a Master of Fine Arts from The Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, NYC.

Darryl Willard

Darryl is proud to call Eastern Kentucky home after working in CT, NH, MA, VA and SC for construction and theatre companies. He has a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies (Music & Theatre) from Plymouth State University and Masters Certificate in Production Management from Clemson University. He is the former Managing Director and Technical Director at Jenny Wiley Theatre. Mountain Movers Theatre Company is proud to have him as Production Manager.