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Little Lake Theatre Company Named ‘Theatre-in-Residence’, Expanding Live Theatre, Arts Education, and Community Programming

The Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI) recently announced a landmark partnership that names Little Lake Theatre Company the ‘Theatre-in-Residence’ at the Canon Theatre. The collaboration represents a significant milestone in CECI's vision to create a premier performing arts destination while expanding access to exceptional live theatre, arts education, and cultural programming throughout Washington County and the surrounding region.

As Theatre-in-Residence, Little Lake Theatre Company will present theatrical productions, educational programming, community events, and other artistic experiences at the Canon Theatre while continuing operations at its historic lakeside theatre in North Strabane Township. The partnership combines Little Lake Theatre Company's more than 75 years of artistic excellence with CECI's commitment to enriching the community through collaboration, education, and cultural engagement.

The partnership will come to life this December when Little Lake Theatre Company presents Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Canon Theatre, marking the first production under the Theatre-in-Residence partnership.

Together, the organizations will develop innovative programming that inspires creativity, provides meaningful educational opportunities, supports local artists, and creates memorable experiences for audiences of all ages. The collaboration reflects a shared belief that the performing arts have the power to strengthen communities, foster lifelong learning, and bring people together.

"The Canon Theatre was envisioned as more than a performance venue. It was designed to be a home for exceptional arts organizations and a place where our community can gather to experience the very best in live entertainment," said Tony Colaizzo, CECI Board President. "Naming Little Lake Theatre Company as our Theatre-in-Residence reflects exactly what CECI was created to do—collaborate with outstanding organizations to expand opportunities for our community. Little Lake has earned an outstanding reputation for artistic excellence, education, and community engagement, making them the ideal partner as we establish the Canon Theatre as a cultural destination for southwestern Pennsylvania."

Patrick Cannon, Executive Artistic Director of Little Lake Theatre Company, said the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to expand the organization's impact while remaining true to its longstanding mission.

“For more than 75 years, Little Lake has demonstrated that theatre does not have to choose between artistic ambition and public purpose,” said Cannon. “It can be excellent and accessible. It can honor its history while continuing to open its doors wider. Becoming Theatre-in-Residence at the Canon Theatre gives us the opportunity to do exactly that. Our historic lakeside theatre will always remain the heart of Little Lake, but this partnership allows that heart to reach further into the community.

“Audiences will first see the partnership come to life this December with our production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. The promise of this collaboration is much larger than one production or one building. Together with CECI, we are creating more ways for young people, artists, volunteers, and audiences to enter the life of the theatre. We are helping build a Canonsburg where the arts are not an ornament to community life, but an essential part of it.”

"Little Lake Theatre Company has long been a tremendous cultural asset for Washington County, providing audiences with exceptional performances and arts experiences for generations," said Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. "This partnership with CECI creates an exciting opportunity for both organizations to expand their programming while giving audiences the opportunity to experience outstanding theatre in the beautifully renovated Canon Theatre. Investments like this strengthen our quality of life, enhance our tourism offerings, and further establish Washington County as a destination for arts and culture."

The collaboration reflects CECI's mission of elevating arts, education, and cultural opportunities by partnering with organizations that have already demonstrated excellence in serving the community. Rather than duplicating successful programs, CECI is creating a home where respected arts organizations can expand their reach, grow their impact, and serve even more people. For Little Lake Theatre Company, the Canon Theatre provides an exciting new opportunity to broaden its programming and reach while preserving the traditions audiences have enjoyed since 1949. Together, the organizations will create expanded opportunities for residents throughout the region to experience exceptional live theatre, participate in educational programming, and engage with the performing arts in meaningful ways. This collaboration also represents another important step in CECI's long-term vision for the continued redevelopment of the former Canonsburg Middle School campus.

"The partnership between CECI and Little Lake Theatre Company demonstrates the power of collaboration in the performing arts," said Blair Trunzo, Managing Director of the Canon Theatre. "By bringing together two first-class organizations with complementary missions, we are creating new opportunities for both organizations to grow while expanding the impact of the performing arts throughout our region. The Canon Theatre will be a place where audiences discover joy through unforgettable performances, students develop confidence and creativity, artists find new pathways to success, and our community comes together to celebrate the transformative power of live theatre."

This announcement marks another significant milestone in the continued development of the Canon Theatre as the cornerstone of CECI's vision for the former Canonsburg Middle School campus. As additional programming and strategic partnerships are introduced, the Canon Theatre will continue to grow as a premier destination for live entertainment, arts education, and community engagement throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

For more information about the Canon Theatre, CECI, and its partnership with Little Lake Theatre Company, visit goceci.org.

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