MACT
Little Theatre of Owatonna celebrated 60 years of presenting live theatre in Owatonna with a special concert performance on September 13, 2025. MACT presented LTO with a special commemorative plaque 10 years ago for their 50th anniversary. Join MACT in congratulating LTO for 60 of live theatre. Below are excerpts from an article in the local newspaper about this long time MACT member.
What began as a small group of community members with a dream in 1966 has grown into a thriving arts hub that, 60 years later, continues to inspire, entertain and unite the Owatonna community.
One of those visionaries was Karen Killen, one of only two surviving charter members of LTO. Reflecting on those early years, Killen described the beginnings as both humble and hopeful.
“In the early days, it was like stepping into possibility,” she recalled. “We had bare walls, borrowed props, a bad curtain and we were creating something out of nothing. Every rehearsal was filled with excitement and nerves, and we weren’t sure if the audience would come. But they did. And now, walking into the theater feels like going home. What we planted has grown into a tradition.”
Killen remembers the first productions clearly: “Three Men on a Horse,” “Never Too Late” and “Guys and Dolls.” She credits the enduring success of the theater to the people who poured themselves into every role — on stage and behind the scenes.
“It didn’t matter if you were a plumber or a business owner,” she said. “Theater brought everyone together. People who never set foot on stage still became part of the community by sewing costumes, building sets, or working lights. That’s the heart of LTO.”
No history of LTO would be complete without honoring Sharon Stark, whose name now graces the auditorium where countless productions have taken place. Stark’s commitment to the theater spanned more than five decades — she worked on every single play for 56 consecutive years until her passing in 2018.
Today, that spirit is alive and well in the next generation of theater makers. Heather Burke, music director for the anniversary concert, admitted that the task is both exhilarating and intimidating.
“I come from a background in music education, but this is my first time directing a concert drama of this scale,” Burke said. “It’s intimidating because everyone here is so talented — they know what I’m talking about, and many of them are music teachers and directors themselves. But that’s also what makes this so rewarding. Everyone has a chance to shine.”
For Melanie Abraham, chair of the 60th Anniversary Committee, the celebration is about more than a single night — it’s about honoring decades of dedication.
“Being part of the theater isn’t only about being on stage,” Abraham explained. “It’s about teamwork: designing, painting, building, costuming, ushering — every role matters. Through LTO, I’ve met incredible people who have become more than friends — they’ve become family.”
Abraham has witnessed firsthand how LTO welcomes people from all walks of life.
“It’s not just about producing plays. It’s about building community, creating friendships, and giving people the courage to step outside their comfort zones,” she said.
Looking back, looking ahead
Over the decades, LTO has not only produced shows but also invested in the future of the arts. Since 1959, the organization has awarded scholarships to students pursuing theater, music, and related fields, including the Vita Alexander Scholarship and the Sarah Foreman Memorial Scholarship. Generations of young performers have cut their teeth on the LTO stage before carrying their talents into college, regional theaters, and beyond.
For Killen, seeing the theater thrive six decades later is deeply moving.
“Theater has given us a place to come together, to see ourselves in stories, and to build lasting friendships,” she said. “It’s a gift to this community.”