- 1935-1940: Little Theatre of Muskegon
- 1950-1958: Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre
- In August 1950, a church building on Sanford Street was purchased by the Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre and became the home for its productions.
- 1951-1983: Civic Opera Assocation
- Civic Opera Association was founded in 1961, when it opened with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” COA concentrated on musicals, most of them expansive. The company performed in a variety of venues, including the Central Campus auditorium at Muskegon High School and the Michigan theater which would become the Frauenthal.
- 1961-1983: Port City Playhouse
- Port City Playhouse got rolling in 1961 in an old church building (the former Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre) on Sanford Street, across the street from where the Muskegon High School Big Reds play football at Hackley Stadium. Starting with a production of playwright Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy of manners, “Blithe Spirit,” Port City Playhouse operated until 1983.
- 1981-1984: Muskegon Youth Theatre
- Established by Janet Smith as a division of Civic Opera Association
- 1985 and Still Going Strong! – Muskegon Civic Theatre
- Formed in 1985, MCT is a merger of three former Muskegon entities: Port City Playhouse, Civic Opera Association and Muskegon Youth Theater. MCT’s inaugural show was “The Man Who Came to Dinner,”
Each of these organizations has brought its own heritage and talent to many area stages and to many community audiences over the years. They have improved and contributed to the quality of life in Muskegon.
