The Little Theatre Auditorium in New London provides a gathering/performance space to feature artistic and cultural events. Live music, stage plays and movie screenings are just some of the things people can find on a regular basis along with other creative or experimental art while enjoying an espresso or cocktail.
The Little Theatre Auditorium is run by the Crow River Players, an arts-based and artist-led non-profit organization that seeks to amplify and represent the voices of local artists, including those who identify as biracial/multicultural and LGBTQ+.
The Little Theatre Auditorium start its summer season with the annual Porchfest, which this year will fill New London’s streets with music on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The following week, the theater will host five artists’ work during Studio Hop on June 13-14. The annual arts crawl will feature 18 artists at six studios in New London, Willmar and Svea.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Residents and visitors alike are welcome to add input for ideas and imagery to be added to an upcoming mural to be painted on the outside west wall of the theater with the Pocket Park Mural and Parade on June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Suggestions for mural images will be collected through conversation and surveys.
Back after first being featured last year is the Little Show on the Crow at Neer Park. A collaboration done with the Little Crow Ski Team. Current scheduled performances will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20.
More information and an updated schedule can be found by visiting
littletheatreauditorium.org.
Also returning this fall is the
Autumn Equinox Puppet Parade
in September during Harvestfest events in New London on Saturday, Sept. 20.
Those who wish to participate in the puppet parade on Sept. 20 will be able to go to puppet building workshops Sept. 6-7 and Sept. 13-14.
Two workshops will take place on each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday workshops will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. before the parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Sept. 20.
Dale Morin / West Central Tribune
The Little Theatre also has regular recurring events throughout the summer season, including movies, open mic nights and karaoke on the Little Theatre stage.
Espresso Matinees are held every Sunday at the theater from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can come enjoy a hot coffee or cocktail while viewing classic movies provided by the non-profit New London Roaming Cinema. Each week usually has a special theme for the films featured at each screening.
The espresso bar at the Little Theater is also open every Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Open Mic Nights are typically held the third Friday of every month from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 6 for happy hour before each performance. Sometimes featured acts also stop by to perform a set.
Upcoming open mic nights will be on June 13, July 18 and Aug. 15. Artists, musicians and performers of all kinds are encouraged to sign up.
Karaoke featuring Rick LeRen also typically take place the last Friday every month. Doors open at 6 p.m. for happy hour and karaoke takes place from 7 to 11 p.m.
Upcoming karaoke parties are scheduled for June 27, July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 26.
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