Our History

It All Started When…

From early shows held at the Community Playhouse on Dunnagans Alley to Seahawk Auditorium at Hilton Head High School, Main Street Theatre, and Coligney Theatre today, Main Stage has inspired and entertained our community for over 30 years.

Main Stage Community Theatre began as the Hilton Head Community and Youth Theater in the early ‘90s, before evolving into Main Street Youth Theatre. During the show-shortened COVID season of 2020, Main Street Youth Theatre refocused to become Main Stage Community Theatre.

Main Stage Community Theatre was founded to create a family-centered community-based theater where all of the performers are local children, parents, and community adults. We envision a safe place for players to play, where they can be part of something bigger than themselves. A gathering place for the community to connect and celebrate around great storytelling. From the back of the stage to the front of the house, we are making an impact.

Each year, Main Stage produces between two and four full-scale shows. In a single year, productions will range from a Junior show, focusing on students between seven and 18, to a community show, casting students and adults alike. From musical theater, like The Sound of Music (‘22) to straight plays, like Our Town (‘24).

Since 1997, Main Stage Community Theatre has produced over 90 shows, from Huckleberry Finn (‘97) and Anne of Green Gables (‘97) to The Odd Couple (‘23), Jekyll & Hyde (‘24), and Shrek the Musical (‘25), audiences have laughed, cried, and enjoyed our productions. Nearly 4,000 guests, both local families and visitors to the Low Country, attend every year.

We are proud to present all of our shows using local talent, remaining committed to our community by developing and utilizing the talent available in the local and surrounding areas to cast all productions. We strive to include and involve performers of all ages, whether new to the stage or seasoned veterans.

Through the years it has been impossible for our mission to succeed without the generosity of our guests and supporters. THANK YOU for filling the house and cheering us on! Here’s to the next 100 shows!