Saranac Lake supported a Summer Theater troupe from at least the 1920s, initially at the tent theater between Main Street and the Saranac River. It was notable chiefly for introducing a young Rosalind Russell to the stage.
In 1961, Joan Frank bought the Odd Fellows Hall and used it as a summer theater until 1963, when she moved her troupe to Lake Placid. The building had seen earlier theatrical use, dating to June, 1952.
Lake Placid News, April 14, 1944
Summer Theatre
A summer theatre may develop from a course to be given in the Saranac Lake Study and Craft guild. The course in statecraft will be taught by by Edward Vogt, former New York actor. Those taking the course will produce a play in early summer and if the response is favorable the club will be recruited to sufficient members to enable them to put on several productions during July and August.
It is believed that a summer theater would be a paying proposition. Residents and visitors have indicated in the past that they support and appreciate stage productions and that they are as fond of amateurs as they are of professional players, such as operated the Adirondack Tent theater successfully for four seasons.
Mr. Vogt believes that there is sufficient talent in the community to develop a highly successful company. The array of talent includes many former actors and actresses who would lend their assistance, either by appearing in the productions or by assisting Mr. Vogt in the handling of the hows.
Comments:
2012-12-30 05:59:14 I spent a summer in Lake Placid with Joan Frank in 1968! One of the best experiences of my life. —69.35.216.62
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