Center Stage Theatre: A History

Center Stage was founded in 1975 by Jo Love Little, Chuck White, Martin Miazza, Dot Miazza, Becky Moreton, Keith Moreton, Chester Delacruz, and Boyce Holleman. Fifteen seasons were spent in a converted body shop on Cowan Road in Gulfport, where Center Stage produced hits such as ‘night, Mother, Steel Magnolias, and Crimes of the Heart, which directly built a reputation for acting, sets, and direction. Center Stage was also known as a group that was not afraid to take a chance and would do the unusual show…artistic freedom!
In 1990 we moved into a new theatre off of Eisenhower Drive in Biloxi, after 10 years of planning and fundraising! The state-of-the-art theatre retained its intimate atmosphere, but gained the facilities necessary to produce professional quality productions. Headed into its 34th Season, Center Stage is a semi-professional non-profit community theatre whose driving force is artistic excellence. We are also the only Coast theatre with a full-time staff, Artistic Director Chuck White and Administrative Director BreAnne Murdock.
Center Stage presents five regular season shows, one summer fundraiser, and two children’s theatre productions annually as well as a summer children’s theatre workshop called Stage Stars. We also feature small, one-night fundraisers throughout the year called SNACS (Saturday Night at Center Stage). These are evenings with a coffeehouse feel that showcase local talent.