This Theatre Building has a lot of History!

The land on Blake Avenue, between Highway 17 and River Road was owned by a wealthy family who had a large home. They built a two story annex at the back of their home for use as a summer home for the little girls from St. Mary's orphanage in Jacksonville. The annex had classrooms on the lower floor and dormitories and showers on the top floor. It wasn't unusual to find 78 or so little girls enjoying the fresh air and spacious grounds in the summertime down there by the river.

In order to attend mass, however, the girls had to ride a bus downtown to St. Paul's every Sunday. Bishop Barry recognized the need and made way for the construction of a chapel to be built on the grounds in 1930. The chapel was built in the mission style and was designed by Claude Legh.

Eventually, St. Mary's orphanage moved to Arlington and the summer home in Orange Park was no longer needed. From the 1950's to 1971, the chapel was the home of St. Mary's parish. However, with the influx of new parishoners, the congregation outgrew the small chapel. In 1970, land was cleared for a new parish on Kingsley Avenue known as St. Catherine's

When this happened, the chapel was rented out for a variety of functions. Virginia Mims eventually bought the property on Blake Avenue and in 1986 the house and chapel were scheduled for demolition. Mrs. Mims agreed to donate the building to OPCT with the stipulation that it had to be physically moved to another location. That's when in 1987, a parade of dedicated volunteers followed this building down Kingsley Avenue and further to its resting place where it sits to this day.

The Orange Park Community Theatre is proud to be perpetuating the LIVE theatre experience in Clay County!

Over the years the Orange Park Community Theatre has produced a wide range of quality shows and this season is no exception. OPCT is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. It is the only live theatre in Clay County and exists solely through the generous support of its patrons.

OPCT is also an organization that gives the youth of the community an opportunity to participate in its annual summer workshop. This workshop is an intensive theatre experience that covers every facet of theater production. Many of our workshop graduates have gone on to be accomplished actors and technicians in a variety of areas.

In October, 1969, The Night of January 16th, directed by Ralph Thomas, launched 12 consecutive years of Orange Park Community Theatre productions. Forming this theatre group and sponsoring the inaugural play were projects undertaken by the Orange Park Woman's Club, led by Emily Reynolds Dale.

Armored Dove was presented three months later in the Orange Park High School cafetorium and from there OPCT gained momentum and became a full-fledged community theatre. From 1970 to 1980, OPCT productions were held in the old U.S. Navy Theatre at the Reynolds Industrial Park in Green Cove Springs. The building was eventually declared unsafe for use and OPCT went dark through the 1981-1982 season.

In 1982, Plaza Suite was presented and brought OPCT back alive as productions were presented in various facilities in the Orange Park area. Armed with a fifteen year lease from Clay County, OPCT began a building fund drive and in 1987, the old St. Mary's Catholic Church was donated and moved to its present location.

The first production ever enacted in this theatre was Murder Among Friends and Hello Dolly was the first musical. OPCT is enjoying its permanent home and appreciated the support from everyone.