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About Our Theatre

every town needs a little art

Films have the power to unite, entertain, inspire and inform our communities.

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Vision

"The best place to watch a movie together."

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Mission

To provide an experience that entertains, informs and inspires.

our aspirational vision for the community

The Little Art Theatre has been among the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in Yellow Springs, Ohio since its founding in 1929. Well known for its commitment to diverse programming, the Little Art presents an eclectic mix of films that includes first-run, independent, international, documentaries, cinema classics, and special film events.

To continue to fulfill its mission, to provide an experience that entertains, informs and inspires, the Little Art became a nonprofit organization in 2009.  Its first major renovation was completed in 2013, bringing the theatre into the digital age, while retaining many of its historic elements. With its iconic houselights and beloved marquee, the theatre provides a unique venue for film showings, community events, and rentals. The Little Art Theatre is part of the social fabric of the Yellow Springs community and the Miami Valley area.

Community engagement is essential to the Little Art’s mission.  Local nonprofit partnerships have included ones with Community Solutions, 365 Project, Tecumseh Land Trust, NAMI-YS, and WYSO to bring important documentaries to the screen.  To support the local filmmaking scene, the theatre has hosted the film premieres of many area filmmakers and students and served as a screening site for the screenings of the annual Dayton Jewish Film Festival. The theatre has hosted community events, presented musicians and speakers, and produced an annual “Drive-In Movie” in the summer and a New Year’s Eve celebration. Businesses and individuals can also rent the theatre for their own special events and celebrations including anniversaries and birthdays.

Known as the best place to watch a movie together, the Little Art Theatre believes that the simple act of watching a movie together in an intimate, hometown, single screen setting has the power to connect people and build community in ways that can’t be replicated at large multiplexes.  By creating shared experiences, we foster community cohesion and understanding–one movie at a time.

our enduring legacy

Founding The Little Art Theatre

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In 1929, Dick and Mary Denison founded what was first called “The Little Theatre.”  Throughout its continuous operation, the theatre has seen management changes and its share of historic changes.

Changing hands throughout the century

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In 1955, the theatre was purchased by the Art Theatre Guild of Scottsdale, Arizona, and became the Little Art Theatre. From 1987 to 1990, the Little Art was owned by Antioch College under the leadership of then college president Alan Guskin. The building was purchased by Rod and Ellen Hoover in 1990,  but the business was owned by Antioch College professor Jon Saari until 1997. Jenny Cowperthwaite, having managed the Little Art for 20 years, then purchased the business in 1998 and served as Executive Director until 2020.

A new era for Little Art

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A new era began for the theatre in 2009, when it became a 501 (c)(3) corporation. In 2012, the Little Art Theatre Association launched a successful major capital campaign to upgrade and entirely remodel the theatre, adding digital projection and sound, full accessibility, new seats, improved sight lines, and a contemporary “industrial chic” lobby with an expanded concession stand.

Today and beyond

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Fondly thought of as The Little Theatre That Could, the Little Art continues its long history of showing the best in independent, foreign, classic, documentary and mainstream movies.  The theatre’s many donors have kept alive this rich history and are helping to write the theatre’s next act.

Little Art Theatre historical photo

board of trustees

A Board of Trustees assures that the Little Art Theatre holds true to its mission and makes sure the organization operates in a fiscally responsible manner. Board members donate their time and talents to work with theatre management, staff, and community members to ensure that the Little Art Theatre adheres to best business practices.

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Sharon Greitzer
President
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Terry Fife
Vice President
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Wendy DeLong
Secretary
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Alex Price
Treasurer
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Shayna McConville
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Connie O’Brien
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Peter Wentworth
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Caleab Wyant
Theatre Manager

current job openings

Front of House

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Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs, is seeking Front of House staff. The ideal candidate is reliable and
enthusiastic about working with our patrons. The position is heavily involved with customer service,
ticketing, and the overall patron experience. Responsibilities include: Providing a high level of customer experience, being aware and knowledgeable about the films being shown, knowing what is available in the concessions area, making popcorn, selling tickets, gift certificates, and memberships, ushering duties, working as a team with fellow front of and back of house staff members, other duties as assigned/requested. The ideal candidate has excellent customer service and communication skills, able to work evenings and weekends, computer literate, comfortable with credit card and cash transactions.

For questions or to apply contact
director@littleart.com
Learn More

Projectionist

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Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs is seeking a projectionist to join the team. The ideal candidate will be reliable and enthusiastic about providing excellent entertainment in our community. Responsibilities include – preparing and running the movie, cleaning and trash removal, marquee set up, setting up and maintaining projection equipment, lighting, occasional box office and ushering duties, being knowledgeable about films being played, other duties as assigned/requested. Must be able to work evenings and weekends

For questions or to apply contact
director@littleart.com
Learn More
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Ghostbusters

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