Amil Tellers / Encore Theatre

The history of Amil Tellers of Dramatics starts in 1932 when 12 people met to form a club for people interested in theatre.

The name comes from "Amil," which is Lima spelled backwards and "Teller" - one who tells a story.

The first business meeting was held on January 4, 1933 in the basement of the old Lima library. On February 4 of that year, a charter was adopted and the first production was scheduled.

Plays were given whenever they could get a place, people, and money to put one on. Some of the first productions were held in the public library basement, various churches, South High School, and the Recreation Center.

In the mid-1930s, the group also performed radio dramas on WBLY in Lima and WOWO in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In February 1939, the group was given use of a carriage house off Lakewood Avenue - they could use it if they didn't damage it. Near Farout Park, the venue became known as Stable Gables. Audio equipment was brought in for each show, and there was no heat except for a pot-bellied stove and fireplace. A stage was built and stalls were used as dressing rooms. The tack room became the green room where coffee and cookies were served at intermission. Tickets cost 25 cents and seating numbered between 50-60. Plays were presented in that location until 1945, when the property was sold.

From 1945-1958, the group became roving players and presented their performances in various locations including Central High School, The Crystal Room at the Argonne Hotel, the American Legion Hall, and the Temple.

In 1958, Homer Reeder provided land to build the current theatre. He originally loaned the group $100,000, which was used to build the box office area, auditorium, and stage. The 1958-59 season was so successful that he provided another loan to add the scene shop, green room, props room, costume storage, and make-up area.

October 23, 1958 marked the opening of the first production at Encore Theatre, a melodrama titled "The Drunkard."

Amil Tellers of Dramatics - A Short History
by Memory Wilson and Christie Thomas