Ory’s love for the theatre began as a youth actor at Ashe County Little Theatre, where his passion for the stage first took root. That passion never faded. Donations to the Ory Owen Memorial Fund support educational opportunities for young performers, including education and training, workshops, and access to theatre programs. Through this fund, we are able to honor the joy, creativity and spirit Ory brought to our stage and our community.  Ory's commitment to learning and creativity continues to open doors for the next generation of artists.

*In loving memory of Ory Owen, established by his mother, Mary Owen.*

Ory Owen Memorial Fund

Ashe County Little Theatre is a nonprofit community theatre in West Jefferson, NC, offering live performances and arts education.

Ashe County Little Theatre (ACLT) is a nonprofit community theatre in Ashe County, North Carolina, dedicated to enriching our community through live performance, arts education, and creative opportunities for all ages. We produce a diverse season of plays, musicals, and special performances each year, providing a welcoming platform for local actors, directors, designers, technicians, and volunteers to share their talents both onstage and behind the scenes.

Our roots date back to before 1972, when a small group of theatre lovers came together to perform plays wherever space allowed. A key figure in these early efforts was Mrs. Elizabeth Barlow, an English and journalism teacher at Beaver Creek High School, who helped unite the group and produced many plays by local playwrights. Performances were held in Ashe County schools, with dinner theatre productions staged at the Greenfield Restaurant and Blue Ridge Elementary School. Props, costumes, and set pieces were stored in the basement of the Jon Marc Department Store, known today as Hometown Furniture.

In 1972, the group reorganized, began producing three to four shows a year, and officially became Ashe County Little Theatre. In June 1981, ACLT incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the General Statutes of North Carolina. For more than 50 years, ACLT has remained a vibrant part of the Ashe County community. Today, we proudly call the Ashe Civic Center, “The Home of the ACLT”, our performance space.

ACLT thrives because of community support. We offer ongoing volunteer and acting opportunities for people of all experience levels, fostering creativity, connection, and confidence. Your support helps us continue our legacy, keep theatre accessible, nurture local talent, and bring people together through the shared experience of live theatre.

Ashe County Little Theatre Inc.

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We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

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Ashe County Little Theatre Inc.

Ory Owen Memorial Fund

Ashe County Little Theatre Inc.

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Ashe County Little Theatre Inc.