History of Alexander City Theatre (ACT II)

A Legacy of Community, Creativity, and Resilience

Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to everyone. Its story spans nearly four decades and is rooted in the passion, imagination, and perseverance of the Alexander City community. From its beginnings as the Lakeside Players to its rebirth as ACT II, this theatre has been shaped by volunteers, dreamers, and supporters who believe in the power of live performance.

The Foundations: The Lakeside Players (1986–1998)

Community theatre in Alexander City began in 1986 when Alexander City Arts sponsored a summer production of Oklahoma! at the local community college. The show received an overwhelming response, proving that residents wanted a place to gather, create, and experience live theatre close to home.

Inspired by this success, a group of committed volunteers formally established The Lakeside Players in 1988 with continued support from Alexander City Arts. For the next decade, the troupe produced up to four shows each year—cultivating local talent, offering opportunities for all ages, and helping shape a vibrant, growing arts scene.

However, the economic impact of the Russell Corporation’s closure and relocation in the late 1990s deeply affected the community. As families moved and funding dwindled, The Lakeside Players ultimately ceased operations in 1998. The stage went dark, but the desire for local theatre never disappeared.

A New Chapter: The Founding of ACT II (2015–2016)

Nearly twenty years later, former Lakeside Players and new advocates came together with a shared vision: to bring community theatre back to Alexander City. In 2015, they formed Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II)—a name that honored the past while signaling a fresh, hopeful beginning.

ACT II’s first production was held in the community college’s HEA auditorium. The show was a creative success but revealed the practical challenges of shared venues, including limited access and unpredictable scheduling. A partnership with the high school followed, but rental costs made long-term use difficult. It became clear that ACT II needed a home of its own.

Establishing a Home: The Bama Theater (2016–2023)

In late 2015, ACT II approached the City of Alexander City with a proposal to lease the historic Bama Theater, then serving as a gymnastics facility. In April 2016, the City approved a long-term lease—an important turning point and a major act of trust.

The building required substantial work and lacked modern amenities, but ACT II volunteers rolled up their sleeves and transformed the space. Rehearsals, performances, set builds, classes, and community events soon filled the once-quiet building. Its downtown location and history made the Bama an ideal cultural anchor for the revitalizing city center.

In 2023, after years of responsible stewardship and dedication, the City granted ACT II full ownership of the Bama Theater—a milestone that ensured the organization’s future and deepened its roots in the community.

ACT II Today: Impact and Vision

With a permanent home secured, ACT II is now focused on a major renovation of the Bama Theater. Plans include:

• A fully accessible, climate-controlled facility

• Updated restrooms and flexible seating

• Expanded stage, lighting, and sound systems

• Dedicated spaces for education, rehearsals, and community engagement

Guided by its mission to engage. inspire. entertain., ACT II continues to honor its founding values by:

• Producing live theatre for all ages

• Offering free public performances

• Providing scholarships and reducing cost barriers

• Teaching arts education to underserved youth

• Building confidence, creativity, and connection among children and families

For many local young people, ACT II provides a first-ever experience with theatre—whether on stage, backstage, or in the audience. The organization also partners with schools, nonprofits, and civic groups to expand its reach and deepen its impact.

Looking Forward

ACT II’s vision for the future includes:

• Growing its performance seasons and educational programs

• Completing the full renovation of the Bama Theater

• Expanding community partnerships and volunteer engagement

• Securing long-term financial sustainability

With unwavering commitment and community support, ACT II is not just renovating a building—it is nurturing a legacy. The organization remains dedicated to ensuring that live theatre continues to thrive, inspire, and illuminate life in Alexander City for generations to come.