For more than a century, Laredo Little Theatre (LLT) has offered a stage for stories that entertain, challenge, and unite the community.
Its roots trace back to 1911, when the first performance was held at Market Hall by a group of local performers. By 1923, Aloysius H. Notzon had founded the Amateur Theatre, planting seeds for what would become LLT. A number of musicals were produced in the years that followed, including a wartime performance of HMS Pinafore presented in collaboration with the Laredo Gunnery School.
After a brief hiatus following World War II, theatre enthusiasts and educators worked to revive the organization, officially establishing Laredo Little Theatre in 1953. For individuals such as Hortense Offerle, Stanley Keilson and Sam Johnson, their involvement with LLT and community theatre in Laredo eventually spanned decades. This level of dedication allowed the organization to thrive despite scarce resources, including a permanent venue for performances.
Without its own space, LLT staged productions at available venues throughout Laredo, including the former Laredo Civic Center and school auditoriums. Laredo Junior College (now Laredo College) also briefly allowed LLT use of its facilities. This continued until 1982, when the City of Laredo granted the use of a defunct building from the former Laredo Air Force base, where LLT continues to host productions today.
Over the decades, LLT has staged everything from beloved children’s musicals like Annie and Aladdin to plays tackling sensitive topics. Programs such as the Teatro Chicano de Laredo have featured bilingual productions written by local Latino playwrights.
That said, LLT has served as a steppingstone for Laredoans pursuing a career in the performing arts. One such individual is Tony Bondoc, who credits LLT and former drama instructors for influencing his career path. As a student, Bondoc studied under Peggy Phelps, Joe Flores, and Vernon Carroll.
In adulthood, Bondoc sought to create those same opportunities for Laredo youth. In 2015, he founded Break A Leg Productions, which produced summer musicals featuring area students in its cast and crew. Eventually, Bondoc received the opportunity to direct Aladdin Jr. in a co-production between both organizations.
“It was a full circle moment being able to contribute to a theatre that had given me so many chances to grow as an actor,” Bondoc said, emphasizing the support of former board president Oscar O. Peña in providing a memorable experience for emerging thespians.
“Working closely with Oscar on that project, I was able to see his passion for supporting theatre firsthand and was grateful for his vision to support up and coming artists,” he said.
Now based in Chicago, Bondoc serves as the Director of Programming at the League of Chicago Theatres. He reflected on the theatre’s status as a pillar of the arts in Laredo.
“They have managed to stay a small theatre with a big footprint, and without fear of growth,” Bondoc said.
Speaking of its role in his own artistic journey, fellow LLT alum Andres Coronado said the theatre introduced him to “the power of queer theatre and the importance of telling stories of the marginalized.” During his senior year of high school, he was cast in The Laramie Project, recognizing its personal impact over a decade later.
“As violence against queer and trans people has ramped up the last few years, I look back with a lot of pride on telling the tragic story of Matthew Shephard in a border town,” Coronado said.
Like Bondoc, Coronado also relocated to Chicago to further his career. Currently, he is active with The Neo-Futurists theatre ensemble as an actor and playwright. Both remain supportive of LLT and its mission to cultivate local talent.
The theatre’s ability to endure over a century’s worth of challenges and changes is made possible by its backbone of volunteers and longtime board members such as Dianne Addison Ramirez, Guillermo López, and newly appointed board president AB Barrera. Their longevity and commitment to LLT mirrors that of their predecessors, many who supported the theatre for the remainder of their lives.
“Everyone is giving so much of themselves because to be in community around these delicate, yet powerful works of art is so important to them,” Bondoc noted.
Looking ahead, LLT remains focused on upcoming productions and ongoing efforts to maintain the historic space. As a registered non-profit, donations are a lifeline to continue their legacy of endurance and creativity. More importantly, it’s the same community which brought this sanctuary to life that can keep it thriving for generations to come.
(Rebekah Rodriguez is a Laredo native whose collection of work spans news writing, poetry, and personal essays. Her work has been featured in Laredo Morning Times, DVINO Magazine, Rio Magazine, and Infrarrealista Review. Connect with her on Instagram @rebekahrdz.)
