CAMILLE PLAYHOUSE

In the fall of 1963, a small group of Speech and Drama teachers, along with interested theater buffs, joined together and started a new Little Theater Group calling themselves THE BROWNSVILLE PLAYERS.

Their first season, including the two productions of THIEVE'S CARNIVAL and GREEN GROW THE LILACS was a success, despite the fact they performed at an abandoned cotton sampling warehouse with absolutely NO amenities for the audience (or actors)!

But their devotion, effort and hard work was recognized by the SAMS FOUNDATION and in the summer of 1964 the new theater group was provided a grant for the construction of the theater. The city of Brownsville donated the location in Dean Porter Park and on January 31, 1965 the CAMILLE PLAYHOUSE, was dedicated and named in tribute to the Camille Sams Lightner, daughter of Earl Croder Sams, founder of the Sams Foundation.

In the 40 seasons since that opening night, our Theater has continued to grow both in audience and in artistic achievement. We currently feature a year round schedule of plays and musicals, and expanded and busy Youtheater Season just beginning in the theater, the SUMMER WORKSHOP for KIDS, and special events and productions throughout the year.

The Camille Playhouse is proud of the fact that since the theater's initial generous endowments, in recent years we have become entirely self-supported and continue the vision of the original founders, once again through devotion, effort and hard work.

And of course, the generosity of you, our loyal audience.

The Camille Playhouse in 1964