The Clayton Community Theatre was founded in 1998 at the invitation of the Clayton School District to serve as the resident community theatre company at Clayton High School. CCT’s purpose then, as now, was to provide a vehicle for all members of our community to be involved in the production of top quality live theatre. Through its three annual productions and through its program of community outreach, CCT has involved hundreds of individuals in productions that have played to consistently enthusiastic reviews and crowded houses. 
 
CCT believes that our successful history as a theatre company has proven that there is an important place in our community for a volunteer theatre company that is open to all and driven by a commitment to excellence.  
 
In the fall of 2006, CCT began operations on the campus of Concordia Seminary in Clayton (the former CBC High School building). In the fall of 2007 this property was purchased by Washington University in St. Louis. CCT operates on the Washington University campus as an independent community theatre company and is not affiliated with the Washington University Performing Arts Department.  Our last performance on Washington University's South Campus was in April of 2026.

 
Clayton Community Theatre is incorporated as a Missouri nonprofit corporation and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Membership in the organization is open to any interested individual. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors whose officers are: 
   

• Tim Kelly, President.

Tim brings over two decades of passion and hands-on experience in the St. Louis community theater scene to his role as President of Clayton Community Theatre. Involved in nearly every facet of local theater since the early 2000s, Tim has served as a director, producer, set designer, master carpenter, and actor. He consistently strives to foster rich and collaborative creative environments.

 

In addition to his creative and administrative vision, Tim brings a robust professional background in construction and construction management. This practical expertise gives him a unique, well-rounded perspective on set design, stagecraft, and facility management, ensuring CCT’s productions and operations are built on a solid foundation. Tim is honored to lead Clayton Community Theatre into its next exciting chapter.

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• Marilyn Albert-Hack, Vice President.

For the past 45+ years, Marilyn has been contributing to theatrical productions as "techie," assistant director, cameo, problem-solver, bit-part player, nudge, promoter, coach, stage manager, off-stage voice, director, and board member. Marilyn is an extraordinary leader, charismatic and unflappable, with an unwavering sense of humor. Her open, collaborative approach embodies the spirit of theatre and CCT's "Places, Everyone" mission.

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• Sam Hack, Artistic Director.

Sam Hack is well known throughout the St. Louis theatre community as one of our area’s most distinguished theatre educators. Sam retired from full-time teaching after more than two decades as theatre director at Hancock High School in St. Louis County. In a career of more than 50 years he has acted and directed with numerous professional and community theatre companies. 

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• Jessica Johns Kelly, Assistant Artistic Director.​

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• Nathan Schroeder, Treasurer.​​​​

Nathan first got interested in theatre when his kids were active in their middle school theatre program, in 2003. Since then he has distinguished himself as a lighting designer (over 100 plays and musicals for CCT and other companies, one St. Louis Theatre Circle Award, and three Theatre Mask Awards) and has also stepped onstage to act every now and then. He has been on the CCT board since 2007 and served as President from 2011 to 2015.​

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• Nieccole Hilliard, Secretary and Webmaster.

Nieccole has been working with CCT since 2006 in various roles including acting, directing, assistant directing, and stage managing. She has a BA in Theatre Performance and an MA in Theatre Education. Nieccole is in her 12th year of public school teaching.

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Other Board Members:​

• Ellen Schroeder

• Nada Vaughn

• Maureen Highkin

• Keith Kronemer

• Jack Kempf​​​

Jack started working with CCT from the beginning of the organization and built or helped to build every set for the first fifteen years. Jack joined the board during CCT's second year and later served as secretary and then as president. While president, when CCT lost its initial home at Clayton High School, Jack was able to (with a big assist from Mark Abels) negotiate an agreement with Concordia Seminary to move to the old CBC High School building which they had recently purchased. The building would later be acquired by Washington University and designated as Washington University South Campus. Jack retired from the board after CCT was fully established at the new location and rejoined the board recently to provide assistance in building and organizing the set shop. Unfortunately, upon completion of the set shop, CCT's lease was terminated. Now Jack is part of the search for CCT's new home, while also working to create rolling cabinets to facilitate the upcoming move. 

 

CCT Friends:
Julie Smailys, Greg Warnusz, Jeanne Short, Susan Kronemer, Erin Vlasty, Beth Kuppinger, Nancy Crouse, Amy Ruprecht-Belt, 

Mark Neels, Kelly G. Hunter, Vicki Hoffmeister, Jean Heckmann, Theo Kronemer, Jessa Knust, Laurie Blanner, Barbara Flint,

Mark Choquette, Jadienne Davidson, and John Davidson

Past Presidents:

Jim McNulty, Fran Jackson, Mark Zoole, Jack Kempf, Nada Vaughn, and Nathan Schroeder  

The Clayton Community Theatre was founded by a group of Clayton residents interested in expanding access to the performing arts through community theatre. The organization’s motto is “Places everyone,” the announcement traditionally made by the stage manager a few moments prior to curtain to call the actors and crew to readiness. The motto reflects the goals of Clayton Community Theatre, which are: to offer Clayton and surrounding communities top-quality theatrical entertainment; to showcase local talent; and to provide any interested member of our community the opportunity to become involved in theatre production. We are a volunteer-driven organization and welcome all theatre lovers interested in assisting in our productions. 
 
Clayton Community Theatre derives revenue primarily from ticket sales, with additional support from program advertising, contributions, sponsorships and grants.