The Walpole Footlighters Theater is celebrating their 100th season this coming year. Since 1924, the theater has been bringing entertainment to the Walpole community. Throughout its history, those who have chosen to perform with the Footlighters have been rewarded with a creative outlet, and it has continued to be a source of enjoyment for many of the people in Walpole and additional viewers.

Started by former principal of Walpole High School, Frank Mansur, in 1924, the Footlighters was considered a way to bring together the town’s actors into one production. While funding and spacing were major issues early on, throughout the years, the group has learned to adapt to these challenges, letting the Footlighters uphold their original goal. Whether the Footlighters be in the town hall, the high school, the Lewis Farm Barn or their current location next to Bird Park, the Footlighters remains a way for the cast and crew to grow and develop their acting abilities on the big stage.

“[The Footlighters] were more strict about when [learning your lines] is due, which I think helped me as an actor and they weren’t mean about it, they were just like, ‘This is when you need to learn your lines, this is how you’re going to do it and this is how it’s going to go’,” Walpole Children’s Theatre and Footlighters actress, Ruby Abbott said.

The Footlighters company shows no signs of slowing down with three shows soon and many more in the works. One of said shows is the holiday special, A Christmas Carol. With showtimes at the start of December, the Footlighters and Walpole Children’s Theater are working together to put this production together. Being able to work with the Footlighters is a great way to let young, budding actors develop their skills on the big stage.

“Working with adults, you get to learn their craft, you get to watch what they do. It’s pretty informative.” Christmas Carol cast member, Connor Murray said. “I’d probably say my favorite is off stage just talking to people with more experience, it’s very interesting. You can learn their creative process and everything they’ve done”

After giving 100 years of joy and creativity to Walpole with their performances, the Footlighters show no signs of stopping and intent to give another 100. While the Footlighters has been through many trials and tribulations throughout the years, they have pushed through and continue to show their acting skills to the residents of Walpole.