Center Stage Theatre was born in 1975 in a small converted auto-body shop off Cowan Road in Gulfport, MS. 

Once the debut performance of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof began, Gulf Coast theatre was never the same again. Although a new theatre was built in 1989 with community support, the goal of our humble theater remains the same today – to provide quality entertainment to residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. To fill the seats with laughter or perhaps even tears, but always to provide a wonderful escape with a quality production.  

2015 marked the 40th anniversary and it has been a Center Stage Theatre priority during that time to keep the arts alive on the Gulf Coast. The “do-good” attitude of Center Stage Theatre and the board who runs it is exemplified by numerous acts of kindnesses over the years – ranging from inviting senior citizens to attend dress rehearsal to see a musical or play at no cost, to ensuring a wholesome environment for aspiring youth actors to hone their craft.

Center Stage relies on the community and grant programs to remain an open part of the community.