The History of The Guild
The Early Years (1926-1940s)
Back in 1926, a dedicated group of theatre enthusiasts ignited a cultural spark in Webster Groves. The Guild went from a conversation to an organization between 1926 and 1927, and began producing plays in churches and the Webster Groves High School auditorium. In the 1930s, most of our productions took place at The Monday Club of Webster Groves, which is still in operation today!
Original One-Act Playwriting Contest (1931-1996)
In 1931, the Guild launched an innovative One-Act Playwriting Contest that captivated local playwrights and soon attracted submissions from all over the country. Renamed the Russell Sharp Drama Fair in honor of a foundational member, this contest elevated the Guild’s reputation and nurtured aspiring dramatists for decades.
Tennessee Williams at the Guild (1936)
The Guild’s story intersected with theatrical greatness in 1936 when a young playwright named Tom Williams, later famed as Tennessee Williams, entered the One-Act Playwriting Contest. His winning play, “The Magic Tower,” marked a pivotal moment for both the playwright and the Guild, adding a luminous chapter to its historical narrative.
Finding a Permanent Home (1951)
A major milestone was reached in 1951 when, after spirited negotiations, the Guild secured its permanent home at 517 Theatre Lane. This historic building, originally the 1909 Suburban School of Music, had already witnessed numerous transformations before becoming the cherished theatre we know today. After tireless renovation efforts, the Guild proudly opened its own theatre doors in January 1953. This achievement dramatically enhanced the community’s engagement with the arts, providing a vibrant space for creativity and celebration of local talent.
Hauntings and Paranormal Experiences
Beyond its artistic appeal, the Guild is also famously steeped in mystery, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. These intriguing tales add another captivating dimension to the Guild’s storied past, delighting audiences and ghost hunters alike.
Recent History and Preservation Efforts
Recognized officially as a City of Webster Groves Historic Site, the Theatre Guild proudly preserves its storied past through ongoing renovation and community support. This commitment ensures that the Guild’s legacy endures for generations to enjoy.
Today, the Guild produces five shows a year from September to May—comedies, dramas and musicals. Its governing body is the Board of Directors that oversees the administration of the Guild. Volunteers do everything—select plays, act in and direct the shows, do the lighting and sound, build the sets, find the props, sew the costumes, clean the building and tend the garden.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather, in what is now known as Webster Groves, Missouri, is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Osage Nation, the Illini Confederacy, the Missouria, and other Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded this region for generations.
We recognize and honor their enduring relationship to this land—past, present, and future—and we express our respect for their cultural heritage, resilience, and ongoing contributions. We also acknowledge the painful history of forced removal and colonization that displaced Native communities from their homelands.
As we work, create, and gather on this land, we commit to supporting Indigenous communities through continued learning, dialogue, and responsible action. We further commit to accountability by examining our institutional practices, amplifying Indigenous voices in our programming and partnerships, and actively engaging in efforts that promote justice, equity, and visibility for Native peoples. This acknowledgement is not a substitute for action, but a step toward deeper understanding and sustained relationship-building.