Celebrating 60 years of theatre under the stars: 1966-2026

60th Anniversary Message

In 1966, a group of local arts enthusiasts incorporated ASGT to contribute to the city’s revitalization and create opportunities for theatre artists to practice their craft when other local groups were on summertime hiatus. We presented our first performance season that year, outdoors behind the Carvel Hall Hotel, which at the time encased the historic William Paca House & Gardens.

60 years later, we’re grateful and deeply gratified to  be shining brightly and celebrating our diamond anniversary with you. Thank you for your enduring support!

We have a dynamite season of shows on tap for 2026. Season tickets will go on sale on November 15, 2025.

  • Cabaret (May 21-June 20)
  • Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (July 2-25)
  • Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein (August 6-September 6)

Plans are also underway to update the theatre’s lobby, including expanding the restroom facilities for our patrons. Details to come.

Please join us next summer – and in the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for a special fundraising appeal to support our building renovations and anniversary celebrations. We’ll need your support if we’re to continue shining brightly for our community.

“Big Fish” Wins Ruby Griffith Award

Congratulations to ASGT’s “Big Fish” cast & crew for being chosen by the British Player’s to receive the prestigious Ruby Griffith Award for Outstanding Achievement in a Musical last night.
“Big Fish” was directed by Leigh K. Rawls. Music direction was by Paige Rammelkamp. Elda Trombley and Billy Luzier provided the fun choreography for this emotional, sweeping tale.
We could not have asked for a better cast and crew. Thank you to all of the artists and volunteers who were instrumental in bringing this world to life on our stage. We are so proud of this production and all who supported it.

We Stand in Solidarity with the Black Community

ASGT has built a theatre community that is broad and diverse. We are proud to have partnered with outstanding black directors, actors, and other artists in recent years and to have presented shows that champion inclusion and diverse points of view. And we believe that the theatre can and should be a safe space for conversation, creativity, and empathy. We know we can and must do more to ensure our organization reflects our community and entertains and inspires all people, and we are committed to continuing that work. Today, and always, ASGT stands with our black artists, volunteers, patrons, and donors in support of equity and justice.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

How can you help? Check out the Black Lives Matter Resources 101 from Playbill.

June 5, 2020

Remembering Sharon Cimaglia

Passionate, creative, tough, hardworking, caring, supportive, impactful. These are but a few adjectives that come to mind when reflecting on Sharon Cimaglia’s tireless efforts over the years as part of the ASGT family.

Sharon initially started as a volunteer with us over 20 years ago supporting her daughter Amanda’s interests and dreams, but quickly found a formal role as our Education Director. In 2006, she became our Vice President where she guided the artistic side of the theatre.

A hands-on leader, Sharon co-directed and eventually took on the role of Executive Director of our annual Musical Theatre Workshop for Teens and loved working with our campers each summer. She influenced and inspired many. Thank you, Sharon, for your selfless dedication. You will be greatly missed.

To learn more and express your condolences, click here.

Sharon’s family has graciously requested donations to ASGT in her memory. To contribute, visit our Donate page and click the PayPal “Donate” button. Use the “Add special instructions for ASGT” to let us know your gift is being made in Sharon’s honor. We will share the names of all memorial donors with her family.

Check out this tribute video produced by Bill Reinhardt:

If you have any pictures or memories of Sharon to share, please send them to us at house@summergarden.com.

December 2, 2019