Red Barn Theater Information

The Red Barn was originally built as a carriage house, circa 1829. When the advent of the automobile made the carriage house obsolete, the "barn" was adopted by the Key West Community Players, who offered a variety of plays on its stage throughout the 40's. After World War II, the Community Players moved to the Waterfront Playhouse at Mallory Square while the little barn waited for its next chance to shine. In the 60's, the Red Barn's theatrical ambitions were revived by Ruth Guttman who--along with her husband Yehuda Guttman-- presented wonderful puppet shows throughout the 70's. Yehuda, a gifted concert pianist, also played many beautiful concerts at the Red Barn. In 1980, a spirited group of actors and technicians renovated the theatre, opening the doors of the Red Barn Theatre under the incorporated name of The Red Barn Actors Studio, Inc. Mimi and Gary McDonald along with Joy Hawkins were a part of that original spirited group, and their enthusiasm for and love of the Red Barn Theatre is still an important part of what keeps the Red Barn growing! The Red Barn Theatre has become a cultural cornerstone for the Key West community while building a national reputation for creating BIG things in a small space. Many well-known and very talented people are a part of the Red Barn Theatres story. Richard Wilbur, the former U.S. Poet Laureate, worked with the Red Barn to produce his Moliere translations, and Shel Silverstein, the gifted children's writer, gave the Red Barn carte blanche to produce many of his very grown-up plays. Jimmy Buffet, Philip Burton, Terence McNally, Jerry Herman, and Tennessee Williams have all made the Red Barn a part of their cultural experiences in Key West. Whether premiering new scripts or working with the classics, the Red Barn Theatre has spent the last thirty years committed to nurturing artistic excellence within the local and national arts community. We're thirty years old and still causing trouble! Won't you join us?