DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) – Southeast Alabama Community Theatre (SEACT) is getting a major financial boost as it prepares to expand arts education in the Wiregrass. The organization will receive $750,000 in state funding to renovate its satellite location at 251 S. Foster Street in downtown Dothan.
The funding comes from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and supports renovations that enhance or preserve arts facilities throughout the state. The project is expected to cost $1.5 million in total.
Once complete, the 7,000-square-foot space will include classrooms, workshop areas, and a 200-seat rehearsal hall that will also serve as a secondary venue for performances. SEACT hopes to open the newly renovated facility by summer 2027.
“SEACT is active more than 300 days per year as 20,000 people of all ages visit for rehearsals, performances, workshops, festivals, meetings, or after-school classes,” said Executive Director Jennifer Doherty. “Our efforts to build reliably functional spaces specific to theatre will help us serve even more people in the future.”
The funding was secured through strong support from local lawmakers. Rep. Paul Lee led the charge, backed by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, Sen. Billy Beasley, Rep. Jeff Sorrells, Rep. Steve Clouse, and Rep. Rick Rehm.
SEACT has been part of the Dothan arts scene since 1974 and currently operates out of the Cultural Arts Center, where it has been a tenant for nearly 25 years. The group will continue using that space alongside the new facility.
As part of its ongoing mission, SEACT recently launched its 2025–2026 membership drive. The season will include 13 productions, educational classes in acting, voice, and choreography, and the annual student theatre festival. SEACT also provides free admission to select youth and family service organizations and shares costumes and props with schools and non-profits.
Stay tuned to WDNews for updates on this exciting project.
