The Lexington Youth Summer Theatre was created in 1980 to give students a summer theater experience in the community of Lexington. The theatre did “Annie” in a backyard as its first production. Parents worked on the backstage production and students worked on stage. Together they created a full family summer experience. As an added benefit, the profits were given to children’s charities chosen by cast members. Thus, the basic overall premise for this theatre program was established.

Ten years later the parents in charge no longer had children in the production and needed to move on. Lewis and Dorene Blair came on board as the new directors and the second chapter came into being. For the next fifteen years, Lewis directed the overall LYST productions while Dorene was responsible for music directing.  In 2004, the Blair's son Garrett followed in his father's shoes and directed the next five productions with Dorene still at the helm for musical direction.  For our 30th anniversary (2010), Lewis and Dorene teamed up again to direct our most successful show Grease.  From 1991 to the present, the original tenets of the organization have been maintained. Each year parents and their children work together to bring another show to fruition, all the while remembering that the profits are going to help children who are less fortunate.

  

History