HISTORY
In 1902, the residents of Irvington built Irvington Town Hall on land deeded to the village by the Mental and Moral Improvement Society of Irvington. From the start it acted as a cultural and political hub. By mid-century, when formal balls, tea dances, and melodramas had lost ground, the theater was seldom used. In 1960, neglected and in need of repair, it was condemned to darkness.
In 1977, the not-for-profit, Clocktower Players, Inc. (previously ITHT Inc.) was founded after village residents and the Junior League of Westchester studied the possibility of restoring the theater. The group raised funds, the Village Board of Trustees and the Thursday Club contributed and, in partnership with the village - the rebirth began.
To promote theater and the Hall's traditional use as a center for community discussion and celebration, Clocktower Players launched its Youth and Community Theater programs. For over 40 years, Irvington Theater has been alive with theatrical events that all began in 1978 with our inaugural production of Only an Orphan Girl with Michael C. Penta, Clocktower Players Founding Director at the helm.
From 2006 to 2023, Cagle McDonald led Clocktower's staff and volunteer team as Artistic and Executive Director and significantly grew all programming. She led the company through the devastation of the world wide Covid-19 pandemic. Cagle championed diversity and produced works that highlight the breath of the human experience such as Ragtime, The Laramie Project, In the Heights, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Miss Saigon, La Cage Aux Folles, Spring Awakening and Purlie - the first African-American musical to grace the Irvington stage.
Clocktower’s longtime directors George H. Croom and Rene O’Neal began leadership of the organization in July of 2023. They welcome one and all and are committed to the next phase of rebuilding the company with continued innovation and respect for its mission and values. Clocktower will continue to produce both works that help educate and bolster the confidence of our children and showcase productions that challenge and inspire our audiences.
In 1977, the not-for-profit, Clocktower Players, Inc. (previously ITHT Inc.) was founded after village residents and the Junior League of Westchester studied the possibility of restoring the theater. The group raised funds, the Village Board of Trustees and the Thursday Club contributed and, in partnership with the village - the rebirth began.
To promote theater and the Hall's traditional use as a center for community discussion and celebration, Clocktower Players launched its Youth and Community Theater programs. For over 40 years, Irvington Theater has been alive with theatrical events that all began in 1978 with our inaugural production of Only an Orphan Girl with Michael C. Penta, Clocktower Players Founding Director at the helm.
From 2006 to 2023, Cagle McDonald led Clocktower's staff and volunteer team as Artistic and Executive Director and significantly grew all programming. She led the company through the devastation of the world wide Covid-19 pandemic. Cagle championed diversity and produced works that highlight the breath of the human experience such as Ragtime, The Laramie Project, In the Heights, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, Miss Saigon, La Cage Aux Folles, Spring Awakening and Purlie - the first African-American musical to grace the Irvington stage.
Clocktower’s longtime directors George H. Croom and Rene O’Neal began leadership of the organization in July of 2023. They welcome one and all and are committed to the next phase of rebuilding the company with continued innovation and respect for its mission and values. Clocktower will continue to produce both works that help educate and bolster the confidence of our children and showcase productions that challenge and inspire our audiences.
Clocktower Players, Inc., resident theater company of Irvington Theater, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization incorporated in the state of NY; Federal Tax #13-2967644. Donations benefit Clocktower Players award-winning productions, youth education and inclusive outreach programs and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. We rely on, and deeply value, your generous support.
