Körner’s Folly
was always open to the children’s (Gilmer and Doré) playmates for games
and activities. In 1893, Alice Körner employed Professor Charles Brockman
of Greensboro as a music teacher and bought musical instruments for those
who were musically inclined. Alice continued her interest in music and at
the same time developed an interest in the theatre.
Individual recitals led her to consider forming a drama society. In
1896, Alice established the Juvenile Lyceum wherein children from seven to
thirteen years of age throughout the town were invited to participate.
Forty-two children attended the first meeting on April 3, 1896.
Programs were performed in the early afternoon every two weeks.
Performances consisted of plays, recitals, pantomimes, readings stories,
fables, and both vocal and instrumental music. Soon dancing and
entertainment followed the programs. There was no expense to the children
but their parents were expected to lend a helping hand with the
performances.
During the first year, the Lyceum performances took place in the
Long Room just off the reception room. In 1897, the Lyceum was
reorganized coinciding with the renovation of the upper floor of the Folly
as a theatre. With Jule Körner in charge of the sets and Alice Körner in
charge of costumes, the youth of the community continued performances over
the next several years in what was to be called Cupid’s Park. The
name was derived from the multitude of Caesar Milch's paintings of cupids
adorning the theatre’s walls and ceiling.
The entire community was invited and encouraged to attend these
performances on a continuing basis. The Theatre has been known as the
first private little theatre in America for decades.
