Our beloved home to productions since 1964, the theatre is proudly named for Mrs. Camille Sams Lightner. She was born Camille Sams in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1913, and grew up in New Rochelle, New York. She graduated in 1934 from Connecticut College for Women. Camille came to the Valley with her parents to spend the Christmas of 1933 with her sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Dean Porter. During the holidays, Camille met and fell in love with a young produce man, Larry Lightner. They were married following her graduation and moved to Texas to become Texans. In time, she had two fine sons, Earl Sams Lightner and Larry Lightner, Jr.
Theatre was among Camille's many great loves. She was a regular performer with the annual Junior Service League Follies, and had a great voice for the stage. It was a huge loss for the community when Camille passed in December 1962. When Camille's sister, Gladys Porter, asked Camille's good friend and fellow performer, Henri DeStefano, what should be built in Camille's memory, Henri replied:
