The Clockwork Repertory Theatre was founded in 1977 by Harold and Susan Pantely. Its first three years of operation was from the Thomaston Opera House as a summer stock musical theatre.

  Wishing that the theatre company was more of a playhouse, Harold and Susan moved their company to its present location at 133 Main St in Oakville, CT. in the fall of 1981.  The building is an Art Deco neighborhood movie house from the 1930's. Originally, the building was built by volunteers from the Scovill Manufacturing Company as a recreation center for the workers in town. Called the "Community", it featured a basketball court and a duck pin bowling alley in the basement. In the 1930's the basketball court was converted into a public movie house and continued so until the early 1960's. It then went through a myriad of lives as a rental hall, karate studio and a small community theatre.
  Harold and Susan leased the facility in 1981, and with the help of famed designer and friend Gerry Rojo, the space was converted into an intimate 172 seat three-quarter round theatre, reminiscent of what you might find in most Off-Broadway theatres. Unique for the area, the theatre has open viewing of the stage from any angle, no poles and each row is elevated above the next for optimal viewing.
  Since the first season in 1981, the theatre has featured the best of published plays, including new releases and old favorites. However, in later years it began to feature plays of a dynamic nature that were not necessarily "famously" known. That trend continues to today, and is one of the reasons for the theatres great success. Over and over, comments are made as to how entertaining the plays are, especially since "I never heard of it before."
  In 1978, the theatre began to offer completely original new plays. Upon moving to Oakville, the trend continued and to date, 16 original new works for the theatre have been presented to overwhelming approval of our audience. Our "new play series" as it became called has won major awards such as the Moss Hart memorial Award, one was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in American Drama and all played to excellent critical reviews. 
  In 2000, after 19 years of leasing, the building was purchased by the theatre company and underwent complete renovations. In 2001 new office space and a workshop were added to the rear of the building, providing much needed admin and technical space. The facility is completely handicapped accessible. In 2006, the last of the renovations was begun, to completely replace the aging stage lighting system.
  The theatre is governed by a local Board of Directors that provides guidance and oversight to the Executive and Artistic directors and staff. The Staff is responsible for the day-to-day operations, and crew and designers are hired for each production as needed.
  Officially classed as a not-for-profit semi-professional comapny, the theatre is celebrating its 30th year of operations beginning with the November show, CAR-TUNES. Each show of the current season will feature some aspect of the theatre's 30 year celebration.
  The theatre accepts monetary donations for seat plaques, the Clockwork Foundation or for a specific purpose. Donations are tax-exempt as allowed by IRS law.
  In 2008, a return to its "new play series" is planned, with a new play featured for the 2008-2009 season.
  We know you will greatly enjoy our intimate little theatre, as we strive to make your time with us as enjoyable as possible. We consider ourselves to be an affordable evening of live theatre for the entire family. Our audience is comprised of people from all walks of life and all ages, from grandkids to dating teenagers to working couples and their familes and seniors as well.
"A Little Playhouse With A Lot Of Theatre"