Over 50 years ago, Australia was beginning to shake free of the relative hardship and distress caused by World War II. The vast tourist area now known as the Gold Coast was still in its infancy but already well established around Southport, Surfer's Paradise and the border towns Coolangatta and Tweed Heads. In March 1950, a group known as South Coast Women's Association held a meeting in what is now the CWA building in Southport, something to 'do about a lack of culture'. At that meeting, the "South Coast Little Theatre" was formed with about 50 people signing as members straight away. The very first performance, 3 One Act Plays, was held at a kindergarten on the site of the Australia Fair shopping complex and directed by Southport's St Hilda's school drama teacher, Joan Ross. Joan remained an active member until her death a few years back. For 20 years, performances were held at the RSL "Diggers Hall" in Southport. The committee had also had the foresight to purchase a block of land nearby and place 2 ex-army huts on it for meetings, rehearsals and wardrobe. In 1970, the huts were renovated and placed one upon the other to become the Gold Coast's first theatre auditorium. From the beginnings, response was overwhelming. The drama and musicals produced were often headline news in local papers and the entire Coast area advertised in the programmes and attended all performances. The South Coast Little Theatre group had a professional approach from the start and was appreciated by all, Brisbane then being an uncomfortable 2-4 hour drive away. Later, in 1983 the current larger and more modern theatre was built, seating 150 people. The older building is still being used as a dressing and rehearsal room. Written in 1949-1950, "South Pacific" was chosen to lead the Jubilee Season Playbill as it shared with GCLT the distinction of 50 years of entertaining the public.