Smuin, Shirley, d. 2005

The Missoula Community Theater began producing plays in Missoula, Montana, in 1951. Generally, the volunteer civic group put on three plays per season. They rented a variety of theater locations including the Simpkins Little Theatre, the Roxy Theatre, The Montana Power Company Auditorium, and the Sentinel High School Little Theater. In the early 1960s the theater group was making plans and raising funds to build a theater of their own. By November 1967 the group, apparently disbanding, was selling flats, lights, costumes, and props and returning personal property to members.

The collection was compiled by Shirley Smuin, who was very active in Missoula arts organizations including the Missoula Community Theater, DanceMontana, Missoula Children's Theatre, Missoula Civic Symphony, Montana Arts Council, Garden City Ballet, and others. Smuin died August 25, 2005.