Big dreams can begin anywhere, even inside an abandoned grocery store. Just ask Lizzy Woodall, Reese Lynch and Patty Holley, all current students of the performing arts whose roots run deep in The Wetumpka Depot Theater. They enthusiastically share their passion for the arts that began right here in Elmore County.

The Wetumpka Depot is celebrating 40 years and performed its original productions with only adult cast members. The originators of the theater wanted to pass along their love of the arts to the youth of the community. The Youth Actor’s Academy was created to provide a place to teach children about the arts and to supplement the programs that were already taught in the schools. The youth programs became popular and have continued to expand, according to The Wetumpka Depot’s Executive Artistic Director Kristy Meanor.