Created as an extension of New Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.
About CCT
Theatre rooted in community.
Cornerstone Community Theatre exists to tell bold stories, cultivate local artists, and create meaningful shared experiences in Maple Heights.
Who we are
A stage where people can see themselves—and discover one another.
CCT is a theatre-first community arts organization and an extension of New Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church.
Our work centers compelling live performance, Black stories, artistic excellence, and genuine welcome. We believe community theatre is strongest when seasoned artists and first-time participants create side by side.
CCT welcomes performers, designers, technicians, volunteers, families, and audiences from across Northeast Ohio to help build a theatre culture that is ambitious, accessible, and deeply connected to its community.
Our history
A new theatre built on a lasting commitment to service.
Cornerstone Community Theatre grew from New Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church’s commitment to serve Maple Heights through faith, culture, education, and community connection.
The theatre was established as a professional platform for urban storytelling and creative expression—one that could foster local talent, engage young people, and present high-quality cultural experiences reflecting the stories and heritage of the community.
CCT’s inaugural season brings that vision to life through three distinct works: Randall E. Hall’s original comedy Spades, Lorraine Hansberry’s landmark drama A Raisin in the Sun, and the triumphant musical The Color Purple. Together, they establish a season centered on Black life, family, resilience, humor, faith, and hope.
As CCT grows, its purpose remains clear: create excellent theatre, open doors for artists and volunteers, and build a gathering place where the entire community can experience the transformative power of live performance.
Spades, A Raisin in the Sun, and The Color Purple.
Developing artists, audiences, youth engagement, and creative partnerships.
Our leadership
The people guiding the vision.
CCT’s permanent leadership works alongside production-specific directors, designers, technicians, teaching artists, and volunteers assembled for each project.
Executive Artistic Director
Randall E. Hall
Randall E. Hall is a theatre director, music director, arts educator, playwright, author, and ministry leader whose work brings together performance, education, cultural storytelling, and community development.
A graduate of Kentucky State University, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Voice Performance with minors in Theatre and Piano Performance. His artistic work spans schools, churches, professional and community stages, and arts organizations in Ohio and Kentucky. At CCT, he leads artistic planning, season development, production, partnerships, and the theatre’s long-term community vision.
Visit Randall’s websiteSenior Pastor · New Cornerstone MBC
Dr. Blanton Harper, Jr.
Dr. Blanton Harper, Jr. serves as Senior Pastor of New Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church, the church home and community ministry partner from which CCT was established.
His leadership supports the church’s commitment to outreach, cultural engagement, and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Maple Heights community.
Learn more about Dr. HarperProduction teams
Directors, designers, stage managers, musicians, technicians, teaching artists, and volunteers are announced with each production as the company continues to grow.
Tell boldly
We choose stories with emotional truth, cultural resonance, and the power to start conversation.
Create together
We make room for artists at different stages to learn, lead, contribute, and grow.
Welcome fully
We want audiences and participants to feel that this theatre belongs to them.
Take the next step
Find your place in the story.
Perform, volunteer, partner, attend, or give—there are many ways to become part of CCT.