Started as a project of Frostburg State University as a way to rejuvenate the summer theatre program, the theatre has since become independent from the University. Three of the founders were President Reinhard, Dr. Press and Dean Phillip Allen. It was incorporated in 1987, after Frostburg President Herb Rinehard expressed concern about the absence of summer theatre in Cumberland, which led to the cooperation of current theatre professor David Press and Dean Phillip Allen in founding the Cumberland theatre with a view to stimulating the local economy. A board of Trustees was later established, chaired by Shirley Giarritta. This board included members from the University, County and City administration, local businesses, and local residents.