In 1978, led by the vision of performer, director, and CVLT Board President Don Edelman, CVLT added its second performance space: The River Street Playhouse.

The smaller and more intimate performance space — roughly a quarter of the size of the main stage — was built in the front of nearby 56 River Street. The building was owned by CVLT friend and neighbor Steve Shields (1923 – 2011), and also houses many of the Theatre’s props, costumes, and scenery, in addition to serving as additional meeting and rehearsal space.

Since its inception, CVLT’s River Street Playhouse has presented over one hundred plays, often focusing on smaller, edgier or more unusual material than its larger sibling across the parking lot. Running on an entirely volunteer basis, The River Street Playhouse produced a variety of memorable events, including several years of the 10-10 Festival of New Plays.

CVLT expanded once more in the new millennium. Launching a Capital Campaign in 2010 with Chagrin’s beloved Tim Conway as Honorary Chairman, the Little Theatre raised funds to annex the adjacent ‘barn’ at 38 River Street. This would allow for ADA compliance, new bathrooms, expanded offices, revamped dressing rooms, and a larger reception area, as well as improvements to HVAC, lighting and sound, and general building upgrades.

With the generous support of donors, plus an infusion of cash from the Ohio State Tourism Board through the efforts of State Rep. Marlene Anielski and CVLT’s then-president Tom Neff, and rounding off with a gala featuring Broadway talents arranged during the tenure of President Chris White, the theater reached its goal.

In the mid 2010s, CVLT’s newly expanded and improved spaces opened to the public.