David Austin had a vision. He saw potential in what most people would  have thought looked like an old warehouse/auto mechanic shop. He had some misgivings at first. The neighborhood at the time left much to be desired. With some ingenuity, focus, creativity, that warehouse could become an entertainment mecca. And today all David Austin’s hard work has paid off in the form of Stage 52. On the Strip of West Washington Boulevard. Since its opening in 1999, stars like Blair Underwood, Ted Lange, Della Reese, Ella Joyce, Dawn Lewis and Aloma Wright (scrubs) have all helmed projects at the theatre. The state of the art theatre boasts video  and recording capabilities, rear screen projection, an amp system and CD recordings in both houses, one a 99-seat theatre with a separate 45-seat cabaret theatre which is booked throughout the year and has a loyal following. But David Austin doesn’t take all of the credit, he enlisted the help of his longtime friend Thomas L. Duckett the two have been friends for over 40 years when they first worked on a production together.

Austin focuses on the creative process, as well as the business side, while Duckett, handles the sound systems, bookings, and the day to day activities of the theatre. Thus far their combined efforts have spawned such shows as “Has anyone seen my rainbow,” “The Marriage,” “Black Olive,” “The Last Season,” “Messages in the Music,” and many many more.