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ABOUT THE
MILBURN STONE THEATRE AT
CEIL COLLEGE
The Butler Did It, 1995
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Who was Milburn Stone?
Hugh Milburn Stone (July 5, 1904 – June 12, 1980) was an American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of “Doc” (Dr. Galen Adams) on the long-running CBS Western television series Gunsmoke.
Born in Burrton, Kansas, Stone discovered his love for the arts early on. At Burrton High School, he was an active member of the drama club, played basketball, and even sang in a barbershop quartet. Performing ran in the family—his uncle, Fred Stone, was a well-known Broadway and circus entertainer, and his brother, Joe Stone, would later become a writer, penning three episodes of Gunsmoke.
Though Milburn Stone earned a congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy, he chose a different path—pursuing his passion for acting. He joined a stock theater company headed by Helen Ross, launching what would become a remarkable 45-year stage and screen career.
When Gunsmoke transitioned from radio to television in 1955, Stone stepped into the role of Doc Adams, shaping the character with grit, charm, and emotional depth. He remained with the series for nearly its entire 20-year television run, appearing in 604 episodes—absent only briefly in 1971 due to heart surgery. His performance earned him a 1968 Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama.
Stone’s legacy in entertainment has been widely recognized. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (6801 Hollywood Blvd.) and was posthumously inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1981.
Upon his passing, Stone left a lasting gift to the arts in Cecil County, Maryland. His charitable legacy helped establish the Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College in North East, ensuring future generations would have a home for performing arts—continuing the creative spirit that defined his life.
(credit: Wikipedia)
OUR MISSION
The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College is proactive in fostering and supporting excellence, education and appreciation of the arts, while striving at all times to become the premier theatrical house in the region for our audience, whatever their age or interests
ABOUT THE MILBURN STONE THEATRE
The Milburn Stone Theatre proudly brings theatre, music, dance, and the arts to Cecil County. As the leading performing arts venue serving the northeast Maryland region, we are conveniently located off Exit 100B on I-95.
As a comprehensive performing arts organization, the Milburn Stone Theatre supports a wide range of programming, including college, community, and public events. Our staff assists Cecil College with activities that utilize the theatre and provides community organizations with the opportunity to present their work in a high-quality rental venue.
The theatre is named in honor of the late actor Milburn Stone, best known for his role as “Doc Adams” on the long-running television Western Gunsmoke. His wife and daughter have been long-time benefactors of the theatre.
The Milburn Stone Theatre produces more than nine productions each season and welcomes new members to join our creative community—whether as actors, technicians, costume designers, front of house staff, ushers, or marketing volunteers.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Combs — Managing Director of the Milburn Stone Theatre
📞 (443) 674-1937
✉️ dcombs28@cecil.edu
THEATRE ETIQUETTE
• Please silence watch alarms, cell phones, and electronic devices, or leave them with the House Manager on duty.
• For the safety of performers and in compliance with professional union contracts, the use of cameras and recording devices during performances is prohibited.
• Late seating is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the House Manager.
• For the comfort of all patrons, please moderate the use of fragrances.
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere on campus. (Cecil College has been a smoke-free campus since August 23, 2014.)
• No “babes in arms.” All children must have a ticket and a seat.
EMERGENCY CALLS
In case of emergency, patrons may be reached through the Administrative Office at (410) 287-1037. If you plan to be contacted, please share your seat location with your designated caller.
CONCESSIONS
Proceeds from concessions—including beverages, candy, and snacks—support the Milburn Stone Theatre and help fund future productions and programs.
GROUP SALES
Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounted tickets. To book group sales, call the Box Office at (410) 287-1037.
TOURS, RENTALS AND RECEPTIONS
We offer theatre tours for individuals and groups. Costume and prop rentals are also available.
Interested in hosting a special pre-show or post-show reception in our lobby or gallery? We would be happy to assist with arrangements.
For details, contact:
Daniel Combs, Managing Director
📞 (410) 287-1037
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Become part of the Milburn Stone Theatre community! We are always looking for volunteers to support theatre operations. Opportunities include: ushering, concessions, acting, running crew, set building, painting, costumes, and more.
For more information, contact the Theatre Director at (410) 287-1037 or visit our opportunities page.
BOX OFFICE HOURS & INFORMATION
📞 Phone: (410) 287-1037
✉️ Email: boxoffice@cecil.edu
Hours:
• Monday–Tuesday: Closed (Appointments available by request)
• Wednesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Show Days: Open 3 hours prior to performance
🎟️ Tickets available online 24/7:
https://milburnstonetickets.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx
The Milburn Stone Theatre at Cecil College is supported by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency funded by the State of Maryland and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Milburn Stone Theatre is funded in part by the Cecil County Arts Council, Inc., as provided by the Maryland State Arts Council.