This is a paid piece from The Premiere Playhouse.

Simplified: The Premiere Playhouse has seen a lot of organizational change in recent months: a new building, new performance styles, new (lower) ticket prices for their Mainstage productions and a new vision for the future. Here's how you can support the underlying goal of building community through collaborative theatre education and performance.

Why it matters

  • The Premiere Playhouse kicked off its 23rd season last month with a production of "High School Musical, Jr.," and there's still a few weeks to snag a Mainstage season subscription before "Noises Off!" takes the stage in early October.
  • In addition to these traditional theatre shows, The Premiere Playhouse this year expanded its mission to increase an emphasis on education. That means more opportunities for artists to develop their skills, but it also means creating more community-focused education.
  • It takes community support to make this work happen, and there are several options for folks to engage with the work the Playhouse is doing to support local artists. That can look like everything from donations to artist development memberships to buying tickets to the shows.
"We believe there is a space for you in here, and that local theatre enriches your life and promotes wellbeing," Executive Artistic Director Oliver Mayes said. "It’s about supporting the development of local artists, but it's also supporting your development and understanding of the world."

Tell me more about The Premiere Playhouse

The Premiere Playhouse, formerly known as Sioux Empire Community Theatre, has been bringing community-centered, professional quality performances to the area since 2003.

In addition to the Mainstage Series, this year The Premiere Playhouse has two new performance divisions – an Underground Series and an Artist Development Series.

How can I help?

In addition to purchasing tickets to the shows, The Premiere Playhouse also has options for community members to donate directly to the type of work they most want to support.

  • Donors who give at least $120 per year become members of the Champions Club, and those donations can be targeted to support any of the four primary funds that encompass The Premiere Playhouse's work.

Here's a look at those funds:

  • Community Impact Fund
    • This includes the partnerships with other nonprofits, outreach performances for senior citizens and hospital residents, and a teaching artist residency with the Sioux Falls School District Community Learning Centers.
  • Artist Development Fund
    • This supports the Premiere Playwriting Program, the artist development program, the Mainstage Series, adult work study programs and guest artists.
  • Student Scholarship Fund
    • This supports the youth and all-abilities Mainstage Series, youth work study programs, scholarships and teaching artists.
  • Ticket Accessibility Fund
    • This helps make sure everyone can enjoy the cultural enrichment local theatre brings by supporting ticket giveaways and discounts. It also funds behind-the-scenes help supporting local musicians, show licensing, venue rentals and music memberships.

Beyond buying tickets and donating, there's also a way for artists and anyone interested in learning more about theatre to support The Premiere Playhouse via Artist Development Memberships.

Tell me more about Artist Development Memberships

Folks age 10 and up can sign up to become a member with The Premiere Playhouse.

  • Members have access to one workshop or a 25-minute lesson each month. They also receive exclusive discounts on additional classes, workshops and lessons.

Memberships start at $15/month or $125/year.

  • Want a membership for your organization? You can do that, too, and you can access The Premiere Playhouse's stock and receive discounts on renting the space.