Simplified: The Premiere Playhouse, a community theater company that's been around for more than two decades, announced this week a new home, an expanded mission and a big fundraising goal to make it all happen.
Why it matters
- The playhouse – formerly known as Sioux Empire Community Theatre – has long operated out of the Orpheum Theater downtown. While there will still be three main-stage productions at that venue next year, the organization is moving across the street to the Rock Island building.
- The new office will provide space for rehearsals and small-scale performances as well as a rentable venue for year-round community events.
- Along with the new space, Premiere Playhouse is also restructuring its programming to three distinct series – Mainstage, Artist Development and Underground. Tickets to all of these events will now be offered at a lower price point, too.
"While this move is not without risk, we believe it is the right one," Executive Artistic Director Oliver Mayes said.
Tell me more
The Mainstage series will look a lot like what folks are most familiar with when it comes to the Premiere Playhouse – a series of productions on the Orpheum stage.
- The upcoming season includes four youth productions and all-ages productions of "Noises Off!," Hairspray" and "Legally Blonde the Musical."
The Artist Development Series will create a platform for upcoming playwrights to see their works presented, as well as additional educational opportunities for teens and adults.
- Those will be staged at the Rock Island building and include both the "Festival of New Works" in October and the annual "Premiere Premieres" in February.
The Underground Series is a brand-new partnership with Icon Entertainment that'll bring immersive performances to downtown venues including Icon Lounge, DaDa Gastropub and Club David.
- The upcoming season for that will include performances of jukebox musicals "American Idiot" and "Head Over Heels," as well as "Death of a Salesman" and a few other nightlife events.
What happens next?
The playhouse has set some specific fundraising goals to support its expansion and lower ticket prices.
- That includes an immediate ask for $30,000 in matching donations to fully fund the first year in the new space.
Additionally, First Premier Bank and Premier Bankcard have pledged $25,000 per season for the next three years, and the playhouse is asking supporters to match those donations for an additional $75,000.
"This expansion is more than artistic growth — it’s a step toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and collaborative arts model in our region," said Tammi Haverly, president of The Premiere Playhouse Board of Directors.
