This is a paid piece from The Premiere Playhouse.

Simplified: The Premiere Playhouse' mission centers on empowerment. One of the ways the nonprofit community theatre group emphasizes that empowerment is through its Artist Development Series, which is designed to help new and emerging artists learn the tricks of the trade.

Why it matters

  • The Artist Development Series is a series of courses and performance opportunities designed to educate through hands-on experiences with various aspects of theatre – from writing to set design to cabaret singing.
  • The series also includes several opportunities for burgeoning artists to showcase their work in small-scale productions. That includes the annual Premiere Premieres happening later this month, which will feature original works from local artists.
  • New this year, the Playhouse also offers memberships, which include access to workshops, lessons and discounted rates for additional classes. Members can also get discounts on renting the Premiere Playhouse space in the historic Rock Island building.
"We can give you high-caliber training that you would get at a conservatory elsewhere in the country," Executive Artistic Director Oliver Mayes said. "But it's also in a community setting. It's not about being graded or being 'good enough.' Everyone's welcome."

Tell me more

For Jamie Bowden, The Premiere Playhouse' artist development series provided a foothold to get involved in the broader theatre community.

  • Bowden had never performed or been involved with a production before he reached out to the Playhouse in 2023, but through various classes, performances and backstage experiences over the last few years, he's now the stage manager for the upcoming "Head Over Heels" performance in March.
  • He's taken classes on character development, playwriting and more, and through connections in those classes, he's also had a chance to learn technical aspects of theatre production by offering to help out backstage.
"I've always had such good guidance through The Premiere Playhouse," Bowden said. "They know their artists have big potential, and so when they see that, they give you tools to develop those skills."
Jamie Bowden on stage. Submitted photo.

Artist development classes vary, but in the past have included options for learning more about musical theater, improv, writing, directing, set design, costume design, and cabaret-style singing.

This year, The Premiere Playhouse is also looking to expand educational and artist development opportunities with the help of a Community Partners Program grant from the city.

  • Those funds will support additional programs – including movement-focused classes designed to help people stay active, as well as programs to engage senior citizens in theatre.

How can I get involved?

You can learn more about upcoming classes and workshops here.

If you want to support The Premiere Playhouse's work in developing emerging artists without participating yourself, you can also attend upcoming Artist Development Series performances. Those include:

  • The Penguin Project Variety Show on Feb. 6 – proceeds support The Penguin Project, a program helping kids of all abilities experience musical theatre. Details here.
  • Galentine's Day: A Comedy Show on Feb. 11. Details here.
  • The Premiere Premieres featuring two original productions on Feb. 20-22. Details here.