The Washington Chamber of Commerce marked the 50th anniversary of the Washington Community Theater with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Alive After 5 celebration last week, recognizing five decades of arts, culture and community collaboration in the city.
The Jan. 20 event included appearances by Jan Gallagher and Teresa Peterson, who participated in the original production staged when the theater opened 50 years ago.
According to a release, the Washington Community Theater opened in 1976 following a community-led fundraising effort to establish a permanent performance space in the city.
The project began in 1974, when Richard McCleery, founder of the McCleery-Cummings Co., pledged $500,000 toward an initial $750,000 goal and challenged the community to raise the remaining funds. When projected construction costs later rose to $1 million, additional community support helped move the project forward without the use of government funding.
Construction emphasized local participation, with the three lowest bids submitted by local companies.
“I don’t feel that art is a frivolous extra. Art in all its forms can set the tone of a community. A place like this gives the people a place to express it,” Mr. McCleery said, quoted in the Des Moines Sunday Register on Sept. 26, 1976.
Since opening, the theater has served as a permanent home for community theater and has hosted a wide range of performances and events, including Community Theater productions, Y’s Men’s shows, HARP and high school performances, dance competitions, touring productions and other local and regional events.
Its mission focuses on supporting community organizations, showcasing local talent and presenting regional, national and international performances.
The anniversary celebration was led by Mike Jewell, president of the Washington Community Theater, who helped organize the event. The chamber recognized Mr. Jewell, along with the Incorporated Board, Theater Board, Finance Board and volunteers, for their ongoing contributions to the theater’s operations.
During the event, the chamber also welcomed Mark Fischer as the theater’s new manager and technical director. Mr. Fischer, a native of Moberly, Missouri, has experience in arts leadership and theater operations, including work with the 4th Street Theatre, the Moberly Council of the Arts and the 4th Street Players. His background includes business administration and theater technology.
“I’m excited to begin this position and to join the Washington community,” Mr. Fischer said, in the release. “The community’s commitment to the arts is evident and refreshing, and I look forward to helping continue the legacy of Washington Community Theater.”
The theater also unveiled a new logo designed by Kayla Schindler and announced its upcoming season, which includes “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical” in March, “Meet Me in St. Louis” in June and “The Shawshank Redemption” in October. A gala is planned later this year as part of the anniversary celebration.
More information about the Washington Community Theater is available at wctheater.com.
