Washington Chamber honors 50th Anniversary of the Community Theater

Washington — The Washington Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Washington Community Theater with a ribbon cutting and Alive After 5 celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, honoring five decades of arts, culture, and community collaboration in Washington.

The celebration was made especially meaningful with the presence of Jan Gallagher and Teresa Peterson, both of whom were part of the original show performed at the theater when it first opened 50 years ago. Their attendance highlighted the deep roots and lasting legacy of the Washington Community Theatre within the community.

The Washington Community Theater opened in 1976 as the result of an extraordinary community-driven effort to bring a permanent performance space to Washington. The vision began in 1974 when Richard McCleery, founder of the McCleery-Cummings Company, challenged the community to help fund a new center. McCleery pledged the first $500,000 toward the original $750,000 goal, promising to move forward if the community raised the remainder. When construction costs increased to $1 million, the community once again rose to the occasion, making the project possible without the use of government funds.

The building was constructed with a strong local focus, with the three lowest bids coming from local companies. McCleery often expressed pride in how the community united to support the arts, stating, “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.” (Des Moines Sunday Register, Sept. 26, 1976).

Since opening, the Washington Community Theater has served as the permanent home of the community theatre tradition and has hosted countless 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 remains focused on supporting community organizations, showcasing local talent, and hosting regional, national, and international performances for the enrichment of the community.

The anniversary celebration was led by Mike Jewell, President of the Washington Community Theater, who was instrumental in organizing the milestone event. The Chamber recognizes and thanks Jewell along with the Incorporated Board, Theater Board, Finance Board, and the many dedicated volunteers whose ongoing commitment contributes to the continued success of the theatre.

During the event, the Chamber also welcomed Mark Fischer as the new Theater Manager and Technical Director. A native of Moberly, Missouri, Fischer brings extensive experience in arts leadership and theatre operations, including work with the historic 4th Street Theatre, the Moberly Council of the Arts, and the 4th Street Players. His professional background combines business administration and theatre technology, supporting both the mission and operations of Washington Community Theater.

“I’m excited to begin this position and to join the Washington community,” Fischer said. “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 Washington Community Theater also unveiled its new logo, designed by Kayla Schindler, and shared excitement for its upcoming performance season, featuring “Grumpy Old Men: The Musical” in March, “Meet Me in St. Louis” in June, and “The Shawshank Redemption” in October. A celebratory gala is planned later this year to further honor the 50th anniversary.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Washington Community Theater on 50 years of creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact and thanks the many individuals who have helped shape its enduring legacy. More information about the theatre can be found at www.wctheater.com