Tent theater celebrated and remembered

MT. PLEASANT — Friday evening theater enthusiasts and lovers helped the Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana celebrate 50 years.

The museum celebrated with a grand reopening after renovations, a masters acting class, and hosting the Annual Theatre History Convention.

The convention had fewer numbers than expected due to gas prices and COVID-19 cases on the rise.

Vice president of the museum Grace Davis had excitement plastered across her face as she thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate with them at the ribbon cutting.

Davis holds a close connection with the tent theater history as her grandparents were actors in tent theater, and her parents would tell her about growing up in the tent theater.

“I grew up listening to my mom talking about everything she did,” Davis said.

She noted that when tent theater was at its height, TV, radio, and other forms of entertainment were not readily available.

Tent theaters were not only one of few forms of entertainment, but they also allowed for Midwestern farm folk to experience plays and theater they would not otherwise have the opportunity to see without a traveling theater.

Davis’ husband was a leading factor in her decision to open the theater.

With his help collecting memorabilia, the museum grew, and the couple were able to keep the history of tent theater alive in Mt. Pleasant.

The couple continues to preserve history in the restoration of posters and their next project of restoring their large theater curtain collection.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com