Norfolk Community Theatre | Norfolk, Nebraska

Norfolk Community Theatre: Enriching lives through art.

norfolk community theatre · norfolk nebraska · established 1964

The Mission of the Norfolk Community Theatre

The Mission of the Norfolk Community Theatre, a nonprofit organization, is to enrich the lives of northeast Nebraskans by providing and supporting performing arts endeavors that attract, stimulate and entertain diverse audiences.

About the Theatre...

In 1964, a group of young married couples decided Norfolk was missing something. As the community was growing, the options for entertainment were still a bit limited. Rather than complaining or looking for somebody else to solve the problem, they took the matter into their own hands. Sprouting from the seeds of a drama class a Norfolk Junior College, the group staged "A Thurber Carnival." Upon the success of the first show, the cast and crew found themselves with another problem: How do we top that show?

The problem has plagued the bunch and those who have followed in their steps in the forty plus years since.

Step one was finding a name for the group. Norfolk Community Theatre. Simple and straightforward. Soon after came step two: the group incorporated the theatre as a 501(c)3, certified not-for-profit organization. Steps three to the present: We've been not making a profit ever since.

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Those first few years found the theatre as somewhat of nomadic band of thespians. Early productions were held in the ballroom at the Madison Hotel (which later became part of the Uptown). Soon after, the plays moved to the Norfolk City Auditorium. A warehouse was purchased so the group could build more elaborate sets and scenery. Staging the plays became increasing difficult as anyone who's experienced Nebraska weather can attest. Moving awkward set pieces; deconstructing platforms and walls; and reassembling large scenery items all proved very difficult. Especially in the middle of a typical northern plains blizzard.

In 1981, however, that all changed. Northeast Community College built a theatre as part of the Cox Activities Center. With a new stage came a new home. Since the production of Summer and Smoke that year, the Norfolk Community Theatre has staged three shows a year as part of our annual season. The plays staged cover the range of theatrical offerings: farces, dinner theaters, tragedies, musicals, children's shows, revues, historical plays, murder mysteries, and everything in between have been met with diverse, appreciative audiences.

The theatre has continued to transform to best suit the tastes of our audiences. In 1995 we added our summer youth melodrama--allowing a new crop of actors, actresses and stagehands to get up on stage and work backstage. We help sponsor the Missoula Children's theatre which now comes to Norfolk twice during the summer months. In past years, we have also worked to bring touring theatrical productions to Northeast Nebraska.

We could wax on and on about our history, but we suggest you come see a performance for yourself. If you've haven't been on stage since high school, we'd like to see you at an audition for one of our shows. Maybe you've never been on stage and always wanted to ham it up. Whatever your background, the Norfolk Community Theatre has an opportunity for you.

Recently, a great opportunity has brought the winds of change blowing in our direction again. The former Cinema III Theater (and former Rialto and former Grand) building has been donated to our organization. We are in the process of securing funds to renovate the building so it can, as it was when first built, be a home for the performing arts.

More information about all of these options can be found on our website. If you find you have more questions for us, feel free to send an email our way.

The stage awaits!

2007 - 2008
...Cue the Laughs
Quick Look

Fall
Bell, Book and Candle
Auditions
Aug. 27 & 28
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Performances
October 4-7
October 11-13

Winter
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Auditions
Oct. 15 & 16
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Performances
November 29-30, December 1-2
December 6-8

Spring
Plaza Suite
Auditions
Jan. 8 & 9
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Performances
February 28-29, March 1-2
March 6-8