In 1958, the New Castle Playhouse (NCP) was incorporated as a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization. Since that time, we have been enriching the lives of our community through live theatrical performances, a goal that is clearly reflected in our mission statement: The New Castle Playhouse exists to foster community pride, civic renewal, and cultural enlightenment, through quality theater arts experiences, produced by the community, for the community. We strive to provide quality productions to our community, and also to provide those individuals with a desire to express their creativity through theater, a venue to do that.

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The New Castle Playhouse produces over 50 live performances each season. The NCP offers theatergoers three straight plays, three musicals, an all-youth musical, and a special theatrical performance that celebrates diversity. TheNCP also showcases the extraordinary talent of area youth through its musical ambassadors’ volunteer program, the NCP MiniStars. These young performers have entertained senior citizens, local audiences, and the less fortunate through song and dance for decades. The annual Stars of Tomorrow program features the extraordinary gifts of area youth in two talent shows performed for the greater community. Several of the students receive college scholarships from the Playhouse during that event. The Rising Stars Theatre Camp provides children, ages 8 – 18, the opportunity to experience the world of live theater, dance, and the performing arts during a two-week theatre program, culminating in a capstone performance for family and friends..

 

Virtually all of our 2020 season was canceled, leaving the Playhouse with a significant loss of revenue that is essential to survive COVID-19. It is our fervent hope that through our community’s beneficence, we can raise roughly $63,000 to cover lost revenue during the last three months of 2020 and the first six six months of 2021. We hope to reopen in July 2021. Thus, without additional funding, it is unclear which of our many productions will make it to the stage next year. We have high hopes, however, that 2021 will usher in a new and exhilarating theatrical season.