Venue View: A New Stage for Growth

By Oliver Mayes

Executive Artistic Director

The Premiere Playhouse

Theatre has always been about transformation. On stage, we see characters change, journeys unfold and worlds reimagined. At the Premiere Playhouse (TPP), we’re undergoing a transformation of our own — one that reflects not only our growth, but our vision for the future of the arts in Sioux Falls.

Oliver Mayes

Since 2003, when we were first founded as Sioux Empire Community Theatre – gaining charitable non-profit status in 2004 – the themes within our mission have remained constant: to enrich, educate and entertain our community through the power of live theatre. Now, more than two decades later, we’re proud to announce one of our most significant expansions to date.

In May, TPP relocated our operational headquarters in the classroom/office space of the beloved Orpheum Theater Center — our artistic home for more than 20 years — to the Rock Island Plow Building just across the street. This new, larger studio space will allow us to expand our rehearsal spaces, offer a wider range of educational classes and host community events and gatherings in a more flexible, multi-purpose setting. It’s a physical reflection of the artistic and organizational growth we’ve worked so hard to achieve.

This next chapter wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation’s Community Fund. We are also seeking an additional $30,000 in matching donations from our community to fully support the first year of this expansion. We invite our patrons, supporters and arts advocates to partner with us in this moment of opportunity.

But our expansion isn’t just about space — it’s about purpose. At the core of everything we do is a desire to make theatre accessible, inclusive and empowering. As part of this commitment, we are significantly lowering our mainstage ticket prices. While this decision comes with financial challenges, we believe that removing barriers to entry is essential in building a vibrant, diverse and welcoming arts community. We’re betting on Sioux Falls to rally around this vision and help us sustain it.

To better focus our work and offerings, we’re also streamlining our programming into three core divisions:

Mainstage Series will carry forward our tradition of producing high-quality, full-scale theatrical productions at the Orpheum. This year’s Season 23 lineup includes Noises Off! (October), Hairspray (April) and Legally Blonde (June) — a blend of comedy, heart and spectacle.

Artist Development Series is a reimagining of our former education programs, now with expanded opportunities for teens and adults to grow as creators, performers and collaborators. Local theatre artists of all ages and abilities can expect more coaching and class opportunities from the Premiere Playhouse in the next year. Season 23 highlights include the Festival of New Works (October), Penguin Project Variety Show and The Premiere Premieres (February) and more.

Underground Series, presented in collaboration with Icon Entertainment, is where bold ideas and experimental formats come to life. These productions will take place in exciting downtown venues — Icon Event Hall, Dada Gastropub, Club David, Parker’s Bistro and Myrtle’s Fur Vault & Bar — offering unique experiences like cabaret dinner theatre, brunch plays and nightlife performances. Season 23 titles include American Idiot (November), To Be Determined Passion Project (January), Head Over Heels (March), Death of a Salesman (May), plus events like Premiere Karaoke Showdown (October) and Premiere Sings Queen (June).

Not only do we have auditions for roles onstage and interviews for roles offstage within all of our series performances, we also have opportunities for aspiring writers or directors and producers to bring their visions to life through our Premiere Playwriting Program in the Artist Development Series and our Passion Project Program in the Underground Series’ season. Interested local theatre-makers should check out the details for the submission and review and processes for these unique initiatives on our website. You can also find out more information about our season auditions and interviews online.

At the Premiere Playhouse, we believe that Sioux Falls is brimming with untapped artistic potential. With this expansion, our small but mighty team is not just creating more theatre — we’re creating more space for community, education, innovation and expression. Whether you're an artist, an audience member, a student or a supporter, we invite you to join us in this new era of community theatre. Let’s take the stage — together!

Explore the Premiere Playhouse’s programs and performances, as well as volunteering and sponsorship/partnership opportunities, at www.thepremiereplayhouse.com.