Spencer Community Theatre

Where is Spencer Community Theatre?

Spencer Community Theatre is located in the town of Spencer, Iowa. Situated at the confluence of the Little Sioux and Ocheyedan Rivers, Spencer lies among the rolling hills and lakes of northwest Iowa. A town of little more than 11,000 people, it is listed in The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America and is a certified cultural district in the State of Iowa. Spencer Community Theatre is one of the gems that comprise the cultural district. Others include Arts on Grand, Parker Historical Museum and the Bogenrief Glass Studio.

History of Spencer Community Theatre

Community theatres often find homes in the strangest places, and Spencer Community Theatre is no different. Who could foresee in 1921 that the Spencer Grocer building and its warehouse addition which was built in 1928 would become the permanent home of Spencer Community Theatre in 1982? It was a happy meeting through the quest of finding props for the production of “Damn Yankees” that brought the empty building to the attention of the theatre company. With the help of the entire Spencer community, “My Fair Lady” opened in November 1982, after a major renovation.

Another extensive renovation took place in 2009. A newly envisioned Spencer Community Theatre opened in 2010 and features a state-of-the-art auditorium, stage, and cast facilities. There is also a new scene shop. The new main lobby features artwork by local artists. There is also a large multi-purpose conference, rental, and performance room. Spencer Community Theatre is now in its 58th season.

Deegan Children’s Theatre

Since the summer of 1990, Spencer Community Theatre has invited children from across northwest Iowa to learn, play, and make theatre together. More than 55 youth productions have been mounted since that time. To celebrate 25 years of presenting children’s theatre, the newly renamed Deegan Children’s Theatre is creating an endowment to secure the future of children’s theatre at Spencer Community Theatre.

The Costume Shop

More than 30,000 garments are inventoried at the Spencer Community Theatre costume shop and you’ll find a few from Recollections. Costumes are available for rental to community theatres and high schools across the Midwest. Their mission is to provide high quality costumes at an affordable rate.

Visiting Spencer Community Theatre

Spencer Community Theatre is located at 518 1st Avenue East, east of Grand Avenue (US 18/71) on the corner of East 7th Street. It is about an eight block walk to the bank of the Little Sioux River.