Shawnee Summer Theatre
Shawnee Summer Theatre
The legacy began in 1960 and has continued ever since. The theatre has a rich history in our county seeing that it is now nearing its 50th season of productions. This makes it the longest running summer theatre in the state.
Enjoyable productions are produced every year with something for everybody. They do productions ranging from comedies, musicals, dramas and even a children's workshop. Every year there are six productions.
Since the opening of the theatre in 1960 many changes have been made. The original location was in a remodeled barn located east of Bloomfield. In the year 1979 the audiences grew along with expectations, as a result the current theatre was relocated to its current home built for just for its purpose. The current theatre holds 360 people and recently was renovated to better accommodate the occupants.
The theatre was founded by H. Adrain Rehner, a college professor in Chicago. He dreamt of created a summer theatre were young actors could rehearse, practice, and improve there skills. The locals just loved the idea and embraced it. Each spring Rehner, Frank Hayashida (a speech professor), and Robert Pataconi-Rehner (a nationally known artist), loaded up sets, costumes and students and came to Greene County, Indiana.
The theatre had the original mission of the theatre was to educate and entertain. Shawnee still continues this mission today with a variety of performances.
Thanks to The Daily World "Discover Greene & Sullivan Counties" book for the information used above.
For more information check out there website www.shawneetheatre.org
Pictures can be found in our photogallery.
