Striving To Make
Community Theatre
The Best It Can Be

GROUNDBREAKING

Pec Playhouse Theatre Announces Groundbreaking on New Theater.

Pecatonica, Illinois
June 15, 2026


For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer & Capital Campaign Manager treasurer@pecplayhouse.org or 815-871-7042.

Curtain Rising on New Pec Playhouse Theatre

Groundbreaking for the new Pec Playhouse Theatre will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 202 W. 3rd Street in Pecatonica, IL.

Following a successful Capital Campaign in 2025, the very active board of directors is pleased to move forward with the next steps to remodel a former industrial building in downtown Pecatonica into a new state-of-the art, fully handicapped accessible theatre.

“We are so grateful for our enthusiastic patrons and donors who have helped move this project forward,” said Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer and Capital Campaign Manager for Pec Playhouse Theatre.

Pec Playhouse Theatre has produced live community theatre for the last 35 years with most shows being performed at our facility located at 314 Main Street in downtown Pecatonica. The Main street building was destroyed in February 2021 when a buildup of snow and ice caused the roof to collapse.

Since the roof collapse, Pec Playhouse has continued to perform shows in local churches and schools. Rebuilding the theatre will deliver the full patron experience including enhanced seating, lighting and sound.

 2024/2025 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Thank You! to all of the generous donors who contributed to the successful campaign.

With great joy and gratitude, the Pec Playhouse Theatre Board of Directors announces the successful conclusion of the “Miracle on 3rd Street – Rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre” Capital Campaign. Launched in December 2024, the campaign has exceeded its original fundraising goal of $1.75 million through a combination of grants, insurance proceeds, fundraising events, and the extraordinary generosity of donors throughout the region.

The Board of Directors utilized $250,000 of those funds to purchase the former Bennett Construction Headquarters building in Pecatonica and the adjacent property to remodel into the new theatre. The campaign was established to rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre after the original Main Street facility was lost in February 2021 when heavy snow and ice caused the roof to collapse.

“While we are thrilled by the overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity shown toward rebuilding Pec Playhouse Theatre,” said Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer and Capital Campaign Manager, “Construction costs have increased since we launched the campaign. As a result, we have launched a “Completion Campaign” focused on completing important interior components of the building.”

Several important needs remain as Pec Playhouse moves closer to opening its new home at 202 W. 3rd Street in Pecatonica. Current targeted fundraising priorities include:

  • $15,000 – Stage Curtains
  • $27,000 – 27 Remaining Seat Sponsorship Opportunities
  • $50,000 – Suspended Sound Booth
  • $25,000 – Backstage Actor and Crew Facilities Upgrade
  • $15,000 – Lighting Donor Match
  • $15,000 – Commercial-Grade Carpeting

Although the original capital campaign is concluding, Pec Playhouse Theatre remains committed to ensuring the new facility provides an exceptional experience for audiences, actors, volunteers, and the community for generations to come.

Since the loss of its original theatre building, the troupe has continued to bring live theatre to the community by staging productions in local churches and schools, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its volunteers and performers. Those interested in supporting the final phase of the rebuilding effort may contact Laurie S. Miller at treasurer@pecplayhouse.org or CLICK HERE to make a donation or learn more.

SHOWS & TICKETS


 
AUDITIONS FOR LEAVING IOWA

Auditions for our next show, Leaving Iowa will be held :

Monday July 7, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Tuesday July 8, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Auditions will be at the First Congregational Church in Pecatonica, 633 Reed Street

Leaving Iowa- Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton. (September 11—September 20) The spark behind Leaving Iowa comes from being children of parents from the now dubbed "greatest generation." The story is a toast to their idealism and character and a little roast of their undying dedication to the classic family road trip. More specifically, it is the story of Don Browning, a middle-aged writer, who returns home and decides to finally take his father's ashes to his childhood home, as requested. But when Don discovers Grandma's house is now a grocery store, he begins traveling across Iowa searching for a proper resting place for his father. This father-and-son road trip shifts smoothly from the present to Don's memories of the annual, torturous vacations of his childhood. Don's existential journey leads him to reconcile his past and present at the center of the United States. Leaving Iowa is a postcard to anyone who has ever found himself or herself driving alone on a road, revisiting fond memories of his or her youth. 

KIDS CAMP

July 13-17

PERFORMANCE DATES FOR LEAVING IOWA

Friday September 11 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday September 12 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday September 13 @ 2:00 PM
Friday September 18 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday September 19 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday September 19 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday September 20 @ 2:00 PM

RUM, REVENGE & MURDER

October 3

PERFORMANCE DATES FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER

Friday December 4 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday December 5 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday December 6 @ 2:00 PM
Friday December 11 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday December 12 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday December 12 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday December 13 @ 2:00 PM

TICKETS ARE ON SALE

Tickets for all shows are available NOW. They are $18 each. To purchase, please call our box office at 815-239-1210 or CLICK HERE.

GROUP SALES

If you have a  group of 10 or more people, we are offering tickets for $17 each (saving $1 per ticket). To take advantage of this, please contact our box office at 815-239-1210.

GET INVOLVED


 

Pec Playhouse is an all-volunteer organization that is known for a welcoming spirit and family atmosphere. It’s a place to share your talents and expertise, and also to learn a new craft or try a different skill.

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What Folks Are Saying


 
  • Sharon Boehlefeld
    I have always loved live theatre. Being able to watch a good show without having to drive very far is what drew me to Pec Playhouse. It's also nice to be able to help from way off stage by volunteering my time.
    Sharon Boehlefeld
    patron and volunteer
  • Penny Wiegert
    I am proud to have the arts represented in my hometown through Pec Playhouse and am continually honored to be part of it on and off the stage.
    Penny Wiegert
    actor and past board member
  • Glen Wiegert
    Because of community theatre I have an extended family that can feel the joys, love, energy, and excitement of performing live.
    Glen Wiegert
    Board President, actor, and set builder
  • Jamie Button
    We're like a family inviting folks to our home, sitting down for a spell, feeding them a variety of entertainment, and then sending them home with leftovers of memories.
    Jamie Button
    actor
  • Lenny Adrignola
    Pec Playhouse has given countless volunteers the chance to work both in front of and behind the curtain. Though no one is looking for a reward, you can’t help but feel good when you talk to patrons after a show.
    Lenny Adrignola
    actor, set builder, and box office volunteer
  • Jesse Dabson
    Pec Playhouse aspires to do first-rate productions, I love the commitment of the volunteers and the familial feeling of the casts and crews.
    Jesse Dabson
    actor and director
  • Laurie Miller
    My entire family has been involved from young children to adults. Plus, I love creating beautiful costumes for the appreciative cast members.
    Laurie Miller
    actor, costume designer, and stage mom
  • Kim Mathieu
    Until I joined the cast of Mama Mia!, I had never been to the Playhouse. Now I can’t wait to get on stage again!
    Kim Mathieu
    Greek Chorus, Mama Mia! 2019