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.
Visit our NEWS page to learn more!
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.



