About West Virginia Public Theatre
West Virginia Public Theatre: Enhancing the Cultural Environment of the State and Region
For over 30 years, West Virginia Public Theatre has been a leading provider of professional performances in North Central West Virginia. As a non-profit organization based in Morgantown, West Virginia, our mission is to enhance the cultural environment of the state and region through high-quality theatrical productions.
Our History
West Virginia Public Theatre was founded in 1985 by Ron Iannone, who served as its first artistic director. Since then, we have produced over 100 plays and musicals that have entertained audiences from all walks of life. Our productions range from classic plays like Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to modern musicals like "The Book of Mormon."
In addition to our mainstage productions, we also offer educational programs for students and aspiring actors. Our summer theatre academy provides young people with an opportunity to learn about acting, directing, stagecraft, and other aspects of theatre production.
Our Productions
At West Virginia Public Theatre, we are committed to producing high-quality theatrical performances that showcase the talents of our actors and creative team. We believe that theatre has the power to inspire and entertain audiences while also addressing important social issues.
Some of our recent productions include:
- "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams
- "Avenue Q" by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
- "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
- "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde
- "Cabaret" by John Kander and Fred Ebb
We are proud to have received numerous awards for our productions over the years. In 2019 alone, we were recognized with three awards from BroadwayWorld.com for Best Play ("To Kill a Mockingbird"), Best Director (Jerry McGonigle), and Best Actress (Katie Sina).
Our Impact on the Community
At West Virginia Public Theatre, we believe that theatre can be a powerful force for positive change in society. Through our productions and educational programs, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
One way that we do this is through outreach programs that bring theatre into underserved communities throughout North Central West Virginia. We partner with local schools and community organizations to provide free or low-cost performances for those who might not otherwise have access to live theatre.
We also work closely with local businesses and organizations as part of our commitment to supporting economic development in Morgantown and beyond. By bringing visitors into town for our shows each year, we help boost tourism revenue while also providing entertainment options for residents.
Conclusion
West Virginia Public Theatre is more than just a non-profit organization – it's an integral part of North Central West Virginia's cultural landscape. For over three decades now, we've been providing top-notch theatrical experiences for audiences young and old alike while also making a positive impact on communities throughout the region.
Whether you're looking for classic plays or modern musicals – or if you're interested in learning more about acting yourself – there's something here at WVPT that will appeal to you! So why not come see one of our shows today? You won't be disappointed!