The engagement in NMP grew. For the next two decades, NMP presented two to four shows per year. There was usually a summer musical, provided first at Decorah Middle School and later at Decorah High School. All other shows were performed in local restaurants as dinner theater. Needless to say, it was a lot of work to haul heavy platforms to make a stage and then build a set on top of that. This may have been when the desire for having a permanent stage and seating was born.