Timeline
1894
Structure Built
This structure was built by the City of Decorah and served as the city’s water pumping station. The well was located under the theatre.
1934
Bill Salz
In 1934, Bill Salz purchased the property for $490 and it remained in his possession until 1947.
1947
A.R. Coffeen Company
The building is sold to the A.R. Coffeen Company.
1975
Organization Started
The organization was started in 1975 by Bette Greedy, who was quickly joined by a group of local thespians who wanted to share their passion with others. Bette secured enough money to stage the first show, a musical called Little Mary Sunshine. The show was performed in Ye Olde Barn Theatre on the edge of Decorah. The barn was not entirely waterproof, and this propelled the group to look for other locations. During the early years, New Minowa Players (NMP) performed shows in such diverse places as The Elks Club and Nob Hill. Over time, though, the need for a permanent home grew.
1981
Building Purchase
In 1981, a major fundraising campaign allowed NMP to purchase the current building.
NMP raised enough money through the fundraising campaign to buy the building for $37,000. There was even enough money to remodel the building to include space for meetings, rehearsals, costumes, sets, and props. The same year NMP also purchased a new lighting system. This was another major step since the organization had previously used whatever lights were available at performance sites. They were not always ideal.
1981
Engagement Grew
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.
2004
First Temporary Stage
Little by little, it happened. In 2004, some committed members of NMP cleared out the room used for storage and erected a temporary stage for the show Wild West Women.
2006
Permanent Stage Construction
The board approved construction of a stage and risers in 2006, and members went to work the very next day. The seats came from Waukon High School’s auditorium, and many volunteer hours were spent refurbishing and installing them. With the addition of a permanent lighting system, NMP was one step closer to having a great performance site.
It was a welcome and much-needed improvement. NMP had expanded its offerings to include an annual Young People’s Production in August and a Family Show in January.
2007
Children’s Show Offered
In 2007, NMP added another offering: the annual Children’s Show in October.
2009
Cabaret Fundraiser
NMP holds its first Cabaret as a fundraiser in November of 2009. This time slot is now flexible and can be used for one-acts, full shows, or musical theatre selections.
It did not take long before the Spring Show with more adult themes became a regular part of the season.
2011
Raise the Roof Campaign
In 2011, the ceiling collapsed under four feet of snow and the theater had to be gutted for repairs. Businesses, local funders, families, and individuals came together to donate to the “Raise the Roof” campaign. Once again, the community responded to fundraising efforts by donating to the repairs with some purchasing the right to name a seat in honor of themselves or a loved one. At your next performance, take a look at your seat. Perhaps you will recognize the name affixed to the seat you are occupying!
2015
40 for 40 Campaign
In 2015, the community offered strong support for the “40 for 40” campaign, designed to celebrate 40 years of community theatre. The campaign raised enough money for repairs and upgrades to the property, including foundation work, new siding on all structures, and remodeling of storage areas. It even opened up space for a scene shop.
2019
Six Show Seasons
NMP now presents six shows per year and has a strong following of audience members who look forward to attending them.
Having had an active community theatre for more than four decades is quite remarkable. Two of the three “founding mothers” are still active. Bette Greedy, who raised money for the first show, directed a show as recently as 2014. The Greedy Green Room is named after her. Donalee Burns is a frequent costumer for shows and maintains the costume shop with hundreds of costumes. The shop is named Donalee’s Duds. The front room, which serves as a meeting space and box office, is named Helen’s Room in honor of the late Helen Schmidt.
NMP is grateful for the support and engagement of people from throughout the region. There is a role to play for everyone: as members of the audience, directors, set builders, actors on stage, musicians, crew working behind the scenes, and sponsors. Please let anyone from NMP know if you would like to get involved.