History:
It was in 1975 that The American Association of University Women felt that it was time that our community form a local theatre group. It took several meetings and some serious discussions for the name Theatre West to be agreed upon. The first production was a one-act play presented at The Surftides Restaurant. In 1979 the group became officially incorporated as a non-profit community theatre and took the formal name of Theatre West of Lincoln City, Ltd. In the beginning, Theatre West presented plays wherever they could find a friendly stage. Local restaurants, schools and other facilities were gracious enough to allow the Theatre to "tread the boards" in their establishments.
In 1986, Theatre West decided that they needed a place of their own so they rented auditorium space from Panache Antiques. It was there in 1989 that former Broadway actor, Jack Coyne and his late partner, Mark LaRocque, owners of the antique store, donated the property to Theatre West and Jack became our permanent Artistic Director.
Over the years Theatre West has been honored, both on stage and off. The theatre was the first community theatre to obtain permission for the smash hits Lend Me a Tenor and I Hate Hamlet. Our highest honor remains being allowed to present an excerpted version of William Luce’s, Tony winning play, Bell of Amherst, directed by the author for the dedication of our own Driftwood Library at their new location.
As we begin our new season, Theatre West can look back at our last season with pride. From new productions to revivals of beloved favorites, the stage was filled with great entertainment throughout the year.
Theatre West provides its members and the community-at-large opportunities to act in our productions, work behind the scenes on sets, costumes, sound, stage set-up and in publicity, as well as greeting our audiences at our performances. There is always room for someone new to join our thespian circle - perhaps you? Welcome to Theatre West of Lincoln City. We hope you enjoy our performances and that you will consider becoming a member of our Theatre. Please plan to join us at future productions and come to know the magic that is theatre.