General Info

Pec Playhouse Theatre exists as an educational and charitable organization dedicated to the study, practice, and production of theatre and the related arts. We strive to provide quality theatre programs and related events for the greater enjoyment and appreciation of the people of Pecatonica, its surrounding communities, and the general public. We provide opportunities and encouragement to anyone having an active interest in theatre and related arts, including students and other young people, to use their talents, energies and ideas in the accomplishment of our goals. Pec Playhouse Theatre (PPT ) was formed in 1991 by a group of Pecatonica High School students and recent graduates who wanted to continue performing in theater after high school. With the help of some supportive adults, PPT was organized and produced its first show, Out of the Frying Pan. This show was funded entirely by membership dues and proceeds from a car wash. In these early years, shows were performed mostly at Pecatonica High School and occasionally at the American Legion Hall. By 1994, PPT began producing summer musicals with The Wizard of Oz, which marked a new attendance record. In the summer of 1995, PPT mentored the newly-formed Byron Civic Theatre in presenting its first production, Annie Get Your Gun. PPT was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in 1997. In 1999, PPT became a 501 (c ) (3 ) tax-exempt organization, making most contributions to PPT tax-deductible. Meanwhile, Pecatonica High School ended its theater program. So, in 1998, PPT produced You Can't Take It With You as the first of what was to become an annual main-stage show featuring high school students. As time and space at the high school became increasingly scarce, PPT entered into an agreement in 1998 with Pecatonica Heritage Museum to use space in their building complex. This arrangement allowed Pec Playhouse to expand their schedule to five shows per year. As the years went by, theater seats, air conditioning, heating, lights, sound equipment, and bathrooms were added to the facility. With the help of 2 amazing contributors, Pecatonica Pharmacy and George Anderson, and the support of German American State Bank, PPT was able to purchase the building in late 2004. In 2007 the donation of newer, more comfortable theater seats from a Rockford Memorial Hospital made the PPT theater experience even more enjoyable for our patrons. Since that time, volunteers and friends of PPT continue to work to improve the building and the theater - one amazing project being the complete remodeling of the former doctor's apartment upstairs into a wonderful dressing and make-up area. We're grateful to all of our friends and volunteers who have donated their time and energy over the years, and to our patrons and donors who keep us going.