Our History
In 1998, a group of interested persons met to find a "home" for the Red Oak Community Theatre. Several store fronts, unused buildings, & the possibility of a new building were discussed. Soon after this meeting, Charles & Norma Wilson contacted Larry Brandstetter & Lori Portz to suggest the project be held off for 2 years, as they would like to be involved in a larger facility.
2001 - a feasibility study was commissioned to assess the viability of a performing arts center to serve the eight counties of Southwest Iowa. After a thorough 2003 review, Performing Arts and Education Association (PAEA) was incorporated in the State of Iowa, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Sally Foss became the Executive Director. The architectural firm of Bahr Vermeer Haecker was hired in conjunction with theatre consultants Schuler & Shook Inc.
2004 - fund-raising began. Among the numerous donors were John W. Carson Foundation & Vision Iowa. In September, Andreas Jaeggi, a member of Company Alain Germain, & Professor Patricia Martin, Head of the Musical Theater Department at the Folkwang Hochschule College of the Performing Arts in Essen, Germany performed at a benefit for the PAEA.
2005 - Lana White hired as Executive Director. A sign was erected on a vacant lot near the junction of U.S. Highway 34 & State Highway 48 announcing "The Future Home of the Wilson Performing Arts Center."
2006 - Fund-raising was enhanced. Case of the Maltese Ferret, a Sam Shovel dinner theater as presented by the Brick Street Society. Director was Joe Skahill & featured Susie Schaar, Michael Carey & George McGargill from the Park Playhouse in Shenandoah.
2007 - Fund-raising completed in April. Groundbreaking ceremony was in September. Oakview Construction struggled with mud throughout that fall & winter. Building work continued throughout 2008 & the doors were officially opened on February 10th, 2009.
2001 - a feasibility study was commissioned to assess the viability of a performing arts center to serve the eight counties of Southwest Iowa. After a thorough 2003 review, Performing Arts and Education Association (PAEA) was incorporated in the State of Iowa, as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Sally Foss became the Executive Director. The architectural firm of Bahr Vermeer Haecker was hired in conjunction with theatre consultants Schuler & Shook Inc.
2004 - fund-raising began. Among the numerous donors were John W. Carson Foundation & Vision Iowa. In September, Andreas Jaeggi, a member of Company Alain Germain, & Professor Patricia Martin, Head of the Musical Theater Department at the Folkwang Hochschule College of the Performing Arts in Essen, Germany performed at a benefit for the PAEA.
2005 - Lana White hired as Executive Director. A sign was erected on a vacant lot near the junction of U.S. Highway 34 & State Highway 48 announcing "The Future Home of the Wilson Performing Arts Center."
2006 - Fund-raising was enhanced. Case of the Maltese Ferret, a Sam Shovel dinner theater as presented by the Brick Street Society. Director was Joe Skahill & featured Susie Schaar, Michael Carey & George McGargill from the Park Playhouse in Shenandoah.
2007 - Fund-raising completed in April. Groundbreaking ceremony was in September. Oakview Construction struggled with mud throughout that fall & winter. Building work continued throughout 2008 & the doors were officially opened on February 10th, 2009.
Educational Opportunities Began-
- 2004 - Ballet Classes for Teachers & advanced students in Glenwood, under Robin Welch of the Omaha Theater Ballet
- 2004 - String Classes in Red Oak under Rebecca Vanderholm, Omaha Symphony Orchestra violinist
- 2005 - Jazz/Choreography class offered in Glenwood, instructor Erika Overturf
- 2007 -2011 - Guitar lessons by Guy Somers of Somers Guitar Studio
- 2009 - Dance classes first offered at the Wilson Performing Arts Studio, by David Catherall
- 2010 - Dance expanded to include Ballroom, Ballet, Tap for adults; Mini Cheer & Pom, Mini Mixed Spirit Dance taught by Hollie Askey; Gemz & Jewelz Hip Hop Dance taught by Shauna Berendes
Community Opportunities Began-
- Southwest Iowa Adult Chorus, sponsored by PAEA, (later renamed Concert Chorale), presented their first performance in 2006 under the direction of Tom Harvey, accompanied by Pat Dunbar, and provides concerts at least annually.
- 2006 - PAEA & Wabash Arts Camp collaborated to bring Missoula Children's Theatre to Shenandoah with a presentation of The Frog Prince. This collaboration has been continued each summer in Shenandoah & was expanded to Red Oak in 2010.
- 2009 - Theatre productions began with Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten and later that summer, Sound of Music. Other productions have included Lend Ma a Tenor, Wizard of Oz, Last Night of Ballyhoo, and The Hobbit.
Professional Opportunities Began-
- 2006 - A Capella, a vocal ensemble performed in Atlantic, Iowa
- Other profession artists/entertainers include St. Louis Brass, Gaelie Storm, Craicmore, George Winston, Keith Knight & David Burgess, Montana Skies, MOJO, Bayou Gypsies, Thaddeus Rex, Tap Kids & many others.
- The Center's Steinway was christened in February, 2009 with the appearance of Joyce Yang, Silver medalist at the 2005 Van Cliburn Piano Competition.
Other Events-
- Bill Danforth as Mark Twain
- "Feed the Children" charity event with Jeff Millhollin
- Skinny & the Bootleggers,
- Prairie Wind Musical Experience
- Dunbar/Mannasmith Holiday Piano Concert
- Recitals by string, guitar, & dance students