Beloit Civic Theatre
over 90 years of theater and talent
The Beloit Civic Theatre has been a valued staple of the Beloit community for more than 90 years, engaging locals and visitors with exceptional musical and theatrical performances with a touch of Broadway flair. Although the organization has grown and changed over the decades, its dedication to providing high-quality shows remains the same.
It began in 1932 with the founding of the Beloit Little Theatre Guild. Their first production “Who’s Who in Beloit” was a hit and marked something special. By the following season membership skyrocketed to 1,300, making it Wisconsin’s largest community theater at the time.
In the mid-1940s, the group transformed significantly. By 1948, they rebranded as the Beloit Civic Theatre and performed at various locations in the community, like the Beloit College campus including the old Scoville Hall as well as Roosevelt and Lincoln Junior High School auditoriums. With the construction of Beloit Memorial High School, it provided a permanent home for their shows at the Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, where they still perform today. Around this time, they also transitioned to a non-profit organization.
Despite changes over the years, the theatre’s mission has stayed consistent: to offer high-quality theater at an affordable price while incorporating community engagement, creativity, and collaboration. The organization prides themselves on professionalism, from show selection and rehearsal to the final performance.
Doris Tropp, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Beloit Civic Theatre explains, “In this era of detached non-interactive online entertainment and live entertainment in massive venues, our audiences get to experience live theatre in a small venue, which draws the audience into the story like no other format can.” She believes that “everyone wins with accessible community theatre” which is what makes the organization stand out.
As the Beloit Civic Theatre approaches its 92nd season, it continues to shine as one of Beloit’s hidden gems, with over 275 performances throughout its history. For more information and to see upcoming performances, please visit their website.
upcoming shows:
- Lucky Stiff: September 26th – October 5th, 2024
- Dial M for Murder: January 30th – February 8th, 2025
- The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church: April 24th – May 3rd, 2025
