In 1975 that The American Association of University Women (AAUW) felt that it was time that Lincoln City 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. 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 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 its permanent Artistic Director.
The theatre was the first community theatre to obtain permission for the smash hits “Lend Me a Tenor” and “I Hate Hamlet.” Their highest honor remains being allowed to present an excerpted version of William Luce’s, Tony winning play, “Bell of Amherst,” directed by the author.
From new productions to revivals of beloved favorites, the stage is filled with great entertainment throughout the year.