The story begins.
Mankato Playhouse is founded, bringing a new theatre experience to our community.
Read the history (opens in a new tab)OUR STORY · COMMUNITY THEATRE SINCE 2019
Rooted here.
Made together.
Mankato Playhouse is a nonprofit theatre with a simple purpose: bring people together through the joy of live performance.
Our story includes musical theatre, youth performance opportunities and the people who give their time and talent to make both possible. We’re proud of what our community has built—and excited for the work ahead.
THE HEART OF THE PLAYHOUSE
High-quality theatre.
Human connections.
Since our founding in 2019, Mankato Playhouse has brought musical theatre and opportunities for young performers to the local community. Our earlier seasons included dinner theatre and Broadway Teen workshops; our 2025–2026 season put youth productions in the spotlight.
Across those experiences, the thread is the same: local people creating something worth sharing. Performers develop their craft. Volunteers make the details work. Families encourage the journey. Audiences bring the room to life.
Today, we’re building on that foundation as we pursue a long-term home and develop expanded programming. There is more to this story than any one production—or any one building.
Read about our next chapterA FEW MOMENTS ALONG THE WAY
Creative Placemaking.
Recognized by the City Center Partnership for the Playhouse’s contribution to the city center.
View the recognition (opens in a new tab)Hospitality Award.
Honored by Visit Mankato for hospitality and helping make Greater Mankato a destination.
View the recognition (opens in a new tab)Our best season yet.
Three youth productions. A community of performers, families, volunteers and supporters.
Celebrate the seasonFROM AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Our story,
in their words.
A selection of past coverage of Mankato Playhouse. These stories reflect the people and programming of their publication dates.
An artistic outlet for young performers.
Coverage of the Broadway teen program’s production of Cinderella and the community behind it.
Read the KEYC story (opens in a new tab)The beginning of a community theatre story.
A look at the Playhouse’s early days, local talent and a community benefit performance.
Read the MankatoLIFE feature (opens in a new tab)A spotlight on the Playhouse’s founders.
The magazine announced a Hot Startz feature on David and Lori Holmes and the Playhouse’s early growth.
View the magazine’s feature announcement (opens in a new tab)THE STORY IS STILL BEING WRITTEN