New Ground Theatre

07/02/2024

Like all of you, New Ground Theater was stunned to hear of the passing this past Sunday of Village theater manager Matt Moody. It is impossible to describe how important he was to New Ground, the Village Theater and the arts community. For years, he was the public face of the Village Theater, as well as the guy behind the scenes keeping the place running (sometimes literally).
The Board of Directors is sorting through how best to honor Matt's memory while also keeping the theater running, which we think would be Matt's primary concern. We know that some people were concerned when New Ground didn’t hold a vigil inside the theater Sunday night. But please understand this wasn’t a refusal to honor Matt. It is lovely that people gathered at the theater Sunday to remember him. But our concern was that literally within minutes of the announcement of Matt's passing, plans were in the works by people who are not directly affiliated with New Ground. No input was sought from New Ground, a nonprofit organization charged with operating and maintaining this theater. Without knowing who was running the event, what was going to happen and, especially, what the family would want, we were not comfortable with opening the doors. Not yet anyway. We will happily do so after we have worked with Matt’s family to figure out what they would like.
Looking to the future of New Ground and the Village Theater, we hope you’ll stick with us and let us continue to host your events. There will be some struggles as we try to fill Matt’s shoes, but we all want the same thing: to lift up and celebrate the arts in the Quad Cities.
This is a difficult time for everyone, but Matt would want the show to go on. And so do we.

New Ground Board

06/30/2024

This one is heavy. In this world there are few men more beloved than the Village Theatre's(New Ground Theatre) very own Zaddy, GM and all around badass, Matt Moody. Matt rolled into the Village Theatre in 2014, full of ideas, energy and a passion for the arts. ~ Matt did it all~ From handyman, producer/actor, sound man, bartender, bathroom cleaner, yard mower, booker, promotions. There is literally not one facet that Matt did not have his able finger on. More than all this, however, he was a kind man. He was wickedly smart, otherworldly and his ear was often lent to those of us who sought out his advice. He was a father figure to so many. His words of wisdom and encouragement has been so appreciated in this world. He gave us a sense of safety, that he loved and supported us, and it is no surprise that the Village Theatre is now noted as a safe space for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. The Village Theatre joins with you all in this grief and we send our love and light to his beautiful family. We will be coordinating a Celebration of Life asap.

Safe travels Matt. Your absence will be forever felt.

07/31/2023

Auditions for the re-schedule of "The Outgoing Tide" by Bruce Graham.
Directed by Christina Schnock Myatt.
The role is Gunner. A 60's to 70s male. "Gunner's in his early 70s, but still a vibrant-looking guy."
If interested, please come to the Village Theatre (2113 E 11th St, Davenport) on August 12th between 2PM and 4PM.

02/14/2022

We're Back!

07/15/2021

We’re on our way back. Watch this space!

11/18/2020

We are hanging in there, but it's been too long since we've been able to entertain you. If you could spare a little (Or a lot ;) ), we would be eternally grateful. gf.me/u/xrgvtd

New Ground Theatre calls the Village Theatre in East Davenport home. To support our theatrical production… Matt Moody needs your support for Shutdown Expenses

06/06/2020

We are proud of our community’s peaceful protest yesterday!