06/11/2026
A message from the NCT board of directors:
Recently, questions have circulated about the future and financial stability of Newton Community Theatre (NCT). We assure you that our community theatre remains vibrant and fiscally sound, as it has since its founding. Our Mission Statement, dated Dec. 18, 2017, reflects this: The Newton Community Theatre delivers quality productions to Jasper County communities, sharing talent and resources to make theatre enriching and educational for all.
Our theatre has occupied and maintained a symbiotic relationship with the YMCA for the last 50 years. NCT’s facilities are often a beehive of activity as we support the artistic work of our school system, as well as neighboring community theatres. Our auditorium is utilized, on occasion, for community events. We have hosted community theatre competitions on the state and regional level several times in the last five decades.
Over the past 60 years, NCT has produced four major productions annually and hosted The Children’s Workshop Theatre each July. Each production requires roughly three months, including auditions, set construction, costuming, orchestra preparation, and rehearsals, culminating in six performances. Community members of all ages participate, often joined by talent from Pella, Grinnell, Marshalltown, and Des Moines.
The Newton community has supported NCT consistently over the years. This support has come in the form of season ticket holders, attendance at performances, and continued support of annual fundraisers. The NCT has immense respect and gratitude for every dollar of support we receive from the Newton community and our gracious donors. We take our role as stewards of these funds with deep care and thoughtful consideration. Through wise spending, the NCT board of directors has been able to keep the interior of our auditorium in fine condition and has, over the last few years, invested $100,000 in updating our sound and lighting capabilities as well as other improvements. We look forward to continuing this work as we move forward.
At the heart of all that is NCT are our countless volunteers and faithful patrons. Over the years, literally thousands of people have given their time, talent, and support to keep live theatre a vital ingredient in the Newton community.
We have an exciting 2026 season going on now at the theatre. Currently, there are more than 90 children, teens, and adults involved in our production of "Annie." This show will be performed on June 19, 20 & 26 at 7 p.m., and June 21, 27 & 28 at 2 p.m. (Tickets on sale now! https://newtoncommunitytheatre.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=115)
The Children’s Workshop Theatre will be held July 6-24, with a performance on July 25. "The Shawshank Redemption" will perform Sept. 25, 26 & 27, and Oct. 2, 3 & 4. Our Sounds of the Season fundraiser will take place on Oct. 23, 24 & 25. We will close the season with "A Gift to Remember" with performances on Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13.
The board of directors and the entire family of Newton Community Theatre give our heartfelt thanks to our community supporters and look forward to a bright future.
