Striving To Make
Community Theatre
The Best It Can Be
Christmas Comedy and Theatre Construction Updates at Pec Playhouse Theatre
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Runs December 4–13
PECATONICA, IL — Pec Playhouse Theatre wraps up its successful 2026 season with the hilarious holiday comedy The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a Christmas pageant that goes hilariously off the rails!
Featuring adults and children of all ages, this heartwarming production reminds audiences that sometimes the most unexpected people can teach us the greatest lessons about love, perseverance and the true meaning of Christmas. With plenty of holiday chaos and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a show the entire family can enjoy.
Performances will be held December 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and December 6, 12th and 13 at 2 p.m.
All performances will take place at First Congregational Church, located at 633 Reed Street in Pecatonica, Illinois.
Tickets are available online at www.pecplayhouse.org or by calling the box office at 815-239-1210.
Theatre Building Renovation Gets Underway
Meanwhile, exciting progress is underway on the future home of Pec Playhouse Theatre in downtown Pecatonica. Crews from DPI Construction began interior demolition of the former industrial building on Thursday, October 15, marking another major milestone in the theatre’s journey toward a permanent home.
“I was so excited to see a huge red dumpster in the middle of the building, which signaled the next step in the construction of our new theatre,” said Laurie Miller, Treasurer and Fundraiser for Pec Playhouse Theatre. “DPI’s construction crews will be able to work throughout the winter as they remodel the building into our new performance space.”
The renovation is expected to take up to nine months. Once the primary construction is complete, Pec Playhouse technicians will install lighting and sound systems to complete the transformation into a fully equipped theatre.
The project represents the culmination of the Miracle on 3rd Street – Rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre capital campaign, which began in December 2024. Thanks to insurance proceeds, grants, fundraising events and the generosity of more than 500 donors, Pec Playhouse has raised enough money to fund the theatre building itself.
However, additional donations are still needed to complete important interior features and equipment. Current funding priorities include:
- Commercial-grade projector: Approximately $20,000
- Commercial-grade flooring
- Interior painting
- Stage curtains
Community members who wish to help bring the new theatre to life can donate online at www.pecplayhouse.org or contact Laurie Miller at 815-871-7042.
The new Pec Playhouse Theatre will provide a permanent home for live theatre and other community events, creating opportunities for generations of performers and audiences to enjoy the arts in downtown Pecatonica.
To learn more about upcoming performances, purchase tickets or support the theatre renovation, visit www.pecplayhouse.org.
GROUNDBREAKING
Pec Playhouse Theatre Announces Groundbreaking on New Theater.
Pecatonica, Illinois
June 15, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer & Capital Campaign Manager treasurer@pecplayhouse.org or 815-871-7042.
Curtain Rising on New Pec Playhouse Theatre
Groundbreaking for the new Pec Playhouse Theatre will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 202 W. 3rd Street in Pecatonica, IL.
Following a successful Capital Campaign in 2025, the very active board of directors is pleased to move forward with the next steps to remodel a former industrial building in downtown Pecatonica into a new state-of-the art, fully handicapped accessible theatre.
“We are so grateful for our enthusiastic patrons and donors who have helped move this project forward,” said Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer and Capital Campaign Manager for Pec Playhouse Theatre.
Pec Playhouse Theatre has produced live community theatre for the last 35 years with most shows being performed at our facility located at 314 Main Street in downtown Pecatonica. The Main street building was destroyed in February 2021 when a buildup of snow and ice caused the roof to collapse.
Since the roof collapse, Pec Playhouse has continued to perform shows in local churches and schools. Rebuilding the theatre will deliver the full patron experience including enhanced seating, lighting and sound.
Visit our NEWS page to learn more!
2024/2025 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Thank You! to all of the generous donors who contributed to the successful campaign.
With great joy and gratitude, the Pec Playhouse Theatre Board of Directors announces the successful conclusion of the “Miracle on 3rd Street – Rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre” Capital Campaign. Launched in December 2024, the campaign has exceeded its original fundraising goal of $1.75 million through a combination of grants, insurance proceeds, fundraising events, and the extraordinary generosity of donors throughout the region.
The Board of Directors utilized $250,000 of those funds to purchase the former Bennett Construction Headquarters building in Pecatonica and the adjacent property to remodel into the new theatre. The campaign was established to rebuild Pec Playhouse Theatre after the original Main Street facility was lost in February 2021 when heavy snow and ice caused the roof to collapse.
“While we are thrilled by the overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity shown toward rebuilding Pec Playhouse Theatre,” said Laurie S. Miller, Treasurer and Capital Campaign Manager, “Construction costs have increased since we launched the campaign. As a result, we have launched a “Completion Campaign” focused on completing important interior components of the building.”
Several important needs remain as Pec Playhouse moves closer to opening its new home at 202 W. 3rd Street in Pecatonica. Current targeted fundraising priorities include:
- $15,000 – Stage Curtains
- $27,000 – 27 Remaining Seat Sponsorship Opportunities
- $50,000 – Suspended Sound Booth
- $25,000 – Backstage Actor and Crew Facilities Upgrade
- $15,000 – Lighting Donor Match
- $15,000 – Commercial-Grade Carpeting
Although the original capital campaign is concluding, Pec Playhouse Theatre remains committed to ensuring the new facility provides an exceptional experience for audiences, actors, volunteers, and the community for generations to come.
Since the loss of its original theatre building, the troupe has continued to bring live theatre to the community by staging productions in local churches and schools, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its volunteers and performers. Those interested in supporting the final phase of the rebuilding effort may contact Laurie S. Miller at 815-239-1210 or CLICK HERE to make a donation or learn more.
SHOWS & TICKETS
PERFORMANCE DATES FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Friday December 4 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday December 5 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday December 6 @ 2:00 PM
Friday December 11 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday December 12 @ 2:00 PM
Saturday December 12 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday December 13 @ 2:00 PM
TICKETS ARE ON SALE
Tickets for all shows are available NOW. They are $18 each. To purchase, please call our box office at 815-239-1210 or CLICK HERE.
GROUP SALES
If you have a group of 10 or more people, we are offering tickets for $17 each (saving $1 per ticket). To take advantage of this, please contact our box office at 815-239-1210.
GET INVOLVED
Pec Playhouse is an all-volunteer organization that is known for a welcoming spirit and family atmosphere. It’s a place to share your talents and expertise, and also to learn a new craft or try a different skill.
