OUR FUTURE HOME

After years of performing in borrowed spaces and daring to dream bigger, Little Playhouse on the Prairie is beyond proud to announce that we have officially secured a permanent home for live theatre right here in downtown Vernon.

The former Miller Auction House will become our Playhouse located at 1801 Cumberland. A dedicated space for arts, culture, and community in the heart of our town.

This moment would not exist without the extraordinary generosity of Charlie and Tammy Miller of Redlicious Meats, who donated this building as a transformational gift to our community. This isn’t just a donation of property, it’s an investment in Vernon’s future, in our downtown, and in every person who has ever been moved by live performance. We are forever grateful.

What’s Next

Our vision for this space includes:

  • A performance venue for plays, improv comedy, and live events

  • Flexible areas for rehearsals, workshops, and classes

  • Storage for sets, costumes, and technical equipment

  • A creative hub that serves performers, artists, and audiences alike

Help Us Build the Future

Creating a permanent theatre is a community effort. There are several ways you can help bring this vision to life.

  • Financial Contributions

    Donations of any size make an impact. All gifts go directly toward renovation costs, materials, and essential infrastructure.

    Please feel free to call or text or co-founder, Cooper, to discuss options! 940-357-0024

  • You can also support the project by purchasing needed items for the renovation and operation of the theatre through our Amazon Wishlist.

    CLICK HERE to visit the wishlist

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1TTDB5XHIXNHS?ref_=wl_share

  • Leverage your business or skills to support this charitable cause! By providing goods or services at cost or for free you can earn tax deductions AND build up your local community.

    Please feel free to call or text or co-founder, Cooper, to discuss options! 940-357-0024

  • COMING SOON! We will have an online merch store so you can shop and show your support stylishly!

  • Donor Recognition Wall

    To honor the generosity of those helping make this project possible, we will install a Donor Recognition Wall in the completed theatre.

    • Recognition will begin with gifts of $1,000 or more

    • Larger contributions will receive larger name placement

    • The wall will stand as a permanent thank-you to those who invested in the arts in Vernon

    This space will celebrate the individuals, families, and businesses who believed in this vision and helped turn it into reality.

  • A permanent theatre means more than just a building. It means:

    • Consistent access to live performances in our community

    • Opportunities for local artists to grow and create

    • Educational experiences for youth and adults

    • A cultural gathering place that strengthens Vernon’s identity

    With your help, this building will become a place where stories are told, skills are learned, friendships are formed, and the arts continue to flourish.

Project Transparency: Where We Are Right Now

We believe in being open and honest about this project—because it belongs to our community just as much as it belongs to us.

Here’s exactly where we stand:

    • A donated building that will become our permanent theatre and arts space

    • The ability to operate as we have (a traveling theatre troupe) for the next two years, even as this project gets underway

    • A committed board and volunteer base ready to do the work

    This means the project is real and happening, not just a dream or an idea on paper.

  • While we could do a quick, bare-bones conversion, we believe Vernon deserves something better.

    We want this facility to be:

    • Safe and Accessible

    • Functional for performers and audiences

    • Built to last

    • Adds a gorgeous new facade to downtown Vernon

    We are committed to doing this the right way, not the fast way.

  • The first phase of this project is planning and design.

    We are currently working with an architect and engineer to:

    • Create professional renderings

    • Develop construction and renovation plans

    • Ensure the space meets safety codes and accessibility standards

    • Help our community clearly visualize what this theatre will become

    These plans will guide every step of construction and allow us to fundraise with transparency and purpose.

  • Once architectural plans are complete, the next phase is straightforward: Fundraise. Fundraise. Fundraise.

    The bulk of this project’s cost will come from:

    • Construction and renovation

    • Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work

    • Seating, lighting, sound, and backstage infrastructure

    We are committed to using local contractors and skilled tradespeople whenever possible, keeping these dollars working right here in our community.

  • We will:

    • Share updates as milestones are reached

    • Be clear about goals, timelines, and needs

    • Use funds responsibly and strategically

    • Build something Vernon can be proud of for generations

    This theatre won’t be built overnight but with steady progress and community support, it will be built.

    Thank you for believing in this project and in the power of the arts.

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