WIFT CREEK MILL THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS NEXT ACT, BRINGING ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING BACK TO THE HISTORIC STAGE
Following a successful $250,000 “Save the Mill” campaign, the 60-year-old theatre unveils a lineup beginning in October and shares how community gifts are being put to work
The Mill is coming back to life. Shortly after surpassing its $250,000 “Save the Mill” goal, Swift Creek Mill Theatre is raising its curtain once again with a lineup of artistic programming that begins this October with a cabaret evening featuring Scott Wichmann.
‘When the community stepped up and showed out to Save the Mill, they didn’t just save a building. They saved a place where people come together to laugh, sing, and share an evening out. This season is our thank-you.’
The Next Act: What’s Coming to the Mill
Scott Wichmann Cabaret – October 30, 8:00 PM. Tickets available now
Drifty the Snowman – returns for the holiday season with Drifty’s Northstar Jamboree
- For schools, Mondays through Fridays, November 30 – December 18, 10:15 am & Noon (more information and directions to start the booking process can be found https://www.swiftcreekmill.com/student-matinees
- Saturday shows for families, December 5 – 19, 10:15 am and 1:00 pm
More music-based programming, including singer-songwriters in the Mill Room, A holiday Cabaret, and new programming, featuring Jazzin It Up in January/February
Spring Season – More to come as the Mill builds toward its spring programming.
A Community That Brought the Mill Back
Since 1965, Swift Creek Mill Theatre has transformed a historic gristmill into a gathering place for generations of Central and Southside Virginia audiences. Housed in a National Register historic landmark, it is the only professional theatre south of the James River.
When the Mill paused its season this spring, the community refused to let the story end. The “Save the Mill” campaign raised $264,895 from 365 donors. Nearly 1,100 people responded to the Mill’s community survey, sharing what they love about the theatre and what they want to see next, and patrons, students, and artists shared personal stories of what the Mill has meant in their lives.
Putting Gifts to Work
Board members and volunteers developed a clear business plan over several months, informed by years of financial and programming records, conversations with peer theatres across the region, and the community’s survey feedback. Its guiding principle: programming follows revenue, not the other way around. https://www.swiftcreekmill.
Campaign gifts are strengthening the Mill’s fundraising and staffing capacity so the theatre can grow on solid footing.
The plan also brings meaningful changes. The Mill is stepping back from full-scale restaurant service to focus on theatre, music, and youth programming. Its first season back will be leaner than in years past, growing responsibly as ticket sales and donations allow. For the first time, the Mill is building a dedicated fundraising program, including an Annual Fund, sponsorships, and its growing Annual Gala, and it is recruiting new Board members with expertise in finance, fundraising, governance, and law.
Be Part of the Next Act
Audiences can support the Mill’s return by buying tickets, giving to the Annual Fund, sponsoring a production, or volunteering.
About Swift Creek Mill Theatre
Swift Creek Mill Theatre is a non profit (501c3) organization that provides Central and Southside Virginia with professional theatre in a variety of genres, including Youth Theatre and Educational programs, and the preservation of the historic building. Housed in a National Register historic landmark gristmill, the Mill has served audiences since 1965 and is the only professional theatre south of the James River.