Celebrating 58 Years of Live Theatre

At the Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts, every gift tells a story. It’s the story of a child or adult stepping into the spotlight for the first time. Of neighbors gathering for a night of laughter and connection. Of a community that believes in the power of the arts to bring us together. Whether you’ve taken a bow on our stage, applauded from the front row, painted a set, or simply shared a kind word in the lobby, you are part of what makes Picketwire extraordinary.

When you give to Picketwire, you’re not just donating, you’re stepping into the spotlight as a vital part of our story. Please consider becoming a Picketwire Patron today. Together, we can ensure that community continues to take center stage. If you have already sent in a contribution, we are eternally thankful for your continued support! As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Picketwire Players are totally dependent upon our volunteers, box office sales and your tax-deductible donations to keep our beloved theatre open.

This season, we’re launching a special campaign: “Why I Give to Picketwire” a celebration of the voices that keep our theater alive. We’re inviting YOU to share a few words about why you support Picketwire whether through time, talent, or donation. Your story could inspire someone to audition for the first time. To volunteer. To donate. To believe in the power of community theater.

How to participate:

• Write a short paragraph (3–5 sentences) about why you give to Picketwire.
• Include your name and how you’re connected to the theater (patron, actor, parent, volunteer, etc.).
• Optional: Attach a photo of you at Picketwire or a favorite memory.
• Send your story to: spotlight@picketwireplayers.org

We’ll feature these stories in our email series, on social media, and in our lobby displays because your voice deserves to be heard. Thank you for being part of our story.

Let’s keep the curtain rising together.

Celebrating 57 Years of Live Theatre

As the curtains rise on a new year, we at the Picketwire Center for Performing and Visual Arts are thrilled to share the magic of the stage with you. Since 1968, our beloved center has been a beacon of creativity, bringing the enchantment of the performing and visual arts to the heart of La Junta. Today, we invite you to play a starring role in our ongoing production of cultural enrichment and artistic excellence.

Our stage has seen countless stories unfold, from the timeless classics to the bold and contemporary. Each performance, each brushstroke, and each note played is a testament to the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and unite. But behind every great production is a cast of dedicated supporters, and this is where you come in.

Your generous donation is the spotlight that illuminates our path forward. With your support, we can continue to produce high-quality performances, offer transformative educational programs, and maintain our cherished facilities. Imagine the applause, the laughter, and the tears of joy that your contribution can bring to life!

Celebrating 56 Years of Live Theatre

Reflecting on our past year, our community theatre is taking a bow of gratitude for YOU – our incredible patrons! Your unwavering support has transformed our stage into a vibrant tapestry of creativity and inspiration. Here’s to you, the true stars of our show! Every charitable donation made, every ticket you’ve purchased, every round of applause you’ve shared, and every encouraging word you’ve spoken has fueled our passion for the arts. Your presence in our audience is the heartbeat of our performances, and we are profoundly thankful for each and every one of you. This year, as we reflect on the magic that unfolds beneath the spotlight, we’re reminded of the shared moments that make our theatre a community. Your smiles, laughter, and even the occasional gasp are the music that accompanies our productions. To the patrons who have become friends and the friends who have become family, thank you for being the most incredible audience we could ever dream of. Your enthusiasm is the standing ovation that keeps us going, night after night.

As the curtain falls on another year, we want to express our deepest appreciation for the warmth and energy you bring into our theatre. We are asking you, once again, to keep the momentum going and renew your membership or become a new patron of our community theatre in 2024. We hope you find it in your heart to be one of our loyal supporters. If you have already sent in a contribution, we are eternally thankful for your continued support! As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Picketwire Players are totally dependent upon our volunteers, box office sales and your tax-deductible donations to keep our beloved theatre open.

It was 1968 when the dream for a community theatre came alive. Since that time, Picketwire Players have presented 165 productions to thousands of appreciative audiences. Our patrons have truly stepped up and helped to ensure our beloved community theater is financially secure. In combination with the grant funds we have received, the Picketwire legacy remains intact, and our continuity is not in question. We are excited to be back in the theater, planning our upcoming season of shows, events, and programs. As we look toward the future and all the exciting plans we hope to execute, our patrons will continue to play a leading role. For more than 55 years, they have provided annual support and allowed us to keep our doors open. We are asking you, once again, to keep the momentum going and renew your membership or become a patron of our community theatre in 2023. We hope you find it in your heart to be one our loyal supporters.

There are no words that can describe the year 2020. We all have our stories, our difficulties. For Picketwire, it was a year of start and stop. Create and redirect. Trying to manage a community theatre during a pandemic was a new experience for us – one we hope will not be repeated, although we are treading lightly as we move into 2021. Last year, Picketwire planned for a full season of plays with a majority of first-time directors. While we were excited about a year of fun and creativity, we were able to produce only two plays in a revised seating plan. It is no wonder that our ability to generate funds from our ticket sales was greatly diminished. For this reason, we are depending upon our patrons and the hope of grants more than ever. While we are excited to announce our next play in April (with limited seating), we are again limiting our earning potential as we begin a new season. Drinking Habits, which was to be our Winter Production, will be presented April 15th-18th pending any additional restrictions. This year, perhaps more than in other years, the arts are needed to help us through difficult times – to bring us joy and hope – to provide us entertainment and a break from the difficulties brought on by a once-in-a-century pandemic. Throughout Picketwire’s history our patrons have been our saving grace. For the past 53 years, you have provided support every year and allowed us to keep our doors open. We are asking you, yet again, to be a Patron of our community theatre in 2021. We hope you find it in your hearts to continue as a loyal supporter. If you have already sent in a contribution, we are eternally thankful for your continued support!

Our Annual Patron Drive for 2020 is now underway! Founded in 1968, the Picketwire Players have presented an astounding 156 PRODUCTIONS to thousands of appreciative audience members. The Picketwire Center has become an indispensable jewel in the Arkansas Valley. Our players have educated and entertained thousands of people, introduced hundreds of people to live theatre, helped develop tomorrow’s plays and artists and helped transform the cultural climate of our town. The Picketwire Center remains steadfast in its commitment to artistic excellence and producing theatre with high standards, right here in La Junta. Of course, as a non-profit, we rely on the generosity and goodwill of our community. Because our loyal Picketwire Patrons contribute substantially to our annual budget, one of the best methods to ensure that the Arkansas Valley’s longest running community theatre remains a valuable asset to our community, is to become a Picketwire Patron. Patrons have exclusive access to our BACKSTAGE PASS EXPERIENCE where they get to enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres on a select evening, complete with a look behind the scenes as well as participation in our annual meeting.

The Annual 2019 Patron Drive is now underway! Since 1968, Picketwire Players have presented 152 Shows to thousands of appreciative audience members. As we proceed beyond our 50th year — quite a feat for a small, all volunteer organization, we want to say THANK YOU! Because of our patrons and audience members we have been able to continue telling stories, creating magic, and providing creative opportunities for our community. Picketwire is a great activity for individuals, families, teenagers, and children looking for something to do during the year and a way to put our Valley on the map with locals and tourists alike. You are receiving this letter today because you are part of our Picketwire Family. We may have lost touch with you over the years, but we hope that as we begin our 51st year, you will find it in your hearts to help keep Picketwire alive for another 50 years.

Many describe the theatre as something magical and a truly extraordinary experience. The theatre brings people together. Whether you were part of the Picketwire family in the past, the present, or plan to be involved in Picketwire in the future, we invite and encourage you to come home. This year we are reaching out to our Picketwire Family, near and far; we may have lost touch with you over the years, but we hope that as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, you will find it in your hearts to help keep Picketwire alive for another 50 years.

Emotion defines memorable experiences. When you connect with a story on stage, you forge emotional bonds with the play and its characters, as well as with the artists and audience around you. Picketwire Players transform and captivate audiences the moment they enter the door and have provided memorable experiences for nearly 50 years. Founded in 1968, Picketwire Players have grown into an indispensable jewel in the Arkansas Valley. Picketwire has educated and entertained thousands of people, introduced hundreds of people to live theatre, helped develop tomorrow’s plays and artists, and helped transform the cultural climate of our town. Picketwire remains steadfast in its commitment to artistic excellence and making a theatre with high standards right here in La Junta. Of course, as a non-profit, we rely on the generosity and goodwill of our community. Our Patrons account for nearly one-third of our budget. To prepare for our 50th anniversary celebration in 2018, we will have additional expenses this year as we work to properly archive our phots and memorabilia, and prepare our building for our alumni and community to enjoy. This year, we are hoping to increase our individual Patrons by 25% and our corporate Patrons by 200%. By aligning with Picketwire, our corporate Patrons demonstrate a commitment to civic leadership and gain access to the theater’s unique opportunities for brand exposure, client entertainment and employee engagement. All of our Patrons will be honored during a pre-Gala reception on October 7, 2017, so please mark your calendars for this fun event. Our 2017 Patrons will receive invitations in the fall. As you are deciding where your charitable contributions will go in the coming year, please remember your community theatre and join us for another outstanding Picketwire season in 2017. With gratitude for you support, The Picketwire Board of Directors

Dear Picketwire Family, It was 1968 when the dream for a community theatre came alive. Since that time, Picketwire Players have presented 135 plays to thousands of appreciative audiences. In three short years we will be celebrating our 50th year – quite a feat for a small, volunteer organization. Because of you, we will be able to continue telling stories, creating magic, and providing creative opportunities for years to come. Picketwire is a great activity for individuals, families, teenagers looking for something to do during the summer and a way to put our Valley on the map with locals and tourists alike. We are reaching out to you as one of our actors, technicians, and financial supporters over the years. Perhaps you have been away from us for a while. We would like to bring you back to the fold as you remember your own personal experience with Picketwire and ask that you help support us this year. We had a wonderful season of plays in 2014 – highlighted by the impossibility of producing a full scale production of “Les Miserables”.  2015 brings the following productions for your participation and enjoyment: “Steel Magnolias”, “Into the Woods”, and soon to be announced fall and Christmas plays. Also, mark your calendars for our Gala on Saturday, May 30th. It was a great success last year with a delectable dinner, entertainment, auction and great thanks for our Patrons. Join us again this year for our Season, our Gala and as a valued Patron. Sincerely, The Picketwire Board of Directors