Vermillion Community Theatre (VCT) unveiled plans for an exciting and ambitious 2026 season during a special gathering of supporters and donors at the AV Lounge. The event celebrated a record-setting year and looked ahead to an even more dynamic season of performances, youth programming and community engagement.
Kurt Hackemer, chair of the VCT Board of Directors, opened the evening by reflecting on what he called “a banner year” for the organization in 2025. Highlights included one of the most attended productions in VCT history with “Shrek the Musical,” a sold-out December run of “A Christmas Carol,” and a summer children’s theatre camp that reached full capacity.
“When we look at all of VCT’s successes last year, it’s easy to focus on sold-out shows, tickets sold and dollars raised,” Hackemer said. “But those aren’t the real measures of success. At the end of the day, it’s about the individual lives touched through the arts.”
To illustrate that impact, Hackemer invited longtime VCT performer Maleah Wright to share her story. Wright has appeared in numerous productions, including “The Sound of Music,” “Newsies,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Shrek” and most recently “A Christmas Carol.”
“Community theatre changed my life,” Wright said. “I’ve met my second family here at VCT. I know I can count on the people here to celebrate my wins, share my losses and always be a place of comfort.”
2026 Season Highlights
VCT’s 2026 season will once again begin with its popular Summer Children’s Theatre Camp and culminating youth production. Theatre 605 Tours (formerly the Dakota Players) will return in June to collaborate with Vermillion-area youth on “Space Pirates,” an imaginative adventure celebrating friendship, self-discovery, curiosity and teamwork. Featuring pirate shanties and alien ballads, the production highlights the uniqueness of every individual.
In December, VCT will continue its growing holiday tradition with Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
“VCT holiday productions have become a Vermillion tradition — a whole new way to experience our community at Christmastime,” Hackemer said. “Audiences can expect a performance that engages all the senses. Even if you’ve joined us before, each year brings a completely new and unique production. This season will be no different.”
The centerpiece of the 2026 season will be Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” announced following remarks from director Syara Villarreal, a University of South Dakota graduate student pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in Directing.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story and the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid” features music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright. The production includes iconic songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World,” promising a visually stunning and musically captivating summer theatrical event.
Fundraising Campaign Underway
Vermillion Community Theatre has officially launched its fundraising campaign to support what is expected to be its most ambitious — and most costly — season to date. Community members are invited to support VCT by contributing their time, talent or financial gifts.
Donations may be made at vermillioncommunitytheatre.org.
