ABOUT THE

Richard E. Wildish Community Theater

 

Groups ranging from dance teachers to jazz musicians and theater troupes stage productions in this intimate theater renowned for excellent acoustics.

Wildish Theater was the brainchild of the Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation, which saw in the city’s old McKenzie Theater the seeds of what could become a major arts attraction for downtown. With seed money donated by the Wildish family, the group spearheaded a six-year renovation project, which was completed in 2006.

Today, the theater is managed by Willamalane Park and Recreation District under an agreement with the theater’s board of directors. The board has representatives from Springfield Public Schools, Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation, Willamalane and community members. The theater also serves as a classroom for students of Springfield’s Academy of Arts and Academics.

• View the seating chart
• Wildish Theater in the news

Board of Directors

The theater’s board of directors provides general oversight responsibility for the theater, including preparing the annual operating plan and budget. Each member organization appoints two directors to the board. The board appoints three at-large directors who represent previous donors, theater enthusiasts and experts, community leaders, downtown businesses and user groups.
• Alan Beck, At-large board member
• Lee Beyer, Willamalane Park and Recreation District representative
• Kirk Boyd, At-large board member
• Tom Draggoo, Springfield Renaissance Development Corp. representative
• Nancy Golden, Springfield Public Schools representative
• Jonathan Light, Springfield Public Schools representative
• Billie Moser, Springfield Renaissance Development Corp. representative
• Mike Moskovitz, Willamalane Park and Recreation District representative
• Gary Ross, Alternate to Lee Beyer