Experience The Magic of Wagon Wheel Center for The Arts
The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts has been a cornerstone of artistic excellence in Northern Indiana for nearly 70 years. From Broadway-quality productions to impactful educational programs, this beloved theater continues to inspire and unite the community. We recently sat down with the Wagon Wheel team to learn more about what makes this theater so special.
What Makes Wagon Wheel Theatre Unique?
There are two major aspects that set the Wagon Wheel apart from other professional theaters in the country. First, it is one of the oldest theaters-in-the-round in the nation, where the productions are from a 360-degree intimate perspective. This means the stage is circular, with the audience surrounding it, meaning at Wagon Wheel you are never more than 10 rows away from the center stage. If you’ve never experienced this type of live entertainment, it’s truly something you have to see to believe.
Second, they are a launchpad for Broadway careers and have a track record of propelling talented performers from the Wagon Wheel stage to the bright lights of Broadway. If you can land a gig at Wagon Wheel, you can go anywhere! From Wicked to Hamilton and even Tony Award wins, many Wagon Wheel alumni have gone on to make their mark on the theater world while continuing to serve as proud ambassadors of our community here in Kosciusko County.
What is Wagon Wheel Theatre’s Mission?
Wagon Wheel’s mission is to provide performing arts experiences that create community, unity, educational opportunity, and economic growth.
At Wagon Wheel is a vibrant community of artists and storytellers dedicated to bringing powerful stories to Northern Indiana. They firmly believe in the transformative power of theatre to heal, unite, and enrich the lives of their audiences and community partners. While they are best known for their Broadway-quality productions, they also serve as a foundation for educational growth and a cornerstone for artistic excellence.
What is the History Behind the Theatre?
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts was founded in 1956 by Major Herbert Petrie. Inspired by the nation’s first theatre-in-the-round in Washington, Petrie brought the concept to Warsaw, starting with a simple tent, gravel floor, and canvas chairs. Over the years, the Wagon Wheel evolved from its humble beginnings into a respected training ground for young professionals, led by artistic directors like Tom Roland, Jimmy Bohr, Roy Hine, and Scott Michaels. Notable changes included winterizing the building, expanding the stage, and adding rehearsal space.
In 2010, Wagon Wheel became a nonprofit organization, expanding its reach with programs like Wagon Wheel Junior, Community Theatre, and Symphony of the Lakes. With a track record of launching countless careers to Broadway and beyond, Wagon Wheel continues to thrive, honoring its rich legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth.
How is Wagon Wheel Investing in the Community?
Wagon Wheel is expanding its reach by engaging with community partners beyond Kosciusko County, while continuing to build strong relationships within our local community. As the "theatre people" for this area, they feel a deep responsibility to foster meaningful partnerships that enrich both Wagon Wheel and the community.
Programs like Wagon Wheel Community Theatre, Wagon Wheel Junior, and Wagon Wheel Conservatory open the doors to both children and adults, offering them the chance to perform on the same stage as tomorrow’s Broadway stars. These initiatives allow Wagon Wheel to nurture talent and create lasting connections that benefits the entire community.
What are Some of the Little-Known Secrets of the Wagon Wheel?
Wagon Wheel is full of hidden gems and quirky secrets that make the theater special. One fan-favorite is the crawl-space tunnel beneath the stage, connecting the orchestra pit to the scene shop. This tunnel is affectionately known as "Shawshank," a nod to its narrow, escape-route vibe.
With theater-in-the-round, traditional stage directions like "stage left" and "stage right" don't apply. Instead, Wagon Wheel has created its own entrance cues, including one called "dog." This unusual name pays tribute to a barking dog that, according to legend, belonged to a neighbor back in the tent-theater days. The dog's relentless barking became such a memorable part of performances that it earned its own entrance name, a fitting legacy for our four-legged heckler!
What’s the Best Seat in the House?
With a theater-in-the-round, every seat offers a unique perspective! Opinions vary among the staff—some swear by Section 4, others prefer Section 2 or 3, and some argue for Section 1. The best way to decide? Come see a show and find out for yourself!
What Shows are Coming Up?
This summer, the Wagon Wheel is celebrating its 70th professional season with an incredible lineup:
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
- Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific
- Sister Act
- Steel Magnolias
- Grease
One of the most highly anticipated productions is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The last time Wagon Wheel staged this show was in 2009, and the team is excited to bring a fresh creative vision to the beloved musical.
How Can People in the Community Get Involved in your Organization?
When you attend a Wagon Wheel show, you become part of something bigger—supporting the performing arts in Northern Indiana. Live theater has the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives, and Wagon Wheel thrives because of a community that values the arts. It’s a rare and beautiful gift to experience stories of truth, joy, pain, loss, healing, freedom, and togetherness through live theatre right here in our own community. Whether through attending performances, enrolling in classes, or supporting programs, there are countless ways to engage with this vibrant theater. Once you’ve felt the magic, you’ll naturally want to become more involved.
Co-op Connection Discount
Our KREMC members can receive 10% off of 2 tickets for all Wagon Wheel events, purchased in person only with the use of the Co-op Connections App. So, what are you waiting for? Come experience the magic of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts and discover why this local treasure continues to shine!