July 1st, 2026
Welcome to our series, Spotlighting Wisconsin! This series spotlights arts organizations across the state (including some of our wonderful grantees), and showcases the amazing work they do in their communities, along with sharing the why, or what drives them as an organization to do the work they do.
Racine Theatre Guild
Wisconsin Arts Board Grantee
Racine
The mission of the Racine Theatre Guild, Inc. is to engage in the theatre arts pursuing activities and productions of high standards and artistic integrity that will enrich and ensure a better quality of life for the residents of Racine and southeastern Wisconsin by providing educational, cultural, avocational, recreational, and entertainment opportunities.
Recently we completed our 88th season of mainstage plays and musicals, along with other programming with Racine Children’s Theatre performances, RTG Limited Edition special events, Jean’s Jazz shows, Signature Spotlight concerts, theatre classes for children, and school outreach performances. Throughout all of these events, nearly 40,000 patrons, volunteers, and students gathered as part of our community.
A small staff oversees hundreds of dedicated actors, crew and creative team members, and front of house volunteers, giving back to their community and providing entertainment and learning opportunities along the way. We welcome local schools to perform on our stage, collaborate with community groups on free cultural events, help people learn new skills and hobbies, and introduce audiences to inspirational, moving, and entertaining stories.
The Racine Theatre Guild has a long history of excellence and building community through theatre. Until 1956, RTG was a scrappy, homeless troupe, holding plays in various locations, often building sets off site and moving them for the performances when a permanent home was finally purchased, making RTG the first community theatre in Wisconsin to own its own building. RTG quickly outgrew the space and after an extensive planning and fundraising process, RTG built and moved into their current home in 1976. The 400 seat, thrust stage facility with lobby, green room, dressing rooms, and storage has opened the doors of theatre to countless patrons. On an international level, RTG formed relationships to compete at international theatre festivals in England, Georgia, Russia, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Japan, and Ireland. RTG also hosted three Festivals of American Community Theatre competitions: the state festival in 1977, the regional in 1983, and the national in 1985. They also hosted the World Class AACT International Festival in 1994 with productions from 11 countries and received the State of Wisconsin Governor’s Award in Support of the Arts.
As the only theatre of our operational structure and capacity within a 30-mile radius, RTG continues offering access to engaging, affordable, high-quality arts and supports the local economy. Since its beginning 89 years ago, the Racine Theatre Guild has produced 534 mainstage plays and musicals and continues creating new programs for diverse audiences and volunteers, allowing us to fulfill our mission and live up to our moto: “lighting up lives at all stages.”
Upcoming Events
89th Season of Mainstage Plays & Musicals:
- Dad's Season Tickets | July 17 - 26, 2026
- The Play That Goes Wrong | September 11 - 27, 2026
- Angel Street (Gaslight) | October 30 - November 15, 2026
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | December 11 - 20, 2026
- God of Carnage | January 15 - 31, 2027
- The Cottage | February 26 - March 14, 2027
- Hana's Suitcase | April 9 - 18, 2027
- Come From Away | May 21 - June 6, 2027
Racine Children's Theatre, Signature Spotlight Concerts, RTG Limited Edition Series, Jean's Jazz Concert Series will be announced at a later date.
