Name of business: DOWNTOWN PLAYHOUSE
General Manager: Kelly Grooms
Phone Number: 870-758-2282 (act two)
Email: thedowntownplayhouse@gmail.com
Website: thedowntownplayhouse.com
Years in business: less than one
What does your business provide to it customers? The Downtown Playhouse offers live theatrical entertainment in a casual coffee and dessert venue.
What are some features that make your business unique? Downtown Playhouse has a very unique artistic venue. Our old 1940s movie theatre has been transformed into a one of a kind artistic experience converting the iconic style of Beale Street into imagery that replaces Memphis’ rock and roll celebration with that of Broadway’s most memorable shows. The “old style” downtown feel preserved on Beale Street has been transformed into visuals representing the look of the town square in Pocahontas. Combined, the aesthetic components provides a setting that lets our audience members feel as if they are PART of the artistic experience rather than just observers of it.
Give a brief history of your business: Downtown Playhouse came to be as a result of a donation from two of Pocahontas’ biggest supporters of the arts. Mike Dunn and Jake Foster purchased the old movie theatre with the purpose of giving it to a group of local citizens with a proven track record for organizing, managing, and producing quality live theatrical entertainment. The group (including Foster and Dunn) formed a 5013c corporation. In a matter of 15 months, their efforts, combined with an incredible show of financial support from local individuals and businesses, led to a successful opening of a powerful performance of John Grisham’s A Time To Kill.
What is the future of your business? In the near future, Downtown Playhouse will announce its first full season of events.
Additional information: Downtown Playhouse will open its second full scale production with Niel Simon’s The Sunshine Boys (sponsored by Fears Family Funeral Home) on November 7th.
Downtown Playhouse
302 North Marr Street
Pocahontas, AR 72455
870-758-2282
