Richard E. Wildish Community Theater

About Us

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 R eation District under an agreement with Springfield Public Schools and the Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation. It also serves as a classroom for students of Springfield's Academy of Arts and Academics.