In 1990, ground was broken for a year-round community center for the arts in Door County. More than 1,200 individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations contributed $2.7 million during a two-year fundraising campaign, supporting the concept “it takes a village.” The 750-seat Door Community Auditorium opened in May, 1991, and a state-of-the-art facility for the performing, visual, and literary arts was unveiled.

From the very first season, the Door Community Auditorium has provided a wealth of opportunities to experience theatre, music, and dance. Past performers include George Winston, The Second City, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Chubby Checker, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Rosanne Cash, Capitol Steps, Lorie Line, Natalie McMaster, Pearl Django, The Lettermen, American Bandstand legends Fabian and Bobby Vee, Tom and Dick - The Smothers Brothers, and many more…

Community Outreach and Education are vital components of the Mission of the Door Community Auditorium. Year round programming for adults and students include master classes, workshops, demonstrations, mini-performances, and lectures.

• Each winter, the Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts host a variety of entertainment including folk, bluegrass, blues, and rock. The bistro atmosphere is intimate and cozy.
• Visiting professors from St. Norbert College discuss issues of interest in a series of Saturday morning presentations. Initiated in 2004, the Distinguished Lecture Series has addressed a myriad of topics in the past five years. The future of theatre, school integration, the clash between the West and Islam, issues of aging, topical political discussions, and the power of myth are only a sampling of the topics presented by SNC faculty.
• Organizations from throughout the county utilize the Door Community Auditorium presenting a wide spectrum of programming. This past year DCA hosted the Sustainability Fair, the YMCA dance recital, two Peninsula Chambers Singers concerts, and A Celebration of Community concert sponsored by Door County Memorial Hospital/Ministry Health Care.
• Located adjacent to Gibraltar Schools, the Door Community Auditorium is the site of countless school activities including school plays, topical guest speakers, graduation and honors ceremonies. Collaborating with the Friends of Gibraltar to provide enrichment programming for the students—and the community-at-large—DCA was awarded a 2008-09 Peninsula Arts Association/Wisconsin Arts Board grant to host Wisconsin author Michael Perry.
• The Link Gallery is an exhibition area which "links" the adjacent Gibraltar Schools and the Door Community Auditorium. The Mission Statement of the Gallery is to "provide a space for exhibits that explore ideas in the humanities, the creative arts, history, the sciences, the world around us, and the world beyond." Exhibits feature members of all areas of the community, endeavoring to promote learning and understanding.

As the Door Community Auditorium embarks on its 19th season, the DCA staff and board continue to strive to fulfill our Mission Statement. Embracing the "community," the Door Community Auditorium seeks to serve as an arts, cultural, and educational center for the entire region. Enriching, entertaining, and challenging through a balanced combination of the various arts, as well as providing opportunities for social, educational, and cultural growth, is at the heart of our Mission. A wonderful array of talented performers and musicians will be visiting the Door Community Auditorium in the months to come and we feel certain you will be pleased with this summer and fall's selection of entertainment.

The Door Community Auditorium is available for rental. Our staff is knowledgeable and can provide the necessary technical supervision and support for performances, meetings, lectures, and theatrical productions. For information on rental procedures contact Program Director Pete Evans at 920.868.2728, extension 283.

Thanks to all who have supported the Door Community Auditorium through the purchase of tickets, the gift of donations, volunteer hours, and program sponsorships. Your support of the Door Community Auditorium enables us to continue to provide a wide variety of programming from all disciplines.

We hope you enjoy the season and we look forward to seeing you at curtain time.