Bennington Community Theatre has spent months performing wherever it could find room — a church sanctuary here, a school gymnasium there. That's about to change. The young troupe is moving into a permanent performance space on the second floor of Nate's Stumble Inn, a longtime restaurant and bar in downtown Bennington, Nebraska.
The group has performed at churches and schools for months, according to co-founder and board president Blake Thompson, as reported by KMTV 3 News Now Omaha. Nate's Stumble Inn itself has deep roots in the community — the business originally opened as Schettler's at a different location down the street in 2007; the historic downtown structure it now occupies was purchased by a father-and-son ownership team in 2014, according to the Douglas County Post-Gazette.
Thompson says the theater company has already moved into a dedicated rehearsal space this year as it works toward its longtime goal of a permanent stage for community productions. Per Thompson, BCT will have exclusive use of the new upstairs space and has already completed a separate entrance for performers and patrons. The troupe plans to add signage and make temporary renovations before the space opens, and will leave behind its current rehearsal space once the move is complete. Thompson told the station that a permanent location will give Bennington Community Theatre an identity and allow it to keep serving the community, with the move planned for January.
A Fast Rise Since 2023
Bennington Community Theatre was founded in June 2023 by Thompson and Donna Dahlsten, who had previously worked together at Hastings Community Theatre in Hastings, Nebraska, according to the theater's own account of its history. Chantel Wanek, a performer and board member, has also helped steer the group's programming.
That growth has come quickly. The company is also preparing its second annual production.
Awards Recognition and Acting Programs
The troupe's artistic momentum has not gone unnoticed outside Bennington. In October, Bennington Community Theatre appeared among the nominees for the Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards, including in the Outstanding Comedy category, according to OEA-Awards.org.
An Acting Up program featuring Bennington Community Theatre is scheduled for September through December, according to Bennington Public Schools.
Funding a Permanent Home
To help cover the costs of building out the new space, BCT relies on grassroots fundraising. The group is also hosting a series of fundraisers for relocation costs.
