Brown County Playhouse

The Brown County Playhouse is a historic live-entertainment venue in Nashville, Indiana, United States. According to its official history, it has served as a hub of entertainment for its patrons since 1949, offering a variety of shows, musicals, movies, and more. It was the first summer stock theater to open in Indiana after World War II, and it was built on a partnership between a local resident and the theater director of nearby Indiana University. That partnership with IU continued for many years as the theater grew into a well-known, well-respected venue enjoyed by individuals of all ages. The Playhouse is a 425-seat theater that strives to offer diverse, authentic, and innovative entertainment year-round to residents and tourists alike. Its programming includes live theatre, tribute concerts, puppet shows, and other events; its official website lists upcoming productions such as "Arsenic and Old Lace," the "Slightly Haunted Puppet Show 2026," "Mamma Mania! – The American Tribute To ABBA," and "Sounds of Summer: Music of the Beach Boys." The venue also serves as a partner and contributor to the local economy. Today the theater is owned and operated by Brown County Playhouse Management, Inc. Its staff includes Executive Director Carolyn McCutcheon, Director of Programming Bob McCutcheon, and Office Manager Kathy Mcdonald. A board of directors and emeritus board members provide governance. The Playhouse offers memberships and a newsletter for show announcements, and tickets are sold through its website. With its unique history and beloved character, the Brown County Playhouse describes itself as more than just an entertainment venue — a cultural and community icon.

The Brown County Playhouse has served as a hub of entertainment for its patrons since 1949, according to its official history. It was the first summer stock theater to open in Indiana after World War II. The theater was built on a partnership between a resident and nearby Indiana University's theater director. Its past is rooted in developing young performers, tapping into the local talent, and fostering an appreciation for the arts in the surrounding communities. The Playhouse's partnership with IU continued for many years as the theater grew into a well-known, well-respected venue enjoyed by individuals of all ages. Today, the theater is owned and operated by Brown County Playhouse Management, Inc. The Historic Brown County Playhouse strives to offer diverse, authentic, and innovative entertainment year-round to residents and tourists alike. The 425-seat theater also serves as a partner and contributor to the local economy. With its unique history and beloved character, the Brown County Playhouse is more than just an entertainment venue, it's a cultural and community icon.

• 1949

  Brown County Playhouse opens as the first summer stock theater in Indiana after World War II.

• Partnership with Indiana University continues as the theater grows into a well-known venue.

• The theater comes under the ownership and operation of Brown County Playhouse Management, Inc.

A historic, community-oriented, year-round entertainment venue and cultural icon in Brown County, Indiana.

• Arsenic and Old Lace

• Slightly Haunted Puppet Show 2026

• Mamma Mania! – The American Tribute To ABBA

• Sounds of Summer: Music of the Beach Boys

1. 1Home2 - Brown County Playhousebrowncountyplayhouse.org
2. 2About Us - Brown County Playhousebrowncountyplayhouse.org
3. 3Brown County Playhouse - Wikidatawikidata.org