Vanity Theater

The Vanity Theater is a community theater located at 122 South Washington Street in downtown Crawfordsville, Indiana, between Pike and Main Street. It is the permanent home of the Sugar Creek Players, a nonprofit community theater organization founded in 1971. The building was originally a motion picture theater known as the Vanity Motion Picture Theater; in December 1983 it was deeded to the Sugar Creek Players by W. Addington Vance and Myron Pattison. After capital campaigns and fundraising, the Players opened the Vanity Theater for its first production, "Crimes of the Heart," in June 1988. The theater presents a full season of live stage productions each year, typically running several weekends per show. Its 2026 season includes "Matilda Jr.," "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood," "Rock of Ages," "Murder on the Orient Express," and "Jack Frost Noir." The venue also hosts auditions, stand-up comedy shows, summer camps, and community events. Past productions include "The Land of Forgotten Toys," "Puffs," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "Willy Wonka Jr." The Vanity Theater is run by the Sugar Creek Players, whose mission is "Entertaining Our Community." The organization is governed by a board of directors and officers, including President Mike Melvin, Vice President Brandy Allen, Secretary Brennan Reynolds, and Treasurer Tracy Mobley. The theater relies on donations, sponsorships, and volunteer support to keep operating. It is a local landmark and a center of performing arts in Montgomery County, Indiana.

The Vanity Theater's history is intertwined with that of the Sugar Creek Players, a community theater group formed in 1971 by local residents who wanted to revive live, local theater in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The group debuted with "You Can't Take It With You" at Wabash College in the summer of 1971. For several years afterward, the Players operated as a "vagabond troupe," staging productions at Crawfordsville and North Montgomery High Schools, St. Bernard's gymnasium, and the Holiday Inn. In December 1983, the troupe found a permanent home when W. Addington Vance and Myron Pattison deeded the Vanity Motion Picture Theater to the Sugar Creek Players. The building, located at 122 South Washington Street in downtown Crawfordsville, required significant renovation. Through capital campaign drives and fundraisers, the Players were able to open the Vanity Theater for its first production, "Crimes of the Heart," in June 1988. The opening night was a success despite challenging conditions, including tar paper flooring, folding metal chair seating, and a lack of air conditioning. Since then, the Vanity Theater has served as the Sugar Creek Players' home and primary performance venue. The organization has continued to produce a regular season of plays and musicals, host auditions, and offer community programs such as summer camps. The theater remains a volunteer-driven, nonprofit operation supported by donations and local patrons.

• 2026

  2026 season includes "Matilda Jr.," "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood," "Rock of Ages," "Murder on the Orient Express," and "Jack Frost Noir."

• 1988

  Vanity Theater opens with first production, "Crimes of the Heart," in June.

• 1983

  W. Addington Vance and Myron Pattison deed the Vanity Motion Picture Theater to the Sugar Creek Players.

• 1971

  Sugar Creek Players founded; debut production "You Can't Take It With You" at Wabash College.

Community theater and performing arts venue

• 2026

  Matilda Jr.

• 2026

  The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood

• 2026

  Rock of Ages

• 2026

  Murder on the Orient Express

• 2026

  Jack Frost Noir

• The Land of Forgotten Toys

• Puffs

• Bye Bye Birdie

• Willy Wonka Jr.

1. 1Sugar Creek Players at The Vanity Theater | Crawfordsville, INsugarcreekplayers.org
2. 2About - Sugar Creek Playerssugarcreekplayers.org
3. 3Vanity Theater - Wikidatawikidata.org