After nearly 30 years of producing bold, community-driven theatre, Springfield Contemporary Theatre is pausing operations for the foreseeable future.
Dear Friends and Supporters,
After much reflection and heartfelt discussion, the Board of Directors of Springfield Contemporary Theatre has made the incredibly difficult decision to pause operations for the foreseeable future.
This is not a permanent goodbye, but rather a necessary and indefinite pause. While we are effectively closing the company at this time, we are keeping the door open for future opportunities—should the right moment and resources arise to bring SCT back to life in a new form.
For over 29 years, SCT has been a home for bold, thought-provoking, and artistically daring theatre in Springfield. We are deeply proud of the stories we’ve told, the artists we’ve supported, and the community we’ve built together. Your belief in our mission has been the heartbeat of our work.
The decision to pause comes after facing ongoing challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations. Despite the passion and dedication of our staff, artists, and supporters, the realities of funding, audience shifts, and organizational capacity have led us to this moment.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre (“SCT”) was founded in 1995 by Louis H. Schaeffer, a well-known figure in local theatre for the past 58 years. Lou has continued to serve SCT, most recently as Executive Producer Emeritus and a member of the Board of Directors. SCT was originally organized as the Vandivort Center Theatre, and through the years has staged performances in a variety of spaces beyond the Vandivort, including the VCT 2nd Stage, Center Stage at the Wilhoit Plaza, the Springfield Art Museum, the backlot of Chestnut Corners on Chestnut Expressway and most recently at the Historic Fox Theatre.
To every patron, donor, volunteer, and artist who has walked this journey with us: thank you. Your support has meant the world to us, and we are forever grateful for the memories, the magic, and the meaning we’ve created together.
Though this chapter is closing, we remain hopeful that SCT’s legacy will continue to inspire and that, one day, we may find a new path forward. Until then, we encourage you to keep supporting local theatre and the vibrant arts community that makes Springfield so special.
With deep appreciation and hope,
The Board of Directors
Springfield Contemporary Theatre
If you're wondering what this means for the future, tickets, or more, we’ve put together a page with more information. Click here.