About Theatre in the Park

Our recent history...and today

 

The Great American People Show was a nonprofit theatre company that presented plays about American history, especially with a focus on Abraham Lincoln’s life. The theatre started in 1976 and ran for 20 years in Lincoln’s New Salem, near Springfield. In 1995, Illinois designated “The Great American People Show” as the official “state theatre of Lincoln and the American Experience.” In June 2022, this designation was revised to name “Theatre in the Park” at Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site near Petersburg as the official State Theatre.

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In 2025 Theatre in the Park is pleased to provide a season that includes productions that feature a production produced in partnership with Studio on the Square, an original adaptation from a work by Petersburg's most famous poet, a comedy by Shakespeare, a musical by Central Illinois' most beloved author, and a light-hearted comedy.. 

 

We hope you'll support our theatre company and experience live theater in our beautiful, unique setting.