Press Release
FORT ROBINSON, Neb. —
When the South Fork Fire swept through Fort Robinson State Park in June, the entire company of the Post Playhouse was evacuated from the state park, three performances were cancelled, and emergency expenses and lost attendance created an unexpected financial challenge for the nonprofit theatre. While much of Fort Robinson’s wilderness burned, the historic buildings on the Fort, including Post Playhouse, were saved by the efforts of firefighters from across the region and the country.
Through its Wildfire Recovery Fund, Post Playhouse set a goal of raising $45,000 to help offset the impact of the fire. That goal was exceeded through generous support from more than 100 individuals across the country, along with significant gifts from the Bill and Colleen Barth Family in memory of Don Mercer, an anonymous donor, and the Nebraska Arts Council through the NAC Development Corporation. The Post Playhouse also received shelter and support during the evacuation from Chadron State College and numerous members of the community.
Together, this support has put Post Playhouse in a strong position as the organization looks beyond wildfire recovery and toward its 60th anniversary season in summer 2027.
Bill Barth’s family has been attending and loving performances at Post Playhouse for years. “We had the opportunity to see Post Playhouse through a very personal lens this summer as our granddaughter performed here,” he said. “Watching her experience this place and seeing how much the Post means to her and to so many people in our community, really brought home what a special organization it is. When the fire disrupted the season, we knew we wanted to help. We are proud to make this gift in memory of Don Mercer and to support the Post Playhouse as it continues its important work in the Panhandle.”
The South Fork Fire began June 9, 2026, in the Soldier Creek Wilderness area and ultimately burned nearly 40,000 acres, prompting evacuations throughout the region. Firefighters and emergency responders worked tirelessly to protect lives, Crawford and other communities, and the historic structures of Fort Robinson.
Post Playhouse is deeply grateful for the extraordinary efforts of those who responded to the fire. As a gesture of appreciation, the theatre hosted a special performance for local emergency responders, bringing together members of the Post Playhouse community and the people who worked to protect the region.
“The response to our recovery fund reminded us how deeply connected Post Playhouse is to this place and to the people who have made it part of their lives,” said Dewayne Barrett, Artistic Director of Post Playhouse. “We are incredibly grateful to every donor who helped us recover and continue our season. Their support allows us to look forward rather than simply look back.”
Celebrating 60 Years, Looking to the Future
Founded in 1967, Post Playhouse has spent nearly six decades bringing professional musical theatre to Fort Robinson State Park. Each summer, the 175-seat theatre welcomes nearly 12,000 residents and visitors from all 50 states and around the world, producing five Broadway-style musicals in repertory while providing professional opportunities for artists, technicians, musicians, interns, and local volunteers.
The 2026 season may have been disrupted by the fire, but Post Playhouse’s momentum has not stopped. The 60th anniversary will be a celebration of Post Playhouse’s history and an investment in its future. Plans include the development of a new original musical rooted in the culture and identity of the Great Plains, along with expanded opportunities for education, emerging artists, and rural families.
For nearly 60 years, Post Playhouse has been a place where artists and audiences gather in the heart of one of Nebraska’s most remarkable landscapes. The theatre’s recovery from the South Fork Fire is another moment in that history. The generosity of its supporters has helped ensure there are many more stories to be told at Post Playhouse in the years to come.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped us last summer,” said Em Laudeman, the development director of Post Playhouse. “Now, we are excited to look ahead to 2027 and celebrate 60 years of stories, artists, audiences, and community at Fort Robinson.”