Swift creek mill theatre’s mission and history

Swift Creek Mill Theatre Mission and History Swift Creek Mill Theatre’s mission is to provide the adults and children in Central and Southside Virginia with professional theatre through the production of plays (both traditional and new) representative of the best of drama, comedy, musical theatre and children's theatre, and through training local young, potential theatre practitioners.

Housed in one of the oldest landmarks in the nation, this professional playhouse was started by three local families in 1965. The theatre is located on U.S. Route 1 at the southern Chesterfield County border, offering the type and quality of cultural arts not found anywhere else in the area. In the late 1980’s the Mill was purchased by another local family, whose experience in the education system prompted them to add educational youth programming. Swift Creek Mill Playhouse reorganized and became the now 501(c)(3) Swift Creek Mill Theatre in 2001. The circa-1663 historic facility for many years prevented the ADA updates required for the organization to receive many types of grant funding. Finally in 2013, the owner of the building, Roslyn Farm Corporation, was able to create an innovative renovation plan and was granted the historical permissions needed to update the building to ADA guidelines, while also making other wonderful interior changes that kept the charm and historic nature of the building intact. The staff and the board of directors have worked hard to find a balance of programs, ticket prices, marketing and donors to create stability.

Armed with a new strategic plan, new pricing structure and new ideas, the Mill is succeeding in remaining a beacon for arts and culture as well as a unique gem among Central Virginia destinations.