Virgin Valley Theatre Group

Founded by the visionary Ed MacKenzie in 2002, the Virgin Valley Theatre Group in Mesquite, Nevada, stands as a testament to community spirit and dedication to the arts. After relocating to Mesquite and joining the Mesquite Arts Council Board in 1999, Ed identified a gap in the local cultural scene—a lack of a community theatre. Viewing this not as a setback but as an opportunity, Ed mobilized a founding team of eight like-minded individuals. Together, they crafted by-laws, established a group charter, and successfully registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, setting the stage for what would become a beloved local institution.

From its humble beginnings operating out of Ed's garage, where sets were hand-built and transported to performances at the local high school, the Virgin Valley Theatre Group has grown significantly. The group now performs in a historical venue, the charmingly renovated old school, which has been transformed into a modern theatre space complete with comfortable seating— a far cry from the original tiny seats designed for schoolchildren. This venue not only enhances our audience's experience but also serves as a beacon of cultural enrichment and community engagement in Mesquite.