Last updated 4//2025

As Davenport Parks & Recreation (DPR) leadership, Davenport Junior Theatre (DJT) staff, and Junior Theatre Incorporated (JTI) work forward together, this page will be updated regularly to keep the general public and DJT community up to date on the progress. Be sure to bookmark this page!

Thanks for your interest in America’s second oldest children’s theatre.

Davenport Junior Theatre is a proud program of Davenport Parks and Recreation that collaborates with Junior Theatre Incorporated, our non-profit partner who runs the mainstage, host special events & workshops, and manages alumni relations.

The Latest

  • 4/2025

    • The City of Davenport as made an agreement with the Davenport School District, to lease part of the Davenport Learning Center located at 1002 West Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa, 52806.

      • This lease is valid from January 1st, 2025 to December 31st 2030.

    • Renovation of the Davenport Learning Center for Davenport Junior Theatre needs will be completed for Fall programming starting in September.

    • Davenport Parks and Recreation Davenport Junior Theatre class programming will be held at the Davenport Learning Center with Showcase Performances still happening at the Nighswander Theatre on 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, Iowa, 52803.

    • Davenport Junior Theatre Inc. Mainstage performances will still be happening at the Nighswander Theatre.

    • A City Task Force is meeting monthly, to keep everyone up to date, as well as continue working on creation of a stand alone performing arts center.

Informational Links

FACILITY RENDERINGS & INFO

SURVEYS

DJT PROGRAM STATISTICS AND INFO

When asked to select three words that you think of when you think of DJT, these words were compiled from our 342 community input surveys received in January 2024. The larger the word, the more times it appeared in surveys.

FAQ

Overview

What is the Wittenmyer Development?

The City of Davenport is seeking to fully convey the Annie Wittenmyer Complex to developer Chris Ales to convert the property into workplace and senior housing that will total over 100 units. With an abundance of deferred maintenance, the City lacks the capital to maintain the campus. The transition to the developer will provide opportunity to properly maintain this historic piece of Davenport History while serving a tremendous housing need. However, the development of the complex is dislodging Davenport Junior Theatre and a new facility must be found and prepared.

Why the sense of urgency?

With a need to find an interim space to house the largest youth performing arts program within 200 miles and be operational by June 2025, a task force was created consisting of Davenport Parks & Recreation Leadership, DJT Staff, and Junior Theatre Incorporated board members. This team is tasked with making sure DJT programs are uninterrupted and are setup to successfully continue serving kids.

Why an interim space?

The sudden development of the Wittenmyer campus presents an urgent challenge for the DJT program, but also an opportunity to re-envision program delivery & offerings with the creation of an interim space. The long-term goal is to create a permanent facility home, but specific location and timeline is still being considered regarding a permanent effort and fully realized strategy. An interim space must allow for the DJT program to continue its ongoing growth trajectory.

What is Junior Theatre Incorporated (JTI)?

JTI is a registered 501(c)(3) non-proift organization that supports the overall DJT program by offering the Mainstage series, building alumni relations, advocacy, special events, contributing towards capital campaigns, fundraising, grant writing, among other efforts. JTI works collaboratively with the DJT program and Davenport Parks and Recreation to deliver the best quality experience for youth and families. JTI was essential in the 1977-81 creation of the Annie Wittenmyer Complex home for DJT, the 2017 renovation of the Nighswander Theatre, and the efforts today to find a new home after 47 years at our current location.

 

Ongoing Communication

How can I expect communication and to gether the latest info?

  • Whenever new information is available, this page will be updated with the latest. Please bookmark this page for future reference.
  • Community input is essential to the stewardship and success of the DJT program. Along the way, we will provide opportunities for the community to help guide us and make sure we are headed on the proper path.

Where can I find survyes, plans and documents?

These items are all housed at the top of the main page and can be found in the Informational Links resource section. Please stay tuned there for the latest.

 

Past Page Updates

6/17/24

Timeline Updated on Page relating to NorthPark Mall (Younkers) plan.

Results of Interim Facility Proposal at Northpark Mall (Younkers) - Over the course of many weeks, 133 people completed the community input survey regarding the

Architects hired to complete a cost analysis for renovation of interim space. Will have results late June or early July, 2024.

FAQ Section Added - See bottom of this page.

Task Force still meeting weekly to continue momentum forward.

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