About Us:
The Merc Playhouse is a community venue in the Methow Valley dedicated to fostering a broad-based appreciation for performing arts by providing:
- a season of top quality theater productions, both self-produced and in collaboration with other performing arts organizations
- educational and performing opportunities in theater arts
- an inspired rental space for other organizations
A Brief History
The Merc Playhouse has come a long way since 1924. For generations the Twisp Mercantile provided provisions for home and farm in the Methow Valley. Then the building sat idle for many years. But thanks to the foresight of a group of founding directors, the Merc opened its first season of professional theater in the Summer of 1999. Since then it has become a community treasure, providing space not only for theater productions, but also music, lectures, and other performances.
Air conditioned in summer, and cozy warm in winter, the Merc seats 99 and no seat is farther than twenty feet from downstage center. Appreciated for its marvelous acoustics and intimacy, the Merc is a popular venue for a broad spectrum of theatrical and musical performers.
The Methow Valley has justifiably earned its reputation as a vital cultural center in the Northwest with its music festivals and concerts, art galleries, local crafts and fine dining.
Air conditioned in summer, and cozy warm in winter, the Merc seats 99 and no seat is farther than twenty feet from downstage center. Appreciated for its marvelous acoustics and intimacy, the Merc is a popular venue for a broad spectrum of theatrical and musical performers.
The Methow Valley has justifiably earned its reputation as a vital cultural center in the Northwest with its music festivals and concerts, art galleries, local crafts and fine dining.
Tucked in the east slope of the North Cascades, the Methow Valley spans roughly sixty miles, from Mazama to Pateros, of stunning natural beauty – serving as the eastern gateway to the North Cascades National Park. The Merc Playhouse serves the Methow Valley, indluding the towns of Twisp, Winthrop and the entire Okanogan Country.
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What People Are Saying About The Merc:
“From composing music and sound design for shows, to playing concerts, or being in the audience, it’s been a pleasure to be involved with the Merc. It is a versatile facility for a number of events.”
Terry Hunt, Guitarist/Composer – Owner, MountainSound Studios
“The Merc is the venue in the Valley for wonderful performer interaction.
Great piano. Great feel.”
Lynette Westendorf, Composer/Pianist – NW Regional Emmy Award Winner
“The Merc is an acoustic gem!”
Eric Shumsky, Viola Player
“Acting at the Merc Playhouse,. With its intimate setting and warm audiences, is a true joy. The audience’s energy flows out, giving each performance and performer its own unique brand of theatrical delight!”
Dora Lanier, Actor
Terry Hunt, Guitarist/Composer – Owner, MountainSound Studios
“The Merc is the venue in the Valley for wonderful performer interaction.
Great piano. Great feel.”
Lynette Westendorf, Composer/Pianist – NW Regional Emmy Award Winner
“The Merc is an acoustic gem!”
Eric Shumsky, Viola Player
“Acting at the Merc Playhouse,. With its intimate setting and warm audiences, is a true joy. The audience’s energy flows out, giving each performance and performer its own unique brand of theatrical delight!”
Dora Lanier, Actor
