When Ed MacKenzie moved to Mesquite in 1999, he quickly became involved in the local arts scene by joining the Mesquite Arts Council Board. One of his first questions was: “Is there a community theatre group?” When he learned there wasn’t, he decided to change that.

Ed rallied eight like-minded individuals to form a new Board. Together, they wrote by-laws, established a charter, and filed for nonprofit status. On April 1, 2002, the Virgin Valley Theatre Group was officially born.

In those early days, creativity and determination fueled the group. Sets were built in Ed's garage, then transported and assembled at the high school auditorium for each performance.

Eventually, VVTG found a permanent home at the historic Jimmy Hughes Campus. The theatre then had small seats originally intended for grade-school children. A major renovation in 2008-2009 transformed the space: comfortable new seating was installed, and the stage apron was expanded to enhance performances.

The theatre continues to evolve. In 2018, we upgraded the sound system, and in 2022, we further enhanced both the sound and microphone systems — all part of our ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality experience for our audiences.

Today, Virgin Valley Theatre Group remains dedicated to producing outstanding live theatre and enriching the cultural life of our community. Each season, we bring together volunteers, performers, and audiences from across the Virgin Valley to celebrate the magic of the performing arts. From classic plays to contemporary productions to our beloved Rising Stars youth program, VVTG provides opportunities for people of all ages to take part — whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience.

Our theatre is truly a community space — built and sustained by the passion, creativity, and generosity of local residents. Every ticket purchased, every volunteer hour given, and every donation made helps us continue this tradition of live theatre in Mesquite.

Together, we can keep live theatre thriving in Mesquite — we invite you to explore ways to get involved or support our mission today.