Photo by Betty Dahms Superintendent David Hill, left, is presented donations for the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Drama Department and Gladbrook-Reinbeck Music Department from Reinbeck Theatre Guild members, Vicki Bicket, Director, Tim Sweet, Atty., and Jeanne Gutknecht, Secretary.

After 53 years the Reinbeck Theatre Guild is dropping the final curtain on the organization. June 21, 1967 three theatre lovers got together, Bruce French, Ellen Beach and Marion Linder to talk about possibly doing live plays in Reinbeck. In less than a month they had plans being made for possibly six productions. Originally the group called themselves Reinbeck Community Theatre. In November of 67 they decided to call themselves the Reinbeck Theatre Guild and it stayed that way to this day. By July of this same year the three had grown to eight. Bruce French, Frances Shearn, Shirley Ludeking, Marion Linder, Vivian Schuknecht, Grace Owen, Roberta Lonegan and Jean Nissen. The group advertised for those that would like to participate in live theater and September of this same year 1967, the first show “Never too Late” was performed on the stage of the Reinbeck High School Auditorium. The three performances had 850 people attend. And the Theatre Guild grew from there. By the year 1971 the guild had 151 members. In the 27 active years they have put on 45 shows with the last one being done in 1994. “The Wizard of Oz”. Now after 53 years the Reinbeck Theatre Guild is closing its final curtain donating to the Gladbrook Reinbeck Drama Club and to the Gladbrook Reinbeck Music department. It has been a good run.