Theatre History

Incorporated in 1947, the Spokane Civic Theatre is one of the oldest community theatres in the country. Performances were staged first at the old Post Theater, then the Riverside Playhouse beginning in 1957 and until the present facility opened in 1967.

The rest of the story...

In 1972, a three story addition adjoining the backstage area provided space for set construction, rehearsal space, the costume shop, and offices.

In 1979, the lower level rehearsal space was converted into the Studio Theatre.  It is currently used as a "black box" theatre designed as a venue for smaller, more experimental productions. In 1989 it was named after Firth J. Chew, a long-time volunteer who headed the original building fund drive.