The REP Theatre Has Final Curtain Call After 25 Years of Creating Memories

With many fond memories and much sadness, The REP Theatre has revealed that it will cease operations following the completion of its final summer performances in mid-August, concluding a remarkable 25-year run as a cornerstone of the South Walton arts community.

Founded a quarter-century ago, The REP has been dedicated to its mission of creating lasting memories for the local families and countless visitors who have graced its audiences. The Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to close the theatre after facing a convergence of significant challenges.

"This decision follows a period of strategic assessment prompted by the upcoming departure of our key artistic leadership and the challenge of navigating increasingly high operating expenses. The situation was further complicated by the non-renewal of the lease for our theatrical home of 25 years due to planned renovations by Seaside, prompting the unexpected challenge of securing a new, affordable venue while simultaneously recruiting new leadership. Facing this convergence of challenges, we have made the heartbreaking choice to close the theatre. We are immensely proud, however, that the spirit of The REP’s work will likely live on.” 

For 25 years, The REP has been more than just a stage; it has been a home for artists, a source of joy for audiences, and a vibrant part of the community’s cultural fabric. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of so many.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every audience member who shared a laugh or a tear, every volunteer who gave their time, and every artist who poured their heart out on our stage. We are profoundly thankful to the generous donors, sponsors, and foundations who invested in our mission, and to the dedicated Board of Directors, past and present, who volunteered their time and wisdom to guide this organization. A special thank you goes to our founders, Craige Hoover and Jennifer Steele, whose vision sparked this 25-year journey. To every community member who believed in the power of theatre: you were the lifeblood of this organization.

We invite the entire community to join us for our final summer performances to celebrate the stories we’ve told and the memories we’ve created together. Let’s make this final run a testament to the spirit and artistry that has defined The REP for 25 wonderful years.

For information on the final performance schedule, please visit www.LoveTheREP.com.

From The REP: More Information, Questions & Answers

Our journey began 25 years ago with a single vision: to build a vibrant home for the arts in the heart of our beautiful 30A community. Since then, The REP became just that and so much more—a vibrant cultural heart where locals and visitors from across the world could gather, connect, and experience the wonder of live performance.

We were more than a stage; we were a gathering place. Our purpose was to spark vital conversations, build community, and enrich lives through the unique power of performance. Our greatest pride comes from the memories we helped create—the children who saw their first play with us, the annual traditions for countless families, and the collective moments of shared wonder. Our stage hosted not only professional theatre but a vibrant mix of concerts, films, touring family shows, and educational outreach that created unforgettable shared experiences for audiences of all ages.

This 25-year journey was a shared production, and we are eternally grateful to everyone who played a part. Our deepest gratitude extends to our visionary founders, Craige Hoover and Jennifer Steele; to the artists and volunteers who poured their hearts into every show; and to the generous donors, sponsors, foundations, and Board members who sustained and guided our mission. To every audience and community member who believed in the power of theatre: you were the lifeblood of this organization. The REP’s story may be ending, but the community we built together will forever be our proudest production.

For 25 years, The REP was driven by a mission to be more than a stage—we aimed to be a gathering place that enriched the 30A community through art, education, and entertainment.

Our vision was to be a world-class regional theatre, a goal we pursued through unforgettable programming—from professional theatre that sparked vital conversations, to touring shows for the whole family, film screenings, concerts, and educational outreach that created collective moments of shared awe for audiences of all ages.

We are proud to have served as a premier professional theatre in Northwest Florida and a vibrant cultural heart for our community, making a lasting contribution to the quality of life for the locals and visitors who gathered with us.

Q: Why is The REP closing?
A: This decision follows a period of strategic assessment prompted by the upcoming departure of our key artistic leadership and the challenge of navigating increasingly high operating expenses. The situation was further complicated by the non-renewal of the lease for our theatrical home of 25 years due to planned renovations by SEASIDE®, prompting the unexpected challenge of securing a new, affordable venue while simultaneously recruiting new leadership. Facing this convergence of challenges, we have made the heartbreaking choice to close the theatre. We are immensely proud, however, that the spirit of The REP’s work will likely live on.

Q: What is the official date of closure?
A: Our final performances will run through August 8. As of August 15, 2025, The REP will cease all public operations. For any final updates, please monitor our website at lovetherep.com.

Q: Is this closure permanent?
A: Yes, The REP as we know it will no longer be producing theatre. We are heartbroken by this reality but are proud of the legacy we’ve built together with
you, our community.

Q: What will happen to the theatre space?
A: We know how much this special venue means to so many people. The future of the space is in the hands of the building’s owners, but our sincere hope is that it continues to be a place where art and our community can thrive.

Q: I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I talk to?
A: We are here to help. Please direct any additional questions to our dedicated email address at patrons@lovetherep.com. Please include your full name and any relevant order information so we can assist you as efficiently as possible.