At the end of 2023, after receiving feedback from community partners, sponsors, supporters, and patrons, The Orpheum Theatre Board committed to begin a strategic planning process aimed at growing the theatre’s footprint as a premier Galesburg entertainment destination, attracting a wider audience. With today’s announcement, the Board has taken the crucial first step towards the realization of this three-year strategic plan with the hiring of Entrepreneur, Arts Advocate, Producer, Director, and Central Illinois native Andrew Driscoll as the Executive Director.
“I am honored and thrilled to begin the next chapter of my life with this opportunity to return to my greatest passions – entertainment and the preservation of our historic theatres. Not only does the stunning Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg have that, but equally importantly, it has a community that cherishes, embraces, and supports it. It has partners in Civic and business leadership who recognize its value and seek through their vocal and financial support to keep its integral role of providing a historic venue for the arts, entertainment, and culture thriving and relevant for future generations. And it has a dedicated, loyal, and passionate team of staff and Board who are engaged and ready for the challenge of embarking on taking The Orpheum’s next chapter.” says Andrew Driscoll.
Graduating from Peoria High School, Andrew Driscoll started his career as a professional actor and singer in New York City performing on Broadway and along with his solo performance work also released 3 vocal recordings. Post 9/11, Andrew made the choice to move back to Peoria and create its first resident nonprofit professional theatre exclusively contracting actors and stage managers from Actors’ Equity Association within the Apollo Theatre on Main Street. After 2 years, he made the business decision to relocate the effort as a for profit venture along Peoria’s Riverfront with the purchase of a venue called The Waterhouse on Water Street. For the next 20 years, The Waterhouse at the original location and for the last 10 years in the MAXAM Building has been the umbrella organization which has hosted and executed over 1,000 private banquet events and 850 shows including performances from Central Illinois Dueling Pianos, Peoria Cabaret Theatre, and the Broadway Lounge.
Keri Dodson, the Orpheum’s Board President, is excited about building a new approach on the Theatre’s solid foundations. “While we will continue to feature our many local and beloved community partners on our stage, Andrew’s experience will guide us in adding the kinds of programming our audiences asked for during the strategic planning process.” She added, “We considered a number of fine candidates for the position, but Andrew stood out as a leader who possesses a strong mix of business acumen and a passion for theatre. We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome him to the Orpheum!”
The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois exists as a beacon for performing arts and humanities in Central Illinois. By offering engaging programming and preserving its original splendor, the Orpheum serves as a community gathering space and tourist destination, hosting movies, music, dance, comedy and theatre as well as private bookings.
In 1915, William J. Olson engaged the prominent architectural firm of C.W. & George L. Rapp to break ground for the Orpheum Theatre. Their free blend of Italian Renaissance and Second Empire style of 19th century France with flourishes of classical, baroque and art nouveau gave the Theatre an eclectic elegance. Built as a vaudeville house, by the late 1970s, the Orpheum Theatre was part of the Kerasotes movie theater group. Closed in 1982, the Galesburg community came together, and through a series of capital campaigns, raised the funds needed to restore it to its former glory. On May 5, 1988, the curtain rose on the Henry Mancini Orchestra for the re-inauguration gala.
Today, the historic Orpheum Theatre is a unique and stunning venue, bringing to the stage a diverse blend of entertainment from local arts groups to regional and national touring acts.
***Courtesy of The Orpheum Theatre***
