The most recent theater to arrive in Webster City is the Webster City Community Theater for the Performing Arts. This group actually got its start in the summer of 1966 when University of Iowa student, Patrisha Gregory, received a stipend from the city of Webster City to produce a live theater. She worked from scratch with no sets, costumes, or makeup. The Webster City Community Players performed "Inherit the Wind" and the musical "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off" at the high school auditorium to sold out audiences. The Webster City Community Theater was organized and incorporated on Sept. 25, 1967. The original officers were Bill Guthrie, Mike Trimble, Patty Yungclas and Larry Untiet.
In succeeding years plays and musicals were performed. "Bell, Book and Candle" was put on in 1968. Until 1976 the troupe put on just one show each year, including "Barefoot in the Park," "Roaring Twenties," "Oklahoma," "Showboat," "Kiss Me, Kate," "Hello Dolly," and "The Music Man." In 1976 the group put on two productions and in 1977 three. Then up until 1982 the group put on only one show again.
From 1983 to the present there have been multiple productions each year. The group performed in the Masonic Temple, the High School, Sunset School, the Country Club, the Elks Club, the basement of CJ's (Christopher J's Restaurant,) and the basement of the First State Bank building. The longtime desire for a permanent home was fulfilled on April 15, 1992 when the WCCT purchased its own building, the former Grace United Methodist Church at 1001 Willson Avenue. The group raised over $150,000 to purchase the building and endow it. The WCCT took possesion of the building on July 2, 1992. Volunteers worked for four months renovating and remodeling the building.
The Webster City Community Theatre Performing Arts Center opened its doors with a completely remodeled auditorium, stage, seating for 162 and restroom facilities. Since that date a community club room, which is furnished with tables, chairs and a kitchen facility has opened in the basement. This room is often used for meetings, receptions, and parties.
Prior to the organization of the Webster City Community Theater there was another organization known as the Webster City Community Players which was incorporated on Apr. 16, 1952 by Mrs. Raymond Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Guthrie, Mrs. Stanley Youlden, Winnifred Quammen, Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Hahne, Joe Lukehart, Mrs. Ray Whiting, Eileen Long, and Mary McCarthy.