Clinton County Showcase

The history of Clinton County Showcase dates back to the early 1980s when a Children's summer theater event was formed by the Breese Junior Women's Club. Maxine Bruegge and Lynn Venhaus, members of the club, played a significant role in launching the program. In 1982, Maxine and Lynn organized the first program, which included two one-act plays and musical numbers. The following year, they presented the musical "The Wizard of Oz." In 1989, Lynn volunteered to revive the summer children's theater program. With the support of the BJWC, the musical "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" was performed. Unfortunately, Maxine's health prevented her from participating, and she passed away in 1990. After directing a spring musical in 1990, Lynn proposed the idea of a bigger summer musical to involve a larger group of teens. The Breese Junior Women's Club agreed to transfer the summer musical to a new community arts group, and thus, Clinton County Showcase was formed in 1991. The first production under Clinton County Showcase was "Fiddler on the Roof" in August 1991. The organization continued to evolve over the years, adding plays, investing in infrastructure, and purchasing the historic Avon Theater in downtown Breese in 1996. Clinton County Showcase focused on youth by presenting a youth musical each July and awarding talent scholarships to deserving students. The organization continues to grow and welcomes new members and participants.