Evenings Upstairs: Market House Theatre- How an Idea to Save a Building Became a Cultural Cornerstone of Creativity in Paducah

Market House Theatre- How an Idea to Save a Building Became a Cultural Cornerstone of Creativity in Paducah

Join Michael Cochran as he highlights the theatre's success in arts education and historic preservation. Since its inception in 1963 the Market House Theatre has grown from just a small volunteer organization operating out of a portion of the iconic Market House building into a nationally recognized program of arts education, performing arts, and the largest historic preservation project in Paducah’s history with a campus of 11 buildings.  The theatre's education program encompasses over 1,000 classes and workshops in over 25 schools in a multi county area.  Bringing in professional designers and directors to work with local actors, MHT has produced the world premieres of multiple plays. 

The theatre's historic preservation efforts has earned multiple awards from city and state organizations and led to the redevelopment of Market House Square as a thriving business area.  The theatre has received the Twink Lynch Organizational Award from the American Association of Community Theatre, State Historic Preservation Awards, Civic Beautification Awards, Paducah Garden Club Awards, and the Paducah Chamber Non-Profit of the year in Arts and Culture Awards. 

Michael Cochran grew up in Kenosha, WI and graduated from Univ. of WI-Whitewater with a B.A. in Theatre.  He graduated with an M.F.A. in Theatre from Southern Illinois University Carbondale where he studied design and playwriting. In 1983 he was hired by the Market House Theatre in Paducah, KY where he has served as the Executive Director since 1996.  Michael has directed, designed, or produced over 700 hundred productions winning state, regional, and national awards for his work. A member of the Dramatist Guild, his play Eternity was selected as a winner of the AACT NEWPLAYFEST 2018 and was published by Dramatic Publishing.  

Michael has received the Distinguished Merit Award from the American Association of Community Theatre, The City of Paducah Mayor’s Award for Excellence, City of Paducah Mayors Award of Merit, and the Paducah Chamber of Commerce's Summit Award which he shares with his wife April.

All programs are free & open to the public