FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Two Stages, One Story: Reno Little Theater and Good Luck Macbeth Announce Historic Merger

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RENO, NV — [August 25, 2025] — In a bold step toward artistic growth and resilience, two of Reno’s most beloved local theaters—Reno Little Theater (RLT) and Good Luck Macbeth (GLM)—are merging into one united organization. The move comes at a time when nonprofit theaters and other arts and humanities organizations across the United States face unprecedented challenges, from rising expenses and shrinking funding to national rollbacks on diversity and threats to freedom of expression. Together, RLT and GLM are choosing and committing to collaboration over competition and planting their flag firmly in Reno’s cultural future.

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For nearly 90 years, Reno Little Theater has been a cornerstone of Nevada’s arts community. Founded in 1935 by Edwin Semenza, RLT is one of the longest-running community theaters in the nation, producing a full mainstage season with professional-quality production elements and standards while offering year-round education programs and countless partnerships that strengthen the local community. Good Luck Macbeth, founded in 2009 during the depths of the economic recession, quickly became one of Reno’s fearless innovators—pushing boundaries, amplifying underrepresented voices, and proving that theater has the power to transform both artists and audiences.

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On paper, they may appear different: one, “steeped in tradition.” The other, “breaking the mold.” But their values have consistently proven to be the same—community, collaboration, hospitality, quality, inclusivity, artistry, connection, and cultivating artists. Now, those shared values are the heartbeat of a new chapter.

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"For as long as I’ve worked in Reno’s Arts & Culture sector, what has always inspired me most is the way arts organizations openly work together and support one another," says Reno Little Theater Executive Director, Melissa Taylor. "But the partnership between RLT and GLM has evolved into something even more exciting over the years, a true creative alliance steeped in shared values and a love for the artists and audiences in our community. This exciting step is the natural evolution of our history, and we are thrilled for what the next chapter holds for both venues."

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The merger will allow both organizations to pool resources while safeguarding what makes each unique. Both theater spaces will remain active, preserving and integrating Midtown and Wells Avenue as a corridor of creativity and connection. Patrons can look forward to an expanded season of plays and musicals, increased youth and education programming, and stronger partnerships with local artists and organizations.

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Christopher Daniels, Interim Producing Artistic Director of GLM, says: "This merger is more than a joining of two theaters—it is a commitment to the artists and audiences of Northern Nevada. Together, we are building a creative home where bold stories can be told, where artists can grow and thrive, and where our community can come together in the transformative act of theatre. We believe art has the power to spark change, foster belonging, and ignite imagination, and we are grateful to continue this work with renewed strength and unity."

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At a time when funding cuts, affordability, and infrastructure challenges loom large, this merger is a powerful declaration: Reno’s theater community is not backing down. Instead, it is deepening its commitments—to inclusivity, to connection, to artistry, and to keeping theater alive as a centerpiece of Northern Nevada’s cultural identity.

The first unified season will be announced at a later date. Until then, both theaters will continue producing their scheduled programming while working behind the scenes to align operations.

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Two stages. One story. Countless possibilities. Curtain up, Reno—the future is here.

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~RLT & GLM Leadership