The Davies Amphitheater has been a premier performance venue in Southwest Iowa since the early ’80s. It is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing quality entertainment to the Glenwood area. The amphitheater is the type of community treasure rarely found in small towns.
In 1980, Charles Davies left $750,000 from his estate for the construction of an amphitheater in Glenwood Lake Park. $500,000 was spent on the actual construction and the remaining amount was put into a trust. The interest generated by the trust was earmarked for the operation of the facility.
For many years the Davies trust, as well as money generously provided by the Ray Thomas Fund, enabled the amphitheater to provide high-quality entertainment to our community that was completely free to the public!
As time went on, interest rates dropped and it became necessary for the theater to charge small fees for seasons passes and individual shows. Members of the Board of Directors are currently exploring new plans to generate revenue and maintain this unique, community asset.
We are a nonprofit and welcome gifts of all sizes to help us maintain this precious resource for future generations. Should you wish to contribute, checks can be made to: Davies Amphitheater, 301 North Walnut Street, Glenwood, IA 51534.
Davies Amphitheater managers Jeff & Carol Mitts aren’t Glenwood natives, but they both arrived in town about the same time that the amphitheater was built in the early 80s. The couple is in their third season as managers of the Davies Amphitheater and both are recently retired from their regular careers.
Jeff retired after 30 years with the US Postal Service, serving as postmaster for several southwest Iowa communities, while Carol spent 34 years as an elementary teacher in Malvern.
Both have been active in the local Methodist church choir and bell choirs. Jeff also plays guitar in the church praise band, is a member of the Glenwood Community Band and spent many years in the Southwest Iowa Men’s Chorus. He is also active in the Mills Masquers community theater where he has served on the board of directors and appeared in many shows as an actor and director.