EVANSTON — Sagebrush Theatre Productions has been around since 1982, drawing on local acting talent to put on its shows in Evanston several times a year. And they have done a bit of everything, from drama to farce to classics to postmodern pieces to musicals to fashion/music shows. The theater also gives out a scholarship every year, has added a new summer musical showcase and is strengthening its ties to the newly renovated Strand Theater.

The theater has moved locations for some years as well after the old high school was torn down, showcasing various locations in Evanston. Since the spring of 2015, though, the theater has found a home in the renovated Strand Theater. That first show, “The Odd Couple,” was also the opening show in the renovated facility.

For 33 of the past 35 years, Patty Willoughby has been a key part of around 70 shows for the theater. This is her last year with the theater, and so the board is reorganizing as it continues in its mission to provide culture, entertainment and opportunities for Evanston residents. New officers are being elected, and the board intends to continue maintaining and expanding the theater. 

Kayne Pyatt, who is directing this spring’s show, “Stargirl,” shared several of the theatre’s updates. 

“We recently redid all of our bylaws and amended them and updated them,” she said, “and we are going to have our first annual meeting of members ...” 

That meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on April 13 at the Strand.

One continued commitment for the Sagebrush Theatre is to continue doing two plays every year, at least one of which is a musical. Pyatt also hinted that the theater may consider adding a mini-play in the summer. 

“I think we like to have at least one musical a year because musicals really seem to bring in families and lots of crowds,” Pyatt said, “but we also want to do serious drama and comedy.” 

Her personal favorite is serious drama because she likes thought-provoking and meaningful works. The upcoming play, “Stargirl,” is a mixture of comedy and drama, and Pyatt said she loves the depth and themes of the play. It will run the last two weekends in April. The fall production, “Dorothy Meets Alice, or The Wizard in Wonderland,” is a musical mashing together two beloved literary worlds for a single rambunctious plot: “The Wizard of Oz” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

Pyatt said the theater board has a committee that reads and recommends scripts for future productions. 

In addition to the time-honored tradition of doing two plays a year, Pyatt said the theater intends to continue doing an August music show to continue the tradition Willoughby introduced two years ago. 

This year’s show, organized by Pyatt, Kim Lahm and Ashley Barton, will be a new twist on the summer music show, which in the past was themed around music from a specific decade in the 20th century. This summer’s show will be “Fashion and Music Through the Decades,” showcasing dress styles and music possibly from the Victorian period through the present. 

Pyatt said the show is adding the fashion to the traditional music because of the generosity of local resident Denice Wheeler, who donated $2,400 worth of costumes. 

Anyone with musical talent is welcome to participate in the show, which Pyatt said she hopes to see grow in energy and participation. 

Sagebrush Theatre is exploring new ways to grow, too, with active recruiting and a commitment to strengthening its offerings to the community. 

The theater board gives out a scholarship every year to one or two students. The Jackie Keller Scholarship is given in memory of Pyatt’s sister, Jackie Keller, who died young at the age of 56 in 1992. Since 1993, the theater board has given out the scholarship for a high school student going to college to study the arts, such as theater, music, dancing, acting, makeup or a related area. 

Pyatt said that Keller was a strong supporter of the Sagebrush Theatre as a director, actor and backstage organizer. 

Going forward, Pyatt hopes that Sagebrush Theatre will only become stronger, especially as the Strand Theater reconstruction continues. The theater company has funded many parts of the renovation, including the toilet, sink and work in the basement dressing room. Pyatt said Sagebrush Theatre has also done fundraising and has written a grant matching the Strand Theater’s grant for a light and lightboard. 

“It’s a wonderful place to have the plays because, before, we’ve just been kind of all over town since they tore down the old school,” Pyatt said. “... We’re hoping that we can use it forever, really. My dream is to eventually write a grant and get a better sound system.” 

She also hopes to be able to get microphones and curtains. 

Overall, the theater is looking toward the future for growth and increased stability. 

“We’ve recruited new people, and we’re hoping to keep the energy going because I think Sagebrush has been a significant part of Evanston for a long time,” Pyatt said. “Thirty-three years is a long time to keep a community theater going.”