Our History
Theatre du Mississippi was founded in 1998 by Belgian-born actor, director, and arts organizer Maggy Jacqmin and her husband, Will Kitchen, shortly after they settled in Winona, Minnesota. Jacqmin was trained in Europe and experienced in classical and contemporary theatre, film, and television. Jacqmin brought an international perspective and deep professional discipline to the company’s work. Based at the Masonic Temple, Theatre du Mississippi became a dynamic cultural hub, producing original and classic theatre while also presenting acclaimed musicians, singers, and performers from around the world.
Under Jacqmin’s artistic leadership, the company staged socially engaged plays, children’s theatre, and large-scale outdoor productions rooted in Winona’s history, often featuring expansive community casts. Beyond theatre, Jacqmin and Kitchen expanded the company’s reach into music, film, and interdisciplinary arts, hosting nationally known musical acts and supporting independent filmmaking. Through its ambitious programming, educational outreach, and collaborative spirit, Theatre du Mississippi helped establish Winona as a vibrant regional arts center and continues to reflect the enduring legacy of Maggy Jacqmin’s vision and generosity.
Theatre du Mississippi is the oldest community theatre group still operating in Winona, MN. From the beginning, our organization has placed a strong emphasis on original work, especially through our Original Shorts program, which highlights new one-act plays by emerging and regional playwrights. This series has become a cornerstone for showcasing fresh voices and offering artists a chance to see their work brought to life on stage.
Over the years, we integrated a wide range of programming. In addition to traditional full-length plays and our Original Shorts program, we’ve produced staged readings, historical explorations of Winona’s past, cabaret and variety-style performances, improv showcases, and community talent shows. We’ve also built long-standing traditions like the Christmas Radio Show, a seasonal favorite that blends nostalgia and creativity while bringing together audiences year after year.
Today, our work continues to evolve. We are expanding opportunities for community members to create and collaborate through workshops in playwriting and improv, partnering with local organizations, and providing access services and support throughout every stage of production.
Theatre du Mississippi remains committed to elevating emerging voices, presenting original works, and providing a platform for diversity. Our performances bring people together through the shared experience of live art.
About Us
What we are: TdM is a non-profit theatre organization dedicated to original work, emerging voices, and diverse performance forms.
What we do: We produce plays, short-form performing arts, improv shows, cabaret/talent shows, and our seasonal Christmas Radio Show. We also offer workshops in playwriting, improv, and other arts opportunities. Our programming is always expanding!
Why we exist: TdM provides a platform for artists to create, experiment, and share. We build community through performing arts and bring people together through live performance.
Who we serve: We serve local and regional artists, audiences of all ages, the wider Winona community, and all who seek meaningful, engaging theatre experiences.
Community Impact
Theatre du Mississippi is more than a stage, it’s a place where the Winona community comes together to create, share, and experience art. For over 25 years, we’ve provided a platform for emerging voices and underrepresented artists, giving them the resources and opportunities to develop their work and connect with audiences.
Through our productions, from original shorts and full-length plays to improv, cabaret, and the Christmas Radio Show, we bring people together across generations and backgrounds. Our programming encourages dialogue, fosters creativity, and offers a space for reflection, learning, and enjoyment.
Beyond performances, our workshops in playwriting, improv, and other arts disciplines give community members hands-on opportunities to explore their own creativity and build skills. By supporting local artists, engaging audiences in original and meaningful stories, and providing accessible arts experiences, Theatre du Mississippi strengthens the cultural fabric of Winona and the surrounding region.