Since 1990, our company has staged more than 150 works, ranging from new interpretations of classics to avant-garde performance art. Regional media has called us "a theatrical company that takes your breath away" and "the region's boldest, most innovative theater company." While once completely relying on volunteers, we now support a professional staff that works side by side with volunteers to produce a full season, several special series, and extensive education programs.

In September of 1990 Live Arts opened the doors at 609 East Market Street with No Exit, by Jean-Paul Sartre, and has been going strong ever since. A short list of subsequent work hints at our diversity: The Maids, The Country Wife, Three Penny Opera, 7 Guitars, Hamletmachine, Assassins, Endgame, The Visit, Three Tall Women, Falsettos, The Second Shepherd's Play, Closer, Venus, Floyd Collins, Summer Evening In Des Moines, A Bright Room Called Day, and The Wiz. In October of 2003 we took a next "giant leap", moving into our new home at 123 East Water Street. 21,000 square feet of new, purpose-built space comprises 2 theaters, three floors of lobbies, a scene shop, rehearsal rooms, costume shop and offices.