Gesa Power House Theatre

What Gesa Power House Theatre does

Gesa Power House Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional presenting theater headquartered at 111 North 6th Avenue in Walla Walla, Washington, operating with 13 employees as the only professional, presenting nonprofit theater in the Blue Mountain region. The organization's mission is to increase accessibility to the performing arts for the Walla Walla community, which it pursues through a year-round, multi-vertical programming calendar covering live theatrical productions, concerts, comedy, dance and magic performances, a Live Cinema series built around National Theatre Live broadcasts, the annual Walla Walla Movie Crush short film festival (now in its 10th edition), the Little Watts family film series, and the outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series hosted at Echolands Winery.

Revenue is generated across four streams: ticket sales (with tiered pricing from $5 family films up to $55–$60 holiday/specialty shows, plus dynamic reserved seating), venue rentals (weddings, corporate events, and private parties with full-service wedding packages), donations and memberships (including the +Power Club annual membership and the Adopt-a-Seat program), and corporate sponsorships/program advertising (anchored by a roster of 15+ season sponsors led by Gesa Credit Union). Ticketing, gift cards, donations, and ticket protection are processed through a Ludus-powered digital platform, with distribution handled via an on-site box office (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12–5 p.m. and two hours pre-show), phone sales, and the phtww.org website. Marketing runs through the website, a 'Crushworthy' email newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, supplemented by local media partnerships (Union Bulletin, NWPB) and cross-promotion with community organizations including Visit Walla Walla, the Walla Walla Public Library, Camp Fire Walla Walla, and local government entities. Funding is supplemented by grants from ArtsWA, Creative West (via NEA), and Humanities Washington.

The customer base spans individual community ticket buyers, families, local and regional corporate sponsors, nonprofit and enterprise renters (Washington State Youth Ballet, Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, National Theatre Live), and wedding/private event clients. The theater positions itself as a community-accessible cultural institution rather than a market-rate commercial venue, with sponsored free/subsidized attendance pathways through Camp Fire Walla Walla and YMCA partners.

Name

Gesa Power House Theatre

Legal name

Gesa Power House Theatre

Website

https://phtww.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gesa Power House Theatre is a nonprofit professional presenting theater in Walla Walla, Washington, serving the Blue Mountain region with live performances, National Theatre Live screenings, film festivals, family programming, and venue rentals, funded through ticket sales, sponsorships, donations, and grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Theater

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (71131), Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries (711)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Centers & Presenters (Programming/Booking) (MPAGABAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Theater & Performing Arts Venue Operations (Playhouses, Opera Houses) (MPAGALAB)

Keywords

• Live performing arts
• Community theater productions
• Live cinema screenings
• Venue rental services
• Art education classes

Headquarters

HQ city

Walla Walla

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Revenue generated from admission fees to theatre productions, live cinema screenings, concerts, film festivals, and family programming. Reserved seating tickets are sold online and by phone. Dynamic pricing with tiered seating (VIP, general, student, youth).
2. Venue Rentals: The historic theatre facility is rented out for private events including weddings, business meetings, parties, and other community events. The theatre provides tables, chairs, Wi-Fi, and can help source catering, videography, and entertainment. Full-service wedding packages include an on-staff bridal consultant, professional caterer, and limo service.
3. Donations and Memberships: The nonprofit theatre accepts tax-deductible donations and offers a +Power Club membership program with benefits including early ticket access, exclusive events, and other perks. Adopt-a-Seat program allows donors to sponsor specific theatre seats.
4. Sponsorships and Program Advertising: Corporate sponsors (Season Sponsors and additional supporters) provide financial support displayed on the theatre's website and marketing materials. Program advertising opportunities are available for businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Gesa Power House Theatre is a nonprofit professional presenting theater that produces and presents live theatrical productions, concerts, comedy, dance, live cinema screenings (National Theatre Live), film festivals, and family programming. The organisation also rents its historic venue for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings, and operates supporting membership and donation programs.

Product overview

Gesa Power House Theatre is a nonprofit performing arts organization operating as the only professional, presenting nonprofit theater in the Blue Mountain region. The theater offers a portfolio of live performance products including live theatrical productions, concerts, and comedy; Live Cinema screenings of filmed productions from National Theatre Live and other international venues; Power House Movies featuring film screenings and the annual Walla Walla Movie Crush short film festival; and the Little Watts Family Series with child-friendly programming. The theater also produces the annual Shakespeare Under the Stars outdoor series at Echolands Winery. Additional offerings include venue rental services for private events, +Power Club membership with early ticket access, Adopt a Seat sponsorship program, and ticket protection through Ludus partnership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Little Watts: Family series featuring family-friendly films and performances
• Live Cinema
• Shakespeare Under the Stars
• +Power Club
• Walla Walla Movie Crush

Products and services

• Live Performances Professional presenting theater offering live theatrical productions, concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, and special events featuring local, regional, and national artists, sold to general community audiences.
• Live Cinema (NT Live) Screening of filmed live theater productions from international venues including National Theatre Live broadcasts of plays such as Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Misanthrope, Othello, and others, offered to community audiences via reserved seating.
• Power House Movies Film screening series featuring curated movies, documentaries, and short film festivals including the annual Walla Walla Movie Crush festival showcasing over 100 new short films, for general community audiences.
• Little Watts Family Series Family-friendly programming including children's films, youth concerts, and interactive performances designed for young audiences and families, such as Recess Monkey, Artrageous, and throwback film screenings.
• Shakespeare Under the Stars Outdoor Shakespeare production series held at Echolands Winery, featuring annual performances of Shakespeare's works performed communally under the open sky, sold to general attendees.
• Venue Rentals Rental of the historic theater venue for private events including weddings, business meetings, private parties, and corporate functions, with tables, chairs, Wi-Fi access, and optional catering and videography coordination.
• +Power Club Membership Annual theater membership program offering benefits including early access to ticket sales (8 days before general public), exclusive member events, and other benefits for supporters of the nonprofit theater.
• Adopt-a-Seat Patron sponsorship program allowing supporters to adopt theater seats with recognition plaques via one-time or recurring contributions, supporting theater operations and accessibility initiatives.
• Intro to Acting Course Six-session acting course for community members ages 16 and up, running May 19 – June 23 (2026), taught by Kevin Loomer, priced at $75 early bird and $120 general.
• The Nutcracker Ballet (Washington State Youth Ballet rental) Annual rental presenting The Nutcracker Ballet by the Washington State Youth Ballet for four performances each December holiday season, with tickets at $20–$30.
• Walla Walla Movie Crush Festival Annual short film festival (10th edition in 2026) hosted at the theatre, showcasing over 100 new short films over a three-day period, with proceeds benefiting The Red Badge Project.

Quantifiable outcome

• Only professional, presenting nonprofit theater in the Blue Mountain region
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Gesa Credit UnionflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGesa Credit Union is the theatre's named sponsor (Gesa Power House Theatre) and a Season Sponsor. The partnership includes event sponsorship (Red Badge Project) and cross-promotional activities. Gesa Credit Union is a major regional financial institution headquartered in the Walla Walla area.
• Coldwell Banker Walla WallacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and sponsor of the Little Watts Family Series. Coldwell Banker Walla Walla provides special sponsorship enabling local Camp Fire Walla Walla day camp and YMCA programming participants to attend family screenings.
• Underriner Honda of Walla WallacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and co-sponsor of the Little Watts Family Series, supporting family-friendly throwback film screenings throughout summer 2026.
• Union BulletincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and local media partner providing editorial and promotional coverage of theatre events to the Walla Walla community.
• Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and regional public broadcasting partner, providing promotional support across radio and television platforms in the Pacific Northwest.
• Tulalip TribescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor providing financial support for theatre programming and operations, representing a significant tribal government partner in the Pacific Northwest.
• Pacific PowercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor supporting the theatre's community programming and operations as a regional utility company.
• Columbia BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor supporting theatre operations and community arts accessibility.
• Marcus Whitman HotelminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and local hospitality partner, cross-promoting theatre events to hotel guests.
• Eritage ResortminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and local resort partner, supporting theatre programming.
• Foundry VineyardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeason Sponsor and Walla Walla wine country partner, supporting theatre programming and cross-promoting to wine country visitors.
• Ludus (Ticketing Platform)coreTechnology or IntegrationLudus provides the theatre's digital ticketing infrastructure, including online ticket sales, gift card processing, donations, and ticket protection (Ludus Protect). The theatre's box office and website are powered by Ludus.
• National Theatre LivecoreTechnology or IntegrationThe theatre screens live broadcasts of National Theatre productions (Live Cinema Series) including Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Misanthrope, All My Sons, Othello, and others filmed live at the National Theatre in London.
• ArtsWA (Washington State Arts Commission)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrant provider supporting various theatre productions and community programming through Washington State Arts Commission funding. Supports events including Spacewoman, Our Mr. Matsura, and community arts initiatives.
• Creative WestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional arts funding organization providing grant support for theatre productions including Gina Chavez, Heart by Heart, Recess Monkey, and other programming. Creative West receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
• National Endowment for the ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal arts agency providing grant funding for theatre programming, indirectly supporting performances through Creative West grants. Supports events including Recess Monkey, Gina Chavez, and Heart by Heart.
• Humanities WashingtonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides grant support (Washington Stories Fund) for community programming such as the Art, Creativity & Immigrant Youth presentation.
• Walla Walla Chamber Music FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual chamber music festival rents the theatre for multiple performances including Salon Style, Sounds Like Fun, and By Moonlight series in June. Long-standing partnership serving the classical music community.
• Echolands WinerycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOutdoor venue partner hosting the annual Shakespeare Under the Stars series. The theatre's Twelfth Night production runs at Echolands Winery for eight performances in August 2026.
• Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity sponsor of the annual 'Tis the Season holiday concert. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to BMCF, making the theatre a fundraising vehicle for the local community foundation.
• Visit Walla WallaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal tourism organization partnering with the theatre for events such as the ALMOST February Film Feast culinary celebration, driving visitor attendance to the theatre.
• Walla Walla Public LibraryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner co-presenting the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival's Sounds Like Fun family concert in partnership with the theatre.
• City of Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, Port of Walla Walla, City of College PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government entities providing additional financial support to the theatre as part of the theatre's public funding and community benefit structure. The Walla Walla Movie Crush receives direct support from the City of Walla Walla.
• The Transformers (Community Partners Group)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerA community partners group listed in the theatre's navigation under 'Our Partners' section, representing a network of local community organizations supporting the theatre's mission.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Regional professional nonprofit theater in the Pacific Northwest that produces Shakespeare and other plays. Closely comparable to Gesa Power House Theatre's Shakespeare Under the Stars programming and community-presenting nonprofit model, just at a much larger scale.
• Asolo Repertory Theatre: Professional nonprofit regional theater in Florida offering a mix of classics, musicals, and new works. Comparable regional professional-presenting model with diverse programming and subscription model.
• Idaho Shakespeare Festival: Regional professional nonprofit theater producing outdoor Shakespeare and a mainstage season. Directly comparable to Gesa Power House Theatre's outdoor Shakespeare programming and rural/mountain-region community positioning.
• Barter Theatre (Virginia): Long-running professional nonprofit regional theater in rural Appalachia. Comparable mission-driven professional-presenting model serving a small community with diverse programming, similar in scale and ethos.
• Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival: Annual chamber music festival that rents the Gesa Power House Theatre venue. A close peer in the local performing arts ecosystem and comparable nonprofit community-presenting model.

Broad incumbents

• Seattle Repertory Theatre: Large professional nonprofit theater in the Pacific Northwest. Operates as a regional presenting theater with subscription programming; comparable along the professional-nonprofit-presenting axis but at substantially greater scale.
• Portland Center Stage: Professional nonprofit theater in the Pacific Northwest offering a mix of classics, musicals, and new works. Comparable nonprofit presenting model and PNW geography, but at a larger metropolitan scale.
• ACT Theatre (Seattle): Long-standing professional nonprofit theater in the Pacific Northwest. Similar professional-presenting nonprofit model with diverse programming spanning classics, new works, and contemporary productions.

Regional players

• Northwest Public Broadcasting (NWPB): Regional public broadcasting network that is a season sponsor of Gesa Power House Theatre. Adjacent in cultural programming and rural community mission; not a direct competitor but a regional peer in arts/cultural distribution.

Others

• National Theatre (NT Live): Source of the live cinema broadcasts Gesa screens. While not a peer competitor, NT Live is a content partner and distribution model that shapes how smaller regional theaters like PHT program content.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/PowerHouseTheatreWW
• Instagraminstagram.com/powerhousetheatre
• TikToktiktok.com/@powerhousetheatre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gesa-power-house-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gesa Power House Theatre