The Royal opened its doors to live performances with the first Apple Festival play, Mozurah Pippin, in 1981. The Royal Arts Council, Inc. was formed in in 1983, and on June 21, 1984, the RAC received 501c(3) tax-exempt status.
Dedicated volunteers have continued to produce live theatre and bring in touring artists from around the Midwest ever since.
The mission of the Royal Arts Council (RAC) is to foster an understanding and appreciation for the visual and performing arts by providing a welcoming place for anyone in the community to learn and grow through our educational and performing opportunities. Royal Arts Council Board commitment intentionally involves children and adults in the quest of creative excellence in community theatre and to expose them to performing artists and visual arts from the Midwest region. RAC programming is intended to provide family-friendly, quality entertainment while recognizing the value of the arts to our rural community.
