IceHouse Theatre

The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse, situated at 1100 N Unser Street in Mount Dora, Florida, is a historic institution with a rich legacy in the performing arts. The theatre's origins trace back to September 17, 1948, when a group of Mount Dora residents convened to discuss the creation of a little theater. The enthusiasm from this meeting was palpable, leading to the immediate election of officers and the rapid initiation of the IceHouse Players. The IceHouse Players found a home in a former ice plant that, despite requiring significant renovations, offered excellent acoustics. With a lease secured, the group officially launched and presented their inaugural performance, "Return Engagement," to a full house on February 7, 1949. For a decade, the IceHouse Players produced quality theatrical performances in the converted ice plant. In 1957, the theatre's current 270-seat facility was constructed on land donated by the local municipality, opening in the fall of 1958 with the production of "The Solid Gold Cadillac." The theatre has since continued to serve as a cultural hub for Mount Dora and the broader Central Florida community. A significant milestone in the theatre's history occurred in 2011 when a major renovation of the lobby, terrace, box office, and landscaping was completed, thanks to a substantial gift from The Sonnentag Foundation. Clarence and Chris Kolek, along with other donors, contributed to the project, which was finalized in November 2011. The theatre was renamed The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse in recognition of the foundation's generosity. The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse remains committed to enriching the cultural life of the community and providing Florida theater artists with opportunities to hone their talents. It offers diverse genres of productions and maintains high standards of production quality. The theatre also honors its founding members, who are celebrated for their foresight, ambition, dreams, and dedication to establishing theater as an integral part of the community's cultural landscape. In addition to its rich history, the Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse offers a variety of subscription options for its patrons, including six-show and five-show series, as well as flex passes. Individual ticketing options are available for adults, groups, students, and children, with performances scheduled from Wednesday to Sunday, including matinee shows. The theatre continues to engage with its audience through its email newsletter and maintains an active presence in the community, offering opportunities for involvement through donor programs, volunteer work, sponsorships, and auditions for kids and teens. The Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse stands as a testament to the enduring power of community theater and its role in fostering the arts within Central Florida.