Through providing an arts venue in Old Towne Petersburg, it is the mission of Sycamore Rouge:

~ To promote creativity on stage through theatre, music & cinema, and in the audience through the creation of an environment that fosters creativity. 

~ To help revitalize a neglected downtown area. 

~ To strengthen the community through communal arts experiences. 

~ To stimulate the hearts and minds of the community. 

~ To educate the community by exposing it to new arts experiences.

Sycamore Rouge was incorporated in 2002. In 2004, an initial board of directors was formed, and 501(c)3 status was secured. Informal programming began in the fall of 2005, and the theatre announced its grand opening in January 2006. Since that time, Sycamore Rouge has provided consistent, quality theatre, music, film, and performance to the greater Petersburg Community. The third theatre season successfully opened with Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom on February 15, 2008.

The physical space of the Virginia K. Patton Auditorium at Sycamore Rouge is best described as ‘1920s Paris meets 1940s Harlem.’ Audience members sit at tables and chairs, or on plush couches, eating light fare and sipping drinks while experiencing live theatre, music, film, and cabaret. The theatre space is open both before and after each performance, encouraging patrons to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and enjoy good conversation.

Sycamore Rouge is a destination venue. From every perspective, Petersburg is enjoying a renaissance. Since the theatre’s opening, the Olde Town area has seen a rapid increase in specialty shops, restaurants, antique shops, and service-based businesses. With this growth, Petersburg is emerging from the commercial and industrial city of its past into the service-based, tourist center of the present and future. The presence of a performing arts venue in the heart of downtown continues to strengthen the draw of Historic Petersburg as a cultural destination.