For the first time in its 14-year history, Pied Piper Playhouse has a permanent home. Just this month, Pied Piper moved into its new digs at the Link Centre. Suite 115 is now home for Pied Piper's Debby Gibbs, who hopes to set up regular office hours this summer.

"This is pretty huge for us," Gibbs said. "We hope it gives us the visibility in the community like Tupelo Community Theatre or the symphony has."

The partnership with the Link Centre was a natural one, Gibbs said. Link Centre Director of Operations Derek Russell found the space that suited Pied Piper just fine, with the small office space and a spacious closet for costumes and props. The new closet eliminates the need for rented storage bins that used to hold the props and costumes, Gibbs said.

"We're excited to have Pied Piper in the building," Russell said. "Link Centre is all about building partnerships and experience that change lives, especially those of children interested in theatre and the arts."

Pied Piper is also now a 501(c)(3), so donations to the organization are tax deductible.

"Now that we have that, we'll take their monies, but we'll also take their time," said Pied Piper's Jane Miller. "We hope folks can help build sets and things like that."

Parents can come by the office to get information about the 501(c)(3), audition materials and performances, and to sign kids up for events like the upcoming Theatre Camp.

"The theme is creepy creatures, so there will be lizards and snakes and bumblebees, all sorts of interesting creatures," Gibbs said.

Kids will learn about music, art, acting and dancing at the theatre camp. Members of Tupelo High School Thespian Troupe 1949 will help coach at the camp.

Gibbs and Miller are excited about the upcoming Pied Piper season, which includes visits from three New York theatre professionals who will work on productions with the kids.

sheena.bartnett@journalinc.com