Curtain Calling: Getting Involved with Theatre in Grand Forks

Have you ever watched someone like William Shatner acting his heart out and thought, “I could do that, and probably even better?”

Okay…low bar, bad example. My point is, there’s a lot of talent right here in Grand Forks, and the stage doors are always open to more.

Grand Forks is home to a thriving community of entertainers. Whether your interests are music, comedy, drama, dance, or pulling the strings from behind the scenes – there’s always something to do, new friends to meet, and incredible live experiences to remember forever.

On DeMers we have the Empire Arts Center, a downtown staple for over one hundred years. I spoke with the Managing Artistic Director, Kathleen Coudle-King.

JPAUL: What shows can we expect to see at the Empire this season?
KATHLEEN: Season 15: Page to Stage opens with The Wizard of Oz, an intergenerational production Sept. 24-Oct. 4 in the auditorium; Misery, Nov. 5-14 in Studio E; Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, radio play Dec. 3-6; Pride & Prejudice, adapted by Kate Hammil (a parody of Jane Austen’s novel) Feb. 11-20; and closing out the season our TYA play, Junie B. Jones – Musical, April 9-10, 15-16.

JPAUL: Are there any specific roles or skills needed that might appeal to a first-timer?
KATHLEEN: While we welcome everyone to audition for a show, preference is given to those with stage experience and/or training.  We are happy to train new stage managers who would describe themselves as organized, and perhaps a lover of spread sheets!  For those who have some stage experience and would like to try their hand directing, we accept assistant directors. Directors must have experience.  We are also always looking at people who have some experience in light and sound operation, as well as those who have designed lights and sound. There’s really a shortage in Grand Forks for good sound and light people. Costumers are also always needed, and it would be great to have more people involved who enjoy working backstage, and building, designing, and painting sets.

JPAUL: How does one audition or apply?
KATHLEEN: We put out a call for shows 8-weeks or more prior to the opening of a show. People can check GF Actors Registry and our website. We often put up fliers around town, too.

JPAUL: What was your first experience in theatre and how did you get involved?
KATHLEEN: I was 12-years old.  I grew up in a town in NJ that was so poor (how poor was it?!), that extracurricular activities for kids were free. My friends and I took tap classes and an acting class.  When I got to high school, I took a theatre class every year. I went on to earn a B.F.A. at NYU. I began as an acting major, studying at Circle in the Square studio, and then Playwrights Horizons. It was at Playwrights Horizons that I took a writing class with Peter Parnell and switched my major to Dramatic Writing, having the chance to study with one of my heroes, Wendy Wasserstein.

JPAUL: Lastly, I heard a rumor that you’re quite an accomplished writer. How many of your original plays have premiered right here in Grand Forks?
KATHLEEN: I don’t know about “accomplished;” I would say stubborn. I’ve been writing plays since I was 15, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. The characters keep showing up and I invite them in to tell me their stories. GGFCT produced St. Bettes, and I wrote several youth scripts when I served as the Executive Director there. Trees also premiered at Fire Hall as a fundraiser for cancer support services. I had several commissions from UND and other organizations that produced my work for conferences and educational events:  Last Call (UND Conf. on Alcoholism) Ralph’s Ark (UND Rural Health), ‘Til the Fat Lady Sings and Look Away (both for UND Women’s Center), Milk Dreams (Lactation Consultant Conf. – Empire), In Case of Emergency: Strike Glass (MN AFL-CIO), and Persistence (ND Suffrage Centennial Committee). In 2020, I wanted to do more site specific and immersive work, so I established my own theatre company, Theatre without Walls, and we produced The Shelter Plays (I wrote Love in the Time of Covid); In Search of Persephone (University Park & Greenway Takeover); Retail Therapy: 700 years of mental health ‘care’ (Empire). Last summer, we performed There’s Something I Must Tell you at Empire before taking it on a 3-state Fringe tour. I am looking forward to sharing a revision of The Cream of Wheat Caper: A Melodrama on the Red, which was originally written for a Fire Hall summer camp, and I updated to include more accurate info about Grand Forks in the late 19th c. It will be performed outside at the Myra Museum on Aug. 15/16 and 22/23.

Over at the historic Fire Hall Theatre on 2^nd Ave, Executive Director James Tweedale is leading the charge into Season 79.

JPAUL: What shows can we expect to see at the Fire Hall this season?
JAMES: We’re so excited about our 79th Season. We kick off in August with both versions of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. Then we have our kids’ shows in October; Imagine A Dragon & Cinderella. This year our Christmas show is It’s A Wonderful Life, followed by our musical I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change in February, The Revolutionists in March and we end the season with Clue.

JPAUL: Are there any specific roles or skills needed that might appeal to a first timer?
JAMES: Theatre has something for everyone! If you want to get onstage those roles are somewhat more obvious but we need volunteers to help with everything. Front of House, Theatre Maintenance, Set Building, Costume Design and Construction, Sounds, Lights, Painting – you name it! If you have any talents, like creativity, attention to detail, organizational skills, a good singing voice or whatever it is, if you want to share those talents, then we want to give you a place to do that.

JPAUL: How does one audition or apply?
JAMES: We have auditions for our shows throughout the year; our next auditions will be in August for this kids shows in October. If you want to get involved in another capacity just Shoot us an email (info@ggfct.com) and let us know what areas you’re interested in and let’s get you involved!

JPAUL: What was your first experience in theatre and how did you get involved?
JAMES: I think my first experience with theatre would be when I was 5 or 6 and I was in the Christmas Nativity play at school and I was a Roman Soldier.

JPAUL: Lastly, I heard a rumor that you’re British. What is something about Grand Forks that reminds you of home?
JAMES: Yes, I am. I’m sure you can imagine North Dakota is very different from England, but I’d say out West on 2 by Kelly’s Slough, all the birds out there remind me of England. That and all the pubs in town, and the passionate sports fans!

Maybe you’re already creating the next great play or musical and you just need a place to rehearse. Twin Tandem Studios and the 701 Coworking Space are conveniently located downtown (quite close to both the Empire and the Fire Hall, as well as a few of those excellent pubs James mentioned).

Whether you’re looking to get involved or just sit back and enjoy the show, there are still a number of other opportunities to do so right here in Grand Forks, all season long – like the Empty State Theatre and the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center at UND.

Uh-oh, I think I can hear that music they play during awards shows when someone won’t stop talking, so I’d better wrap this up. If you found any of my advice helpful, just do me one favor in return – don’t forget your old friend J. Paul Zimmerman after you become famous.