Five board members and a staff member outside at a table for a Juneteenth event. Two of them are laying their head on their arms at the table. The table has programs for the Juneteenth event, buttons, candy, and flyers for upcoming events.

Community

We host a variety of events throughout the community, partner with organizations to improve the artistic experience of and life within Winona, and foster creative communities through events, classes, competitions, and productions.

A large group at the murder mystery poses in front of red curtains on stage. Most of them are dressed up in 1920’s dresses and suits. Many are wearing masquerade masks over their eyes.

History

We keep the mystery and history of Winona and the Driftless area alive through our ongoing murder mystery fundraisers, partnering with the Winona Historical Society, the Polish Museum, WSU, and other local preservation organizations to tell stories of intrigue and interest.

The cast of the Christmas Radio Show posing on stage. A man in the back holds up a sign that says Applause.

Accessibility

We have just revived a long-standing tradition of an annual Christmas Radio Show into our repertoire, which allows community members who are too busy to commit to a full-length play, who struggle with memorization, or for whom there are other barriers for being involved in theatre. We also have (and continue to acquire) accessibility aids for our performances, such as reserved seating in standing-room performance spaces and audio assistance devices. We work with creatives of all abilities and intentionally showcase diversity whenever possible.

A young actor on stage looking excitedly at another actor on stage who is staring off despondent into the distance.

Originality

We are, perhaps, most well known for our Original One Act Play competition and showcase. We encourage local creatives to submit their one-act plays and a panel of judges selects several for review and performance in the spring. This keeps new and fresh voices circulating and fosters support for emerging artists. Furthermore, we offer classes and workshops for anyone and everyone to learn new skills or hone their craft.

Three actors on a dimly lit stage set to look like a disarrayed living room. The actor in the foreground is lit with green light from a window while reading a letter. The two in the background are watching exasperated.

Opportunity

We continually appraise our programming against the needs and desires of the community. Recently we added more productions of Lustrous Lights after a call from the community for more cabaret-style performances. We’ve also added improvisation shows and workshops, allowing audiences to try their hand at short-form comedic sketches and exercises, all while laughing away the nerves.

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