The Grand Performances of the Grand Cities!

If you’re anything like me (a self-proclaimed theatre connoisseur) then you probably have an in on the shows going on in Grand Forks. However, if you don’t know, and you want to, I’ve looked into it, so you don’t have to.

The Chester Fritz Auditorium on UND’s campus almost always has something going on. Whether it’s comedians, game shows, charity events, or off-Broadway performances, they have something for everyone. Just last winter they put on Chicago, and it was fantastic, with the captivating singing, dancing, and acting, there couldn’t have been a bad seat in the house. I’ll admit, I’m easily entertained and not incredibly critical, but my reviews are trustworthy… and lucky for you, they have upcoming shows this fall and winter including, Menopause, The Great Gatsby, and The Nutcracker, so you can decide for yourself!

The Fire Hall might be my favorite spotlight, simply because I participated in a few shows in my middle school years. The Fire Hall Theatre is a small but wonderful theatre located in Downtown Grand Forks. It has the kind of vibe you can only find in a small town and the shows are always so much fun to see (and it’s not just because of the great costumes). The opportunities are nearly endless, summer kids camp, improv shows, junior plays, adult plays, musicals too, anything you can think of – and just in case you’re looking to get involved, their Facebook group is always updating with news on auditions, when they are, and anything you’ll need to prepare for one!

The Empire Arts Center is a century old cultural landmark here in downtown Grand Forks. Built in 1919, it was our first theatre designed just for showing movies. After all these years, it’s understandable that the theatre has evolved greatly. It hasn’t shown films since the nineties, but after some major renovations, the theatre has come to be known as it is today. It is a centerpiece feature of the arts culture in our community. It serves as a nonprofit multi-use arts center, hosting live theater, concerts, community events, etc. All this to say you should never skip on the opportunity to catch a show here!

If you’re looking for good, quality theatre experience, I am begging you not to discount the high school productions in town. With Central, Red River, and East Grand Forks Senior High, our town is drowning in talent. Just this past year there were productions of Les Miserables and Hadestown that were so good I went twice. For Central and Red River there’s a musical in the fall and another in the spring, EGF does a musical in the fall and a play in the spring, and I hope you all take a chance on the high school productions with me!

During the Summertime, the North Dakota Shakespeare Company also performs in our Townsquare downtown. They came through during the month of June this year and performed several shows! It is a fun outdoor event to attend that will put in the theatre spirit!

In addition to all the wonderful opportunities Grand Forks has for my fellow theatre folks, Summer Stages is one of my favorite opportunities for kids to get into theatre, and I’m not just biased because it’s how I got into theatre… Summer Stages is a two week-long summer camp for kids in grades 1-9. They put on three shows each summer, one for each age group, each one with so much character because the kids are amazing and everyone involved is having so much fun as well. Stages is usually held in the East Grand Forks Senior High Performing Arts Center in early June, but don’t worry, even though it has passed this year, there’s always the next one! There is also the Summer Performing Arts Company (SPA) which is run through Grand Forks Public Schools and is a popular educational arts program for students K-11.

Maybe I’m just biased but I think everyone needs a little theatre in their life, and movies are great but they’re nothing compared to seeing someone up on stage, right in front of you. So, take a chance on some local theatre, join some groups, and keep your eyes peeled, because I haven’t even scratched the surface!