Festival Theatre has ROOM TO GROW

A BUILDING NEXT DOOR. A MAJOR OPPORTUNITY.

Festival Theatre has been given something rare: room to grow.

A 6,700 square foot historic building immediately adjacent to the Historic Auditorium has been donated to St. Croix Festival Theatre by Tom Wilson, owner of Grandstrand Funeral Homes. This extraordinary gift, appraised at $315,000, creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the infrastructure that supports our artistic work.

THE NEED BEHIND THE STAGE 

A vibrant theatre requires more than a stage. It requires space to build, store, plan, and support the artists, staff, and volunteers who make each production possible. As Festival Theatre has grown, our operational and storage needs have stretched beyond our available facilities. Essential functions are spread across limited space, reducing efficiency and limiting our ability to expand programming. This building allows us to bring those mission-critical functions together—steps away from where our performances take place. 

WHAT THIS BUILDING WILL MAKE POSSIBLE 

With this expansion, Festival Theatre will gain dedicated space for: 

• Guest artist housing 
• Costume shop and organized costume storage 
• Prop and technical storage 
• Administrative offices and collaborative workspace 
• Flexible program and support space to meet evolving needs 

This project strengthens the foundation that allows our artistic and educational work to thrive.

THE WORK AHEAD 

The building is structurally sound but requires significant upgrades before it can fully serve Festival Theatre's long-term needs. 

Basic renovations will be completed in three phases:

• Phase 1: Plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and living space improvements 
• Phase 2: Costume shop, roofing and siding 
• Phase 3: Landscaping, basement, and garage renovation 

Volunteer labor and in-kind support will be utilized when safe and appropriate to help reduce overall costs.

THE GOAL 

Total Campaign Goal: $315,000 

Our campaign goal is $315,000 to match the value of the building donation. With $90,000 already committed by three generous lead donors, we are seeking to raise the remaining $225,000 by August 31, 2026 to complete the project. If we surpass our goal, we will use those funds to make further improvements and to create a reserve operating fund for the building. 

WHY WE ARE ASKING YOU 

Supporters like you helped equip the Historic Auditorium and position Festival Theatre as a cultural anchor in downtown St. Croix Falls. Now, we have the opportunity to strengthen what happens beyond the stage. We hope you will help us make the most of this extraordinary gift.