Built with the support from over 400 donors, including lead gifts from Mike & Karel Helgeson, Deb & Steve Palmer, and The Morgan Family Foundation, the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre doubles as a stage and a fully equipped classroom for local artists and actors to create an adventurous range of bold, diverse and unique theatrical experiences where the stories of our community can be shared!
We strive to ensure everyone in central Minnesota will have access to the transformative power of the arts. The Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre is GREAT’s answer to the community’s need for increased programming and access for all. The goal is to boldly and thoughtfully tell the stories of our community. It’s a space that allows us examine and dig in to the stories that aren’t being told.
Every experience in the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre can adapt to the needs of the production in this intimate venue that features mobile staging, seating, and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound. You’re invited to get involved onstage, backstage, and in the audience. Together we utilize the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre as a place to create, expand, and educate – and we hope you will join us.
Location
710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park (next to Crafts Direct) The Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre is location inside of GREAT World Headquarters.
The Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre
710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park, MN, USA
Our Two Year History
In just two years since opening, GREAT has hosted, produced, and/or partnered on over 30 events in the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre!
PLAYlabs in partnership with Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project: Birds Sing Differently Here // July 18 & 19, 2019
PLAYlabs in partnership with Joshua Cash: Six Characters in Search of An Author // July 11-13, 2019
Script in Hand: End Days // June 9, 2019
GREAT Theatre’s Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story // April 26-May 19, 2019
Acting Workshop in partnership with District 742 Project Challenge // March 27, 2019
PLAYlabs: Goodnight Moon // March 6-10, 2019
The Best Program Ever: African-American Experience Host // February 24, 2019
Habitat for Humanity Gratitude Donor Event Host // February 22, 2019
PLAYlabs in partnership with St. Cloud State University Theatre: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime // February 15-24, 2019
GREAT Theatre’s The Giver // January 11-20, 2019
Project Challenge Holiday Concert Host // December 7, 2018
Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation Innovation Awards Host // November 30, 2018
Chamber of Commerce Business Lunch Host // November 21, 2018
PLAYlabs in partnership with Home Educated Youth: The Importance of Being Earnest // November 16-18, 2018
PLAYlabs: Two Days In Saint Cloud, an original play by Anthony Schrock // November 9-11, 2018
PLAYlabs in partnership wth KVSC Radio: Night of the Living Dead // October 27, 2018
GREAT’s Directors Circle Donor Gratitude Dinner // October 8, 2018
PLAYlabs: How To Have Fun In A Civil War by Ifrah Mansour // October 6, 2018
PLAYlabs: A Day in the Life of Girls, a devised theatre project // August 25, 2018
Community Arts Alive: Vanessa German & Black Out Improv // August 17 & 18, 2018
Script In Hand in partnership with District 742 Project Challenge: Understanding Your Pet With Doctor Marla Brett // July 26, 2018
Script In Hand: The Importance of Being Earnest // June 26, 2018
Script In Hand: Arthur Miller’s All My Sons // June 9, 2018
GREAT Theatre’s CLUE The Musical // April 27-May 20, 2018
PLAYlabs: Dancing With Many Voices // March 10 & 11, 2018
GREAT Theatre’s The Nine Who Dared: Courage In Little Rock // January 10-19, 2018
PLAYlabs: A Christmas To Believe In, an original play by Buddy King // December 11, 2017
PLAYlabs in partnership with KVSC Radio: War of the Worlds // October 27 & 28, 2017
Script in Hand: Harriet the Spy // October 10, 2017
Script In Hand: The Prince and The Pauper // September 30, 2017
GREAT Theatre’s The Secret Garden // June 20-25, 2017
Meet the hero of our story, young Akeelah, who has a gift for words and hopes to make it to the National Spelling Bee. With the help of her community, she might just have what it takes to make her dream come true. This Inspirational drama for elementary students and adults celebrates community and tenacity.
Over the past two years, we have shared our plans for the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre at GREAT Theatre, a flexible space for collaboration and creativity that joins the Historic Paramount Theatre as our two theatrical homes to deliver transformative theatre experiences for all.
Every experience in the Learning Lab Theatre can adapt to the needs of the production in this intimate venue that features mobile staging, seating and state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and sound. In the months ahead, hundreds of students will use the space for Summer Theatre camps and in January of 2018 we will premiere the play “Nine Who Dared: Courage At Little Rock” as part of our dynamic 20th anniversary season.
Thank you to our Capital Campaign Committee, the GREAT Board of Directors, our donors, volunteers, staff and the entire community. YOU DID IT.
WALK OF FAME
GREAT Theatre is grateful to all the donors who supported the Setting The Stage For Tomorrow Capital Campaign.
$10,000+ Donors Adventure Advertising Rollie & Barb Anderson, Anderson Trucking Service Benton Telecommunications Foundation Bernick Family Foundation Dick & Mimi Bitzan Bonnie & Stephen Bologna Family Robyn, Steven, Cole & Carter Bright Barclay and Janet Carriar, Proviant Group Central Minnesota Community Foundation Coldspring Warnert Commercial Real Estate, Sheila DeVine The Dorsher Family Tammie & Taggart Downare Family Jason & Debbie Erickson GNP Company Don Helgeson and Sue Shepard Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation Karel & Michael Helgeson Chris and Joanne Kudrna Tom & Denise Lenarz, Heidi, Holly, and Hayden Logeman Family & Executive Express Marco Mardag Foundation Bill and Chip Martin-Chaffee Dan & Susan Miller Jim & Marion Miller Morgan Family Foundation Nahan Printing, Inc. Deb and Steve Palmer, Palmer Printing PAM’s Auto Inc. James & Connie Reagan Michael, Janet & Sean Reagan Marc & Marie Sanderson Schlenner Wenner & Co, CPA’s Tom & Joyce Schlough St. Cloud Morning Optimist Club Tony and Karen Toepfer Family George and Shirley Torrey United Arts of Central Minnesota 1985-2016 Dennis, Scott & Jacob Wachtler-Whipple The Weber Family, Ryan, Melissa, Kylie & Camille Penny & Bob White
$1,000-$9,999 Rick & Karen Ahles AIS Planning, Cathy & Darren Juilfs Anonymous Rick & Marianne Arnzen Rick & Miki Backes Jerry & Elaine Bauerly Family Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation Rick & Helga Bauerly Gary & Kay Bechtold Dorothy C Becker Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation Dante & Jaimie Beretta Ameriprise, Jim Beste Kelly Bobick Bursch Travel Mary Calantoc & Kevin Hanks Carlson Advisors CPAs and Management Consultants Barbara Carlson Central Minnesota Arts Board Christenson Family Rick and Pat Cicharz Steve Dinndorf Kevin & Beth Donnelly Patricia Dorsher Farmers & Merchants State Bank Steve & Judy Feneis Kimberly & Nicholas Foster Bob & Patti Gartland Outlet Recreation.com, Jim & Sondra Glenn Granite Equity Partners Great River Federal Credit Union Linda Gustafson Berreau Albert & Janice Hammond Lucinda Hawker Stephen & Michele Heller Joe, Tina, Riley & Reagan Hengel Patrick Henry & Patricia Welter Chad & Kelsi Holien Anita, Brad, Brynn, & Spencer Hollenhorst Brady & Lynette Hughs Kathy & John Huls Bob & Judy Johnson Mike & Ruth Johnson Steve & Brenda Joul Family Bonnie & Brian Kay Chris & Shawn Klimpel Scott & Shelly Kopel Family Pat & David Krueger Laraway Financial Advisors, Inc. Dorrie & Scott Larison Ron & Wannetta Lloyd Cathleen & Harry Machesky Murray & Sue Mack, HMA Architects Mahowald Insurance Agency John & Joyce Matsuura Deborah McCarl & Marilyn Skurdahl Julia Menken Meta 13 Aimee & Joel Miron Patrick & Jane Mitchell Family Fund The Moran Family, Asha, Marty, Priya and Martin Lee & Vicki Morgan Eric, Gina & Priya Nacey Connie & Mike Nahan Robert & Lysa Neitzke Steven Nohner PAN-O-GOLD Baking Company Beverly & Jim Pehler Plaza Park Bank Proviant Group Quinlivan & Hughes, Attorneys At Law Katie & Paul Radeke Refine Dermatique Skin & Laser Center Nathan & Valerie Reuter Julie & Ken Ripp Dr. James & Ann Romanowsky Patti & Pete Rothfork Judy & Luther Rotto James & Lacey Schirmers The Schlecht Family, Crafts Direct Mike Schlough & Becky Bastien Judith C. Schmid Nancy & George Schnepf Laurie & Bill Senn St. Cloud Area Sertoma Club Chuck Stenger Heidi & Bill Strong, Austin, Kaden & Rylan Shrewd Real Estate, The Tangen Family The Paint Store…and Mooore! David & Jonna Thomas Pat, Ron & Alex Thompson Scott, Kary, Morgan & Grace Tillmann Dave & Janet Tilstra Vela Strategy Sue Wahl Storbeck Janet & Tim Wensman Steve Whipple Diane Wojtanowicz www.lifewiseadvisors.com Yassin Family Midwest Financial Partners
Gifts up to $999 Jessica Abson Kathleen Allen Luke Anderson Anonymous Tia Arnzen Victoria Ashbrook Patricia Atwood Barb & Steve Avery Deb & Alan Baggenstoss in memory of Diane Baggenstoss Jaynelle Balicky Barbara & Dennis Gregory Family Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation Jeanine Barrett Marge Bates Carla & Trinity Bauer Tara & Tim Bayerl Beaver Island Brewing Company Caren Bedard Jessica Behrends Bob & Karen Bellmont Don & Nancy Bellmont James Berg & Mary Kruger Lisa Berg Ruth Berg Mary Bergeron & Wally Westerberg Rory & Tiffany Bidinger Deborah Biorn Gary & Kelly Blake Jeffrey Bleam & David DeBlieck Rose Blesener & William Daly Blueprint Fundraising, Jill Dalager Brunner Margaret & Robert Boatz Deb Bollig Samantha Bosacki Lorna Bounds, in honor of her niece TinaHengel Craig & Karen Broman Phyllis M. Brown Mary Brunberg Linda Buchholz Lori & Ralph Buettner Dannielle Bunting Christina Buttenhoff Mary Carlin-Goenner Ann Carlson Mike & Sue Carr Amy & Carlos Castrillon Bennie & Desiree Clark Doug & Tarryl Clark Joe & Rachel Clarke Josh & Patti Clymer Paulette & Tom Como Dan & Elaine Cotton Kent & Suzette Dahlen Jennifer Dahlstrom-Lage & Steve Dahlstrom Kristin & Kyle Darnall Mary Daubanton Dick & Terri Deal-Hansen Jan & John Decker Jeanette & Leonard DeLong Jeanne & Stephen Dirksen John & Leann Donovan Steven Dorsher The Edeburn Family Deb Egeland John & Sara Ellis Lisa Enns & Gregory Knoll Ann & Jeffrey Erdmann Jessica & Barry Fahey Andrew & Dru Ann Faith Dan & Jane Fark Alison Feigh Karen, Loren & Max Finlayson Greg & Karel Fleck Blake Fleege Jerry Ford & Marienne Kreitlow Jill Fox Martin & Paula Franzmeier Sharon Froehle & Marsha Woolcott Michael Gallagher & Kateri Mancini Julie & Mark Gartner Jeff Gau Julie Gay Jim & Lois Gebhardt Debra & Gerald Gillman Tracy Gordon Brad & Peg Goskowicz Janet & Thomas Grones Diane Hageman Bridget & Scott Hamak Samantha Handley Roger & Wendy Hansen Ann & Brad Hanson Brad & Lisa Hanson Katie & Mike Harens Garth Harris & Heather Mastromarco Nancy Henderson Andre Heywood Ruth Hinnenkamp Angie Hochhalter Jane Ann & Mark Hollenhorst Laura Howard Nancy & Robert Huber Susan Iten Barbara Izdepski Mark & Rita James Sharon Jendro Nancy Jeske Betty & Cliff Johnson in memory of Jean Bettendorf David & Peggy Johnson Janelle & Pete Johnson Laurie Johnson Murdoch Johnson & Dianne Tuff Angelica & Donald Jurgens Mark & Stephanie Kadlec LuBell Kendall Don & Mary Anne Kieser Clarence & Judy Kiffmeyer Jean Klosowski Janet & Tom Knoll Valerie Knopp Tamara Kraemer Dan & Lesa Kramer Karla & Paul Krueger Loren & Teresa Krueger Karen Kruse Donna Kuhl & Dr. John Mahowald Janice Kummet Bill & Phyllis Lacroix Kristi & Patrick LaLonde Glen Lauer Phillip & Sarah Layne Daryn & Jennifer Lecy Kay Lemke Litke’s Veterinary Service, Jamie & Michelle Litke Jan Loebel Mill & Sandy Logeman Joan & Paul Lombardi Carol A. & Jerome V. Loomis Carlos & Clara Lopez Tara & Tom Lopez David Losoya Macy’s Foundation Bob & Marissa Mahowald Chris & Mary Maier Christopher & Katie Manar Bruce Mancini & Betty Nystrom Greg & Janice Martin Alison Martinson Kristen & Thor Mattick Jerry & Maureen McCarter Lynn & Michael McClelland Tamara McClintock Linda & Tom McGowan Kathryn & Mark Mechelke Jill Melby & Paul Weitzel Cassie & Vince Miles Lissa & Mike Miller Paula Monahan Faye & Gary Mrozek William Muchow Andy & Leslie Mulder Colleen & Tom Nelson Eileen & Greg Nelson Jim & Kay Nelson Pat Nelson Mary O’Hara Margaret Mary Obremski Dana Omann Elaine & Joseph Omann Kristie Orn Nicole Overby Jane & John Oxton Mary & Tom Ozbun Bobby & Lorraine Penly Brian & Marion Philippi Cindy & John Phillips Noreen Plaisance Marcie Popowski Lori Potter Marge Pryately Carol & Sherwood Reid Elizabeth & Eric Reisinger Rethmeier Legal Services Brandi & Dave Richards-Berger Ann, Shawn & Bryce Riesner Virginia Riser Jacqueline Rogan Aaron & Michelle Rosenberger Alyssa & Joe Rosenberger Family Michael & Sarah Rosner Roseanna Ross Diane & Dick Ruegemer Cheryl Running SAA, Charles A. Flinn & Elizabeth Hayden Jean Samuelson Melinda & Wayne Sanders Rick & Sandy Schackmann Clara Schad Rick & Tina Scheierl Patsy Schelske Angie & Curt Schibonski Bernie & Dennis Schiffler Carmen Schmoll Lynn & William Schnettler Mindi & Ryan Schultz Brandy Sebera Monica & Troy Segura-Schwartz Florence & Gerald Sheesley James & Michelle Simmons Adam & Jamie Skeate David & Jean Solheim Jada Soltau Maureen Spanier Tim Staneart Carolyn & Eric Stewart Mary Storkamp Brooke & Dennis Strassburg Jill & Todd Stuber Dean & GeNae Stulz Marcia Summers Emily & Willie Swanson Gretchen Swanson Joe & MaryAnn Symalla Linda G. Tenneson Dan & Diane Thielen Marilyn & Jane Thielman John & Patty Tholen Jeffrey & Molly Thompson Paul & Kimberly Thompson Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation John & Molly Timmerman Mary Alice Tomporowski Aaron & Jessica Trompeter Jeffrey & Patricia Turner Mark Verkuilen Connie & Jerry Von Korff Mary Vos Gordon & Mary Kay Wagner Patricia & Thomas Waletzko Mari Walker Barbara Wallace Rosemary Ward Dove & Tracey Watkin Jeff & Jill Waytashek Weekend Extensions Andy & Nicole Welle Martha Weno Jayme Westling Hugo & Rita Weyrens Jennifer Whitehead Joan & Scott Wilcox Carol & Lonny Wild Sandra Williams Pamela & Paul Winskowski Kanthi Yalamanchili Katey & Pete Zeleny Lambert & Virginia Zenner Holli & Matthew Zieske Dawn Zimmerman
SETTING THE STAGE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Barb Carlson CENTRAL MN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Joanne Dorsher GREAT BOARD MEMBER
Cindy Hawker FORMER LOFT MANAGER
Chris Kudrna CONSULTANT
Joanne Kudrna GRANITE EQUITY PARTNERS
Larry Logeman EXECUTIVE EXPRESS
Dan Miller MILLER ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS
Gina Nacey ADVENTURE
Steve Palmer, Chair PALMER PRINTING
Janet Reagan COMMUNITY MEMBER
Mike Reagan COLLEGE OF SAINT BENEDICT AND SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
Marc Sanderson WILKIE SANDERSON
Lacey Schirmers GREAT MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dennis Whipple GREAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“Thank you to the generous donors in our area and to the hardworking campaigners at Great Theatre. They have made the “high tech” part of the dream come true. As students learn the technology of lighting and sound in the first learning lab theatre in the country, performances here in central Minnesota will be ever more magical as through the years. “ — Mike and Karel Helgeson
Campaign Chair Steve Palmer says: “I am thrilled to see such amazing support and celebrate the success of the Challenge Match! Thank you to the many donors who have made this possible. The success of the Match enables GREAT to begin the building of the Learning Lab!”
“Steve and I wish to thank all the donors who helped not only meet, but exceed the Match! Together, we are creating GREAT Theatre’s Learning Lab; a place for our families to build life skills thru stage skills.” — Deb & Steve Palmer
THE GREAT SETTING THE STAGE CAMPAIGN WILL ENHANCE THE THEATRE WE PRESENT ONSTAGE WITH AN EVOLUTION OF ALL THAT WE DO BACKSTAGE.
The Hegleson and Palmers unite
Steve & Deb Palmer and Mike & Karel Helgeson share why theatre matters to them–from their own childhood and high school theatre experiences to their generous challenge gift to GREAT!