As newcomers to our community in 1999, Chris and Joanne Kudrna started attending shows at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts. And, like many people, they didn’t really pay attention to who was presenting or producing what. But in 2006, that changed.
Despite the fact that there were only a handful of people in the audience, Chris recalls “A Year with Frog and Toad” as “one of the most fun productions ever! That’s when we started to really notice GREAT Theatre”. It was around that time that their daughter Karen, a high school student, started volunteering with running the sound board as well. And, it’s when they first became subscribers and joined our GREAT donor family.


Since then, the Kudrna’s engagement and support of GREAT has continued to grow – both in time and treasure. They both served on the steering committee and supported our Setting the Stage Capital Campaign in 2014. Chris joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and has served as Treasurer for the past 3 years. Joanne has volunteered her time multiple times facilitating our board strategy sessions. And of course they have been to more shows than they can count!


Chris and Joanne Kudrna are part of the GREATer Together Challenge Match donors who recently have collectively pledged to match donations dollar for dollar.

“We have a hard time imagining Central Minnesota without GREAT Theatre. Audience members, volunteers, students, employees, campers — tens of thousands are touched by GREAT every year. Our gift represents our belief in the mission to bring our community together through shared theatre experiences. COVID-19 has taught many of us what’s important and what’s worth fighting for and GREAT Theatre is certainly that for us!”


We are so grateful for the Kudrnas and this group of donors that have increased (some even doubled!) their support to ensure we can bring our community together with the magic of live theatre again soon! Will you consider including GREAT as one of your top contributions by making a pledge or donation today? Every gift will be matched DOLLAR for DOLLAR.