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rootrivernatives

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1 reviews

Review for Commonweal Theatre Company, Lanesboro, MN, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

"Greater Tuna!" From the newspaper note sounded like a decent diversion for an evening in this sleepy rural and culturally-remote area, so we attended our first Commonweal performance. Hooked like a ravenous trout on a well-presented caddis fly! How could this level of theatre be happening in a town that in our youth was famous mainly for the Friday cattle auction (still going, by the way), and a tiny cinema where we sometimes necked in the 50's? Since that evening in the 90's we have rarely missed a performance. During that short period of time, we've seen the Commonweal grow from a tiny cadre of actors performing in a tiny converted movie theatre to become the prime cultural force in Southeast Minnesota and a prime example of what a dedicated group of true professionals can do. In our wildest dreams we would never have expected such a cultural transformation in our area, and we are gratified to have been able to be a part of that.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

that everyone who comes in contact with the Commonweal--volunteers, donors, media, and (especially) patrons--are treated with the respect and appreciation that reminds them that they are a very important part-indeed the lifeblood-of the Commonweal family.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

Incredibly professional and dedicated

If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...

Replicate itself across rural America.

Ways to make it better...

I had become enen more involved earlier.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

Financial--finding secure funding to continue the mission. Artistic--balancing the selection of plays to attract broad public support while at the same time challenging us intellectually and dramatically.

One thing I'd also say is that...

I love Ibsen!

How frequently have you been involved with the organization?

About every six months

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010

Role:  Donor & Presentations at theatre elderhostels, million-dollar club memebers, word-of-mouth booster, donor recruiters.