Commonweal Theatre | Lanesboro

The Commonweal Theatre Company, located in Lanesboro, Minnesota, is a highly regarded professional regional theater known for its intimate actor-driven productions and deep community roots. Founded in 1989, it has grown from a small summer theater into a year-round institution with a significant impact on the cultural life of southeastern Minnesota and beyond. The theatre is renowned for its rotating repertory style, combining classic and contemporary works, and for fostering a vibrant connection between artists and audiences.

Founding and Evolution

The Commonweal Theatre was established by three local theater artists-Eric Bunge, Scott Olson, and Scott Putman-who envisioned creating a professional theater that would serve both the local community and visiting audiences. They aimed to offer high-quality productions in a small-town setting, making theater accessible while maintaining artistic rigor. The company’s early years featured a compact season of plays staged in the historic St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro, where it quickly gained a loyal following.

In July 2007, the company inaugurated a new custom-built facility adjacent to the original theater location, signaling a major milestone. This new building was designed by artist and architect Karl Unnasch with a distinctive aesthetic that reflects the local environment and heritage. Natural materials such as stone and reclaimed barn wood blend with modern theater technology, creating a warm and inviting space. Unique design features include bathroom stalls fashioned from old barn doors, stone walls reminiscent of nearby limestone bluffs, and theater seats salvaged from the original Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. The 200-seat mainstage auditorium offers an intimate viewing experience, allowing audiences to feel closely connected to the performers.

Programming and Artistic Approach

Commonweal Theatre operates on a rotating repertory system, meaning it stages multiple productions concurrently, with the same ensemble of actors performing different shows on alternating nights. Typically, the theater presents five plays during its season, which runs from April through December. This repertory model challenges actors to switch between varied roles quickly, enhancing the dynamism and energy of performances.

The programming embraces a diverse repertoire, ranging from time-honored classics by Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Chekhov to modern dramas, comedies, and musicals. The company prioritizes actor-centric storytelling, focusing on the power of live performance to explore human experience, emotions, and relationships. Its productions are noted for strong ensemble work, thoughtful direction, and a deep respect for the text.

Educational and Community Engagement

Beyond mainstage productions, the Commonweal Theatre Company has a robust commitment to education and community outreach. Its programs include:

Student Matinees and Workshops: Tailored performances and educational workshops designed for middle and high school students introduce young audiences to theater arts and encourage appreciation for live performance.

Apprenticeship Program: The theatre offers apprenticeships for emerging theater artists, providing hands-on training in acting, stage management, technical theater, and production. This initiative nurtures the next generation of theater professionals.

Community Events: The company hosts events such as the annual Ibsen Festival, which celebrates the work of Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen and ties into the region’s Scandinavian heritage. The festival includes performances, lectures, and cultural activities.

“Over the Back Fence”: This popular live radio-style variety show runs weekly during the summer and features music, comedy sketches, and storytelling, connecting the theatre with a broad community audience.

Role in Lanesboro and Regional Culture

Commonweal Theatre Company is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Lanesboro, a small town recognized for its artistic vitality and natural beauty. The theatre draws tourists and arts enthusiasts, contributing significantly to the local economy and community identity. Its presence complements other local arts organizations, such as Lanesboro Arts, and enhances the town’s reputation as a cultural destination.

The theatre building itself is a landmark, blending local heritage with contemporary design, and providing a venue not only for plays but also for community gatherings, lectures, and special events.

Visitor Information

Location: 208 Parkway Avenue North, Lanesboro, MN 55949

Season: Typically runs from spring through early winter, with a diverse slate of productions

Accessibility: The theatre is designed to be accessible, with accommodations available for patrons with disabilities.

Summary

The Commonweal Theatre Company stands as a testament to the power of regional theater to enrich communities through artistic excellence and meaningful storytelling. Its history of innovation, dedication to actor-driven repertory, and engagement with both local and visiting audiences make it a unique cultural asset in Minnesota. The company continues to thrive as a hub for theatrical artistry, education, and community connection in Lanesboro and the broader Driftless Region.