Walk down Washington Street in St. Croix Falls and you’ll see it. The Franklin Victorian Home. It's a gorgeous building, honestly, but it’s not just there for show. This is where Festival Theatre breathes life into the local arts scene. If you’re looking for a St. Croix Falls theater experience that isn’t just a high school play or a touring cover band, this is basically the epicenter.
It’s small. It’s intimate. It’s professional.
Most people driving through the St. Croix River Valley think the area is just for hiking at Interstate Park or grabbing a coffee. They miss the fact that there’s a professional repertory company operating out of a historic 19th-century auditorium. This isn't just "community theater" in the way people usually mean it. We’re talking about Equity actors, professional designers, and a rotating schedule that would make a big-city playhouse sweat.
The Weird, Wonderful History of the Auditorium
The building itself is a character. Built in 1917, the St. Croix Falls Civic Auditorium was intended to be the "social center" of the valley. It has survived everything from the Great Depression to the total shift in how Americans consume media. When you walk into the theater today, you’re stepping onto floors that have seen over a century of applause.
It’s got quirks.
The acoustics in a building that old are... interesting. You can hear a pin drop, but you can also feel the history in the creak of the floorboards. In the 1980s, the theater was falling into a bit of disrepair, but the community basically refused to let it die. That's a recurring theme here. Every time people think small-town professional theater is a dying breed, St. Croix Falls doubles down.
Why the Repertory Model Matters
Festival Theatre operates on a "rep" model. This is actually pretty rare these days because it’s a logistical nightmare. Basically, they have a core group of actors who are performing in multiple different plays at the same time. You might see a guy play a lead in a comedy on Friday night and then see him in a supporting dramatic role on Saturday afternoon.
It creates this incredible bond between the audience and the performers. You start to recognize the faces. You see their range. Honestly, it’s a much more athletic way of doing theater than just running one show for six weeks and calling it a day.
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What to Actually Expect at a St. Croix Falls Theater Show
Don’t expect Broadway glitz. Do expect heart.
The stage at the Civic Auditorium is a "thrust" style, meaning the audience is on three sides. You are close. Very close. If an actor is crying, you see the tears. If they’re sweating under the lights, you’re in the splash zone. This intimacy is exactly what makes the St. Croix Falls theater experience different from a megaplex or a massive theater in Minneapolis.
The programming is usually a mix of:
- Classic American dramas (think Miller or Williams)
- Contemporary comedies that actually make you laugh out loud
- Small-scale musicals that focus on storytelling over pyrotechnics
- Holiday specials that have become a tradition for families from Taylor’s Falls to Osceola
One thing people get wrong is thinking it’s all "safe" theater. While they definitely cater to a broad audience, they aren’t afraid to push buttons. They’ve staged plays that deal with heavy social issues, loss, and the complexities of rural life. It’s smart programming. It respects the intelligence of the local audience.
The Impact on the Local Economy
Art isn't just about feelings; it’s about business. When a show lets out at the auditorium, the restaurants nearby suddenly fill up. Places like The Dalles House or the local breweries see a massive spike. It's an ecosystem. Without the theater, the downtown vibe of St. Croix Falls would be significantly quieter.
According to Americans for the Arts, nonprofit arts attendees spend an average of $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission. In a town the size of St. Croix Falls, that’s a massive economic driver. The theater isn't just a luxury; it’s an anchor.
The Challenges of Rural Professional Arts
It isn't all standing ovations and roses.
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Funding is a constant battle. Maintaining a 100-year-old building is expensive. Like, "why is the roof leaking again?" expensive. Festival Theatre relies heavily on a mix of ticket sales, individual donations, and grants from organizations like the Wisconsin Arts Board.
Housing is another hurdle. Since they bring in professional actors from across the country, they have to find places for them to live. Local residents often step up, hosting actors in their guest rooms or lake houses. It’s a very "it takes a village" vibe. If you’re an actor coming from Chicago or New York to work in St. Croix Falls, the culture shock is real, but the community support is usually what they talk about in interviews later.
Myths About Festival Theatre
- "It’s just for old people." Honestly, no. They’ve been doing a lot of youth programming and "pay-what-you-can" nights to get younger families in the door.
- "The tickets are too expensive." Compared to a movie? Maybe. Compared to the Guthrie in Minneapolis? It’s a steal. You’re getting professional-grade entertainment for a fraction of the city price.
- "It’s only open in the summer." They actually have a year-round presence, though the "Mainstage" season is the big draw.
How to Make a Day of It
If you’re heading up for a show, don't just drive in and drive out. That’s a rookie move.
Start your morning at Interstate State Park. It’s right there. The glacial potholes are world-famous for a reason. After you’ve hiked and gotten some dirt on your boots, head into town. Grab a sandwich or a coffee. Do some window shopping at the local boutiques.
Then, hit the theater.
The transition from the rugged outdoors of the St. Croix River to the refined, whispered atmosphere of the auditorium is one of the coolest juxtapositions in the Midwest. It’s a full-brain experience. You get the physical exertion of the hike and the intellectual stimulation of the play.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to support or experience the best of St. Croix Falls theater, here is the move.
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First, check the Festival Theatre website for their current season. They usually announce the full slate in the late winter or early spring. If you see a "flex pass" option, buy it. It’s the most cost-effective way to see multiple shows, and it gives the theater the upfront capital they need to build sets and pay actors.
Second, consider the "Dinner and a Show" route. Several local spots offer discounts if you show your ticket stub. It’s worth asking.
Third, if you’re a local or a frequent visitor, look into their volunteer usher program. You get to see the show for free in exchange for helping people find their seats and handing out programs. It’s the best hack in the valley.
Finally, don't be afraid to stick around after the curtain call. The actors often come out to the lobby. Talk to them. Ask them about their process. These are people who live and breathe their craft, and they’re usually happy to chat with someone who actually cares about the work.
The St. Croix Falls theater scene survives because people show up. It's that simple. In an era of streaming and endless digital noise, sitting in a dark room with a hundred strangers to watch a live human story is a radical act. It’s also a lot of fun.
Plan your trip. Buy the ticket. See the show. The valley is waiting.