Barn Theatre History

Willmar Community Theatre was incorporated in Willmar, Minnesota on September 29,1964.  The volunteer board of directors purchased a nearby horse barn and lot located in southwest Willmar.  Community support offered labor and supplies to transform the vacant barn into a theater, thus, "The Barn Theatre" was born with its first show in 1965. Three to five summer productions were given annually.

During 1982-1984 the board of directors started exploring options as extensive renovations and improvements were required to the existing barn.  Remodel or find a new location? After much deliberation the barn building was razed, but the memories and feelings of home remained.  Space was rented from the Willmar Community College (Ridgewater College) from 1984 until 1987.  The board, crews and casts made it possible to continue offering shows in this temporary facility. ?

 

In 1986, the Chapin family/Willmar Electric Service, offered the old J.C. Penney department store in downtown Willmar. The space was offered with a 20-year, rent-free lease. Various Barn committees worked diligently to raise the $300,000 needed for the renovation through fundraisers and season memberships.  Community members offered their time to remodel the facility, taking over a year to get it ready with a stage and minimal lights.  The new location provided warmth in the winter and cool in the summer.  The facility opened with plywood risers and 220 folding chairs for seats, that volunteers will say “Every seat is a good seat!”

The Barn Theatre opened its doors on June 9,1988 in its downtown location.  A winter season was added to the existing summer season; thus six annual shows are presented.  A new beginning.

Patrons saw small improvements with each visit to the theatre as dollars became available, remodeling improvements happened.  The most excitement came when new padded theatre seats were installed taking away the folding chairs!  .  An art gallery space displayed various original works of regional artists was added.  Space for cast and crews were transformed.

In 1991, an addition to The Barn Theatre, “Hayloft Children’s Theatre” was started, to give children the opportunity to participate in all aspects of theatre.  Children from grades 1- 9 work with a director to produce musicals and comedies appropriate for children.  This fall production has given children the opportunity to explore theatre gaining confidence to each of them for a main stage show.

In the spring of 2002, the Barn continued to expand. The buildings just north of the current theater was purchased to provide additional space.  This was used for props and furniture storage and the scene shop for set building.  This was inconvenient and later sold.  In 2010 The Barn was able to purchase the remainder of the former Willmar Electric Service building connected to the south.  At the time, commercial space was leased to individuals and businesses both on 1st and 3rd floors and storage for The Barn. 

With this purchase gave The Barn a handicap entrance with a joint elevator.  This is common space shared with the neighboring residential condominiums.

The Willmar Area Arts Council moved their offices into a 2nd floor space of The Barn Theatre in 2013.  A diverse programming committee formed to initiate events and activities.  WAAC strive to enhance all the arts in our area.  They provide artists the ability to display their works on our mezzanine floor during productions.

In 2014-15 The Barn Theatre underwent a capital campaign to raise funds for the 2016-17 renovation of the Willmar Area Community Foundation Mezzanine/Elevator, the Southwest Initiative Fund Lobby, The Jennie-O Main Stage Theatre, the Nancy Geiger Event Center, The Behm Administrative Offices, the Heritage Bank Concessions, the Fischer Eye Services Box Office and the Bremer Bank 2nd floor Rehearsal/Conference Room.  This renovation has given individuals and businesses the ability to rent these spaces for activities and events such as conferences, meetings, weddings, community festivities and more.

An overhaul of the heating and cooling systems took place in 2019-2020. 

During the pandemic shutdowns, The Barn’s volunteers took advantage and conducted some much-needed cleaning and organization. The sound and light room has had a makeover. A major re-organization of the basement costume rooms provide for a much easier find of the perfect costume.  Prop storage is in one room with shelves specifically built for the ever-growing collection. These spaces are utilized to the max.  

In 2021, the third floor was sold and the entire space owned by The Barn is utilized solely by cast, crew, and patron usage, allowing The Barn to commit solely to performing and visual art programming opportunities for our community.

In 2022 a large fundraising campaign to reupholster and repair the theatre seats took place and by the end of the year all the seats are refreshed from the original.  We are excited to have you enjoy this fresh look.

The Barn Theatre has evolved over the years into a beautiful building and theatre space.  Improvements are always happening, and more are on the horizon.  Every space is designated with cast, crew, and patrons in mind.  We invite you to join us as a patron and as a volunteer to continue this journey.  We take great pride in our community and its members and look forward to enhancing each production with you involved.  Thank you.