About Us

The WideSpot Performing Arts and Community Project strives to serve the diverse audience and artists within its community by presenting performing art pieces designed to engage the mind, body and spirit. We endeavor to nurture the unique connection between performer, audience and community, and foster an environment that provokes thought, creativity, collaboration and community building. To that end we will:

• Spotlight a variety of music, theatre, film and performance arts, through
  • Developing new artists and new works.
  • Providing a performing arts center that is welcoming, inclusive and open to all sections of the community.
  • Fostering work that both satisfies and challenges audiences and artists.
  • Collaborating with other partners — as sponsors or co-producers — to enrich and extend the quality and scope of our productions.
  • Acting as good stewards of the river valley arts legacy.
• Spotlight the connections between the performing arts and community building through
  • Offering a space that encourages a vibrant community life.
  • Preserving the historic and cultural importance of the Stockholm Opera Hall to the arts and community.
  • Nurturing a performing arts center that is a vital element of the cultural life of the region.
  • Developing business expertise to ensure the financial viability of the organization and nurture the economic development of the community.
  • Weaving together with other individuals, organizations, and the surrounding community to assist in achieving mutual goals for the performing arts and community building.

What's up with the name?

On a wide spot on the Great River, in a village that was once nothing more than a wide spot in the road, the re-birth of a center for the arts takes place.

Once the Stockholm Opera Hall, now the home to the WideSpot Performing Arts Center and Community Project, the 100+ year old space is once again becoming the centerpiece of the community and a vibrant, creative home for the performing arts of all kinds.

Expect the unexpected

One weekend you may find theater and classical music, the next might bring independent film and a gospel "hot dish" brunch, followed by dance, comedy, poetry.... a deep palate of the arts. All of this being expertly choreographed and curated by a staff deeply dedicated to the arts and the power of the arts in building community.

The not-for-profit Center will be available for community use during non-performance times and a portion of proceeds will be dedicated to local organizations and charities.

Bios

Kelli Tatum — Executive Director

Kelli Tatum is best known for her association with the Refreshment Committee Theatre Company (RTC). She served as the RTC's associate artistic director and resident choreographer for nearly fifteen years. During her time with the RTC she produced, directed, performed on and wrote for the stage.

Though most of her career was spent in the RTC, she has also worked for several theatres in the Twin Cities area including Theater in the Round Players, Starting Gate Theater, Front Porch Theater, Theatre Three, and Park Square Theater. While the stage is her first love, Kelli has also worked in film and video in a variety of roles, most notably as an associate film producer for the Hazelden Foundation.

After a brief diversion in the world of Corporate America, Kelli finds herself back home in the world of theater. Kelli also operates an event planning business called, Staged.

Alan Nugent - Board of Directors
Gary Albrigtson - Board of Directors
Mary Anne Collins-Svoboda - Board of the Directors
Pat Carlson - Board of Directors
Carol Hinderlie - Board of Directors
Karna Baseman - Board of Directors