Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre at the Historic Fire Hall Theatre
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About the Fire Hall Theatre:

In the early 1980s, the #1 Fire Hall in Downtown Grand Forks was purchased and renovated into the 100 seat Fire Hall Theatre. The Theatre has served as the home of the Community Theatre since.

In 1997, the region suffered through a terrible flood, and as reported, ther was much concern about the Theatre's ability to recover. With over three feet of water in the building, "the Fire Hall Theatre sustained substantial water damage and some feared the building will be condemned... a determination to be made 'later' by the powers that be. As of May 5 that year, the degree of damage to equipment, costumes, etc. could not be determined because the site could not be visited. The Theatre had to cancel performances and spring fundraising efforts and were short of current operating funds to use for the recovery period." However, the theatre re-opened in September of that year.

The Fire Hall underwent another major change in the Spring of 2008, when the lobby was renovated.

Historical Milestones

1947  GGFCT established
1983  Fire Hall Theatre acquired
1984  First Production in Fire Hall
1997  Fire Hall under 3 ft. of water following '97 Flood
2004  GGFCT undergoes administrative restructuring
2006  GGFCT acquires production responsibilities for Crimson Creek Players, a regional professional theatre troupe.
2008  Fire Hall Theatre lobby refurbished
2009  New HD Video Projection System Installed
2010  New Sound System installed.
2011  Established Children's Workshops
              Replaced 106 year old windows due to Community Development Block Grant
2013  Named Art Organization of the Year by the Governor of ND 
2014  Lobby renovated & new carpet installed in theatre
              Completed tuckpointing on west wall of theatre
2015  Awarded "Special Recognition Award" by the American Association of Community Theatres
              Upgraded lighting dimmers
              Completed tuckpointing on east wall of theatre
2016  Received $17,000 grant from Myra Foundation to overhaul HVAC system.  
              Completed tuck pointing on Fire Hall Theatre after raising $93,000 in grants and private donations.  
2019  Overhauled upstairs costume and prop collection with help of many volunteer hours. 

an excerpt from...
"The Beginning:  Fire Hall Theatre
                                           by Paul J. Schwartz

"I first became aware of the existence of the Fire Hall at a cast party at Fanny Gershman's house, in October, 1981. Fanny, the widow of Grand Forks' most successful "bottle shop" owner Happy Harry Gershman, was an active board member and generous hostess, who graciously opened her home for parties and fundraising events.

At this particular party, given for the cast and crew of 6 Rooms with a View, I was sitting at some distance from a group dominated by former GGFCT Board Treasurer Rick Winant, which was discussing the Fire Hall, inspired by a Chris Jacobs editorial in the local weekly chronicle.

In that editorial, Chris, who had an active interest in promoting the arts in Grand Forks, suggested that the city should, instead of demolishing the no longer needed fire hall next to City Hall, turn it into an arts center..."


Read the complete story (pdf)

GREATER GRAND FORKS COMMUNITY THEATRE
412 2nd Avenue North
Grand Forks, ND  58203

(701) 746-0847
info@ggfct.com
  • Home
  • About
    • Fire Hall Theatre
    • Rental
    • Governance
  • Contact
  • Box Office
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Auditions
  • Donate