Invest

in a new type of theatre…

Theater scene with three people under blue lighting on stage; one person standing with arms spread, another holding a clipboard at left, and a third wearing a striped shirt at right.

For too long, the theatre industry has been marred, through no fault of its own, by a “quid pro quo” standard of operating via a non-profit model. This is all fine; however, it leaves artists underpaid, producers scraping the barrel, and pouring effort into making money rather than producing work and paying artists.

We are here to change that!

Dense forest with tall trees and a narrow dirt path surrounded by green moss.
Crowd of people raising hands at a concert or event indoors, with dim lighting and wooden wall panels.

The Wildwood Grows

The Wildwood Theatre has been operating in the Twin Cities for just under a decade, putting up productions wherever the neighborhood seemed best in need of the arts and where the price was right.

After COVID-19 lockdowns, the industry struggled to come back to full force and town halls were called.

From those town halls, we heard the same messages… “the theatre model needs to change,” “There needs to be more collaboration and sharing of resources,” and “Artists need to be at the center of the decision-making,” among others…

We’re here to take all of that feedback and MAKE IT WORK.

Meet the Team

  • Person with curly hair and a mullet hairstyle in a dark jacket, lit by pink and purple lighting, against a two-tone background.

    David Albino

  • A woman with short, light-colored hair and a friendly smile, wearing a black top and a necklace, looking at the camera.

    Darya Gemmel

  • Woman smiling in a plaid coat by the sea and a lighthouse during sunset.

    Claire Swan

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling person wearing glasses and a plaid shirt.

    Brandon Reger-Johnson

features & Model

The guilds

At the core of the Wildwood Theatre’s model is our Guild Memberships. Using a cooperative model allows anyone, community members, artists, or other arts organizations who would like to be member-owners and/or workers of the theater to take part in decision-making, use the space, and more!

the Venue

We are negotiating with The Historic Old Log Theatre in Excelsior, MN! We are very close to signing an agreement, but now we need to secure a year's worth of operating expenses (utilities, royalties, etc) before we can move forward with signing an agreement.

The Old Log is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our organization. It is the full package with everything needed for a theatre venue, including an attached restaurant, a rehearsal studio, and a beautiful property.

Programming

In the new space, Wildwood Theatre would be able to focus more on the programming it is providing to the community. For example, our in-development Education program goes into area schools to perform short plays about mental health, etc.

The Machine

We keep referring to the new space as A Machine. That is precisely why it is so critical that we secure the space.

If we can focus on programming and not allocate 1/3 of our annual budget to renting spaces and the time it takes to search and negotiate terms, the machine will be doing only a small part of what its potential could be.

But primarily, having our own space to rehearse and put on shows that we can potentially bring into the Twin Cities for an extended run at an additional venue would help expand our mission exponentially.

Restaurant & Dinner Theatre

The venue houses a restaurant that will be a full-service restaurant with special Dinner Theatre events!

Two as one

This model is dependent on two businesses operating in sync with one another. Crucible LCC will hold the lease for the entire venue and operate the restaurant exclusively, while Wildwood will operate all theater and event-related business.

There are two investment opportunities: Guild Masters, under The Wildwood Theatre, and Angel Investors, which will be held under Crucible LLC with dividend opportunities.

Theater performance with a large audience watching a person on stage.
Person in dark, hooded clothing with hands forming a triangle, surrounded by blue light and branches, creating a mystical atmosphere.

TYPES OF INVESTMENT

  • ONE TIME $1000 + $5 per household member

    GUILD MASTERS own a share of the Cooperative as well as:

    • A vote in our annual membership meeting

    • Concession Discounts

    • Restaurant Discounts

    • Special Event Tickets

    • Members-only events

    • Deep discounts on venue rentals

    • Complimentary Tickets for you and your household

    • Lifetime Membership

    • Annual Dividents (if the board indicates profit for the year)

    This tier is perfect for producers, creators, organizations, and anyone who needs a home to create. This is also perfect for anyone who wants to be a key player in the business.

  • ONE TIME $300 individual + $50 per household member

    GUILD MEMBERS own a share of the Cooperative as well as:

    • A vote in our annual membership meeting

    • Concession Discounts

    • Restaurant Discounts

    • Discounts on venue rentals

    • Complimentary Tickets for you and your household

  • As a Guild Worker, you will have all of the benefits of a Guild Member, while working for the Theatre or restaurant.

    Dues can be paid over time through payroll deduction or up front.

ready to join?

Need more info?

fill out the form and let us know!