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BEMIDJI COMMUNITY THEATER (BCT), a non-profit corporation, debuted in December of 1981 when a group of friends recorded A Christmas Carol and broadcast it via radio. The first live performance occurred in conjunction with Art in the Park in 1982 with an open-air showing of Dirty Work at the Crossroads. After that, BCT was off and running.
BCT has produced shows in a variety of venues. Our first on stage production in 1983 of Mousetrap was at JW Smith Elementary School. Since then, we have utilized several different venues from BSU’s Bridgeman Hall and Hagg-Sauer room 100, to a tent near Paul & Babe; BCT has continued to thrive in any element. In 1991, we produced our first musical Anything Goes on the main stage at Bangsberg Hall. Musicals were sporadic for a time, but have now become a mainstay of our offerings.
Over the years, more people joined the group to share their time, talents and interests swelling the ranks to a yearly membership of 40 to 50 who engage in all aspects of theater production. From acting and directing, to designing and building scenery, to advertising and selling tickets, community members work side by side learning new skills and passing on the ones they have.
The theater season usually includes three shows varying from comedies to mysteries to tragedies to children’s theater. In 1998, BCT ventured into the realm of dinner theater, including an audience participation mystery. The last few years have seen a return to open air shows with the advent of the melodrama at the amphitheater at Bemidji State Park.
A board of directors determines the year’s theater season based on input from members, availability of a venue, the political climate & past seasons. The need for a performance venue has brought collaborations with a number of groups including the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, The Headwaters School of Music and the Arts, the Middle School, BSU, and St. Philip’s School.
All this totals up to 77 different titles and approximately 600 separate people who have become vital members and contributors to the cause of bringing quality theater to the Bemidji area. BCT prides itself in encouraging local people to produce theater for the local community.
BCT continues to welcome new people to work on stage or behind the scenery, in the costume shop or the front lobby, wherever they feel most comfortable. New members are always welcome whether they choose to be involved in only one show or choose to be active for the next 30 seasons.
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