The HISTORIC CHIEF THEATER
Home of the Paul Bunyan Playhouse & Bemidji Community Theater
A message from the Paul Bunyan Playhouse
Our hearts are heavy with sadness for George Floyd, his family and friends, the Minneapolis-St. Paul community, as well as those affected by police brutality and the events of this past week.
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse is committed to diversity and inclusivity. Purposefully including stories and voices of marginalized peoples and purposefully casting diverse artists to represent the stories we share are some of the ways in which our commitment has and will continue to be lived.
We also understand that support and commitment are not enough. Growth requires reflection. For honest reflection, it is important that the correct stakeholders be involved in the process. We will take the opportunity to examine our policies and procedures to ensure our staff, artists, and patrons are respected and supported.
As a leader in our community, we cannot be silent. Black lives matter. Black trans lives matter. While the current moment is centered on black lives, we also know police brutality in our community disproportionately affects indigenous lives. Indigenous lives matter.
To our community of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is committed to the fight against racism. We must do better.
Sincerely,
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse Board of Directors
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse is committed to diversity and inclusivity. Purposefully including stories and voices of marginalized peoples and purposefully casting diverse artists to represent the stories we share are some of the ways in which our commitment has and will continue to be lived.
We also understand that support and commitment are not enough. Growth requires reflection. For honest reflection, it is important that the correct stakeholders be involved in the process. We will take the opportunity to examine our policies and procedures to ensure our staff, artists, and patrons are respected and supported.
As a leader in our community, we cannot be silent. Black lives matter. Black trans lives matter. While the current moment is centered on black lives, we also know police brutality in our community disproportionately affects indigenous lives. Indigenous lives matter.
To our community of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is committed to the fight against racism. We must do better.
Sincerely,
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse Board of Directors
COVID-19 Announcement for the Playhouse's 70th Season:
Dear Paul Bunyan Playhouse Patrons and Community,
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse values the health and well-being of our patrons, community, sponsors, and the artistic staff we invite to Bemidji from across the country each year. It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director and Company Manager of the Paul Bunyan Playhouse have decided to postpone the 2020 summer season due to the COVID-19 emergency.
Theatre tradition holds that before a theatre closes for the night, stage hands turn on the ghost light. This single bulb is intended to ensure safety and also serves metaphorically as a beacon of hope and vitality. For 69 seasons, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse has proudly produced professional theatre for the Bemidji community.
This announcement is NOT a cancellation, but rather a postponement of our 70th season. We intend to produce the 2020 season titles (All Shook Up, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Grease, Sylvia, and Young Frankenstein) for our 2021 summer season, pending licensing. We did not make this decision lightly, but believe it is our responsibility to do our part in keeping the Bemidji community safe by decreasing the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.
If you have already purchased a season ticket or flex book for the 2020 season your purchase will be honored for the 2021 summer season. Please visit our website at paulbunyanplayhouse.org for further details and options.
We look forward to returning for our 2021 season. In the meantime, we have installed an additional ghost light in the lobby at the Historic Chief Theatre. This light serves as a reminder that the act of theatre fosters community and we will gather again. Until then, we wish you health and wellness.
Sincerely,
Paul Bunyan Playhouse Board of Directors:
Cailey Birchem, Nikki Caliri, Season Ellison, Jordan Lindquist, Holly Nelson, Jane Nord, and Cory Renbarger
James Williams, Artistic Director
Heather Williams-Williams, Company Manager
The Paul Bunyan Playhouse values the health and well-being of our patrons, community, sponsors, and the artistic staff we invite to Bemidji from across the country each year. It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director and Company Manager of the Paul Bunyan Playhouse have decided to postpone the 2020 summer season due to the COVID-19 emergency.
Theatre tradition holds that before a theatre closes for the night, stage hands turn on the ghost light. This single bulb is intended to ensure safety and also serves metaphorically as a beacon of hope and vitality. For 69 seasons, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse has proudly produced professional theatre for the Bemidji community.
This announcement is NOT a cancellation, but rather a postponement of our 70th season. We intend to produce the 2020 season titles (All Shook Up, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Grease, Sylvia, and Young Frankenstein) for our 2021 summer season, pending licensing. We did not make this decision lightly, but believe it is our responsibility to do our part in keeping the Bemidji community safe by decreasing the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus.
If you have already purchased a season ticket or flex book for the 2020 season your purchase will be honored for the 2021 summer season. Please visit our website at paulbunyanplayhouse.org for further details and options.
We look forward to returning for our 2021 season. In the meantime, we have installed an additional ghost light in the lobby at the Historic Chief Theatre. This light serves as a reminder that the act of theatre fosters community and we will gather again. Until then, we wish you health and wellness.
Sincerely,
Paul Bunyan Playhouse Board of Directors:
Cailey Birchem, Nikki Caliri, Season Ellison, Jordan Lindquist, Holly Nelson, Jane Nord, and Cory Renbarger
James Williams, Artistic Director
Heather Williams-Williams, Company Manager
Your 2020 Tickets
Options for season ticket holders, FlexPass holders, and independent ticket holders
Maintain your current reservation |
Convert your reservation to a donation |
Exchange for a different date/performance |
Request a refund |
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
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Help Support the Paul Bunyan Playhouse and The Historic Chief Theater Donate Today!
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We are located in scenic downtown Bemidji, just around the corner from the lakefront with the famous statues of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. The Chief Theater is owned and operated by the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible not-for-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law. This activity is made possible, in part, by a grant provided by the Region 2 Arts Council through funding from the Minnesota State Legislature. |
Contact Us
Facility Rentals, Advertising, Underwriting, 2018 Season Information,
Business Manager and Other General Information:
info@paulbunyanplayhouse.org
Location: 314 Beltrami Ave. / Bemidji, MN 56601
Phone: 218-751-7270
Email: info@paulbunyanplayhouse.org
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The Chief Theater is owned and operated by the Paul Bunyan Playhouse, a 501(c) 3 tax exempt, fiscally responsible not-for-profit organization, managed by a volunteer Board of Directors and a professional staff. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
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