Grandstreet Theatre
Mission:
Our mission is to produce a diverse spectrum of theatre of the highest quality, to provide hands-on learning experiences in all aspects of theatre production to all ages, and to celebrate the achievements of volunteers and staff. Grandstreet seeks to nuture the performing arts as an integral part of life in Helena and the surrounding area.
History:
The history of Grandstreet Theatre begins with the vision of a man, Carl Darchuck, a Montana native, who returned in May, 1975 to investigate the potential for starting a community theater in Helena, much as he did in Fort Peck, Montana, Tacoma and Port Townsend, Washington.
Within a month he and a handful of dedicated volunteers had established the ballroom of the historic Placer Hotel (at the corner of Grand St. and Last Chance Gulch) as the base of his operation. Grand Street Theatre opened its first production, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying in August, 1975. In their first ten months of operation, they did ten shows on their postage stamp stage. After How to Succeed in Business... came Our Town, South Pacific, The Owl and the Pussycat, The Mousetrap, A Christmas Carol, Bye Bye Birdie, The Clown Prince of Wanderlust (a children's play), Hello Dolly!, Inherit the Wind and The Music Man.
