Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Davidson-Thooft.
Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got involved in performing arts as early as elementary school but became engaged once I got to middle school. I learned quickly that I loved being behind the scenes of performances, much more than being on stage. It’s an amazing feeling to know that your work can bring so much joy to the performers, technicians, and audience. I went on to study theatre arts administration and have been working in the performing arts administration world ever since.
When the pandemic hit, we relocated to Detroit Lakes for my husband’s job. I was so excited when a position opened up at the Historic Holmes Theatre, not only for the chance to work in Detroit Lake’s arts community but also because of the notoriety that HHT has gained throughout the state of Minnesota.
The story of the community coming together to save this space and open it up as a community center is so important to who we are and how we program the arts in Detroit Lakes. Our stage belongs to the community, and we work hard to create opportunities to enjoy this space whether it’s watching a nationally touring performance from the audience or getting on stage to perform yourself!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The pandemic changed a lot in the art world. I learned quickly that online/virtual performances and arts experiences were not for me, and I truly grieved the loss of live performances.
I was very determined from an early age I’d say to make a career in arts administration and felt very driven to make sure that arts experiences were accessible to all. The Historic Holmes Theatre did a great job of figuring out how to persevere in the pandemic and because of that, we’ve come out stronger.
As soon as the HHT staff could safely program again, they jumped right into it, and the audience was excited to come back too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I love everything that goes into making a show a performance, a work of art. Artists seem to love performing at the Historic Holmes Theatre because we work hard to create a great environment. Our audiences are generous and appreciative, our community comes out in droves with support whether it’s sponsoring the shows or buying tickets, and we work hard at HHT to make sure to provide the best hospitality possible so that artists remember their experience here.
I’m lucky that at HHT I’m able to present artists (booking local, regional, national, and international performing art groups) while also getting the opportunity to play producer (with community theatre and local productions that rent our space). I’m able to combine my creative side with my logistical side, which is why arts administration has always felt like the best place for me. I love high-energy performances and bringing artists to Detroit Lakes that give back to the community, whether it’s with an incredible performance or stepping off the stage with outreach activities.
It’s really important to us to bring Artists who without the invitation of the HHT, would never perform here in Detroit Lakes. Our community has so much to give to the artists and we love giving back by bringing the best possible talent we can find to our audience. I’m proud to feel like through the job I’m part of the bigger community here.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
The Historic Holmes Theatre is doing so much all of the time!
Whether you want to join us in the art cellar for a new art class, attend a dance class with a world-renowned dance company, perform on stage with our community theatre, or applaud in the audience, there’s an open invitation for everyone to join us here!
Pricing:
- Tickets are typically between $15-45 per person! With the support of the community through our Friends of The Theatre and community sponsors we can keep our ticket prices down! Student tickets are always half-price.
Contact Info:
- Website: dlccc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historicholmestheatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historicholmestheatre/
