Entertainment, Inc! is a non-profit arts organization which was founded in 1981. It is governed by a board of directors who establish policy and are responsible for successfully fulfilling the purpose of the organization which is to provide aristic entertainment, programs, and services and to provide an educational outlet for individuals and groups within the community. We operate out of the Old Armory in Williston, North Dakota. The organization functions primarily as a community theatre and strives to provide high quality entertainment to Western North Dakota and Eastern Montana. Originally established as a choral group, we now present the community with an outstanding selection of plays and musicals. Besides being a community theatre, Entertainment, Inc! has also developed into the leading arts and cultural leader for this region.
Each season, volunteers work alongside our only paid staff member—Artistic and Executive Director B. Michael Quale. Other artistic and technical staff members are contracted for individual services such as accompanists, set and costume designers, choreographers, production directors, and some carpentry personnel. However, our volunteers are the organization’s main workforce bringing their own energy and creativity to the theatre. An estimated 100 to 150 performers grace our stage each year with 60 to 75 volunteers assisting with the behind-the-scenes duties of a production. Volunteers perform, sew costumes, sell tickets, run lights, build sets, work backstage, etc. Entertainment, Inc!’s productions have often been cited as being of “professional-quality.” This is a direct result of volunteer talent guided by our Artistic Director.
Entertainment, Inc! also offers theatrical education for adults and children interested in the performing arts. By working in conjunction with Williston State College, Entertainment, Inc! has been able to offer college credit to the college’s students enrolled in theatre practicum. Through this alliance, we have jointly produced many productions such as “Diary of Anne Frank,” “Our Town,” and Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Nights Dream” and “Twelfth Night.” Entertainment, Inc! also works with Youth Education on Stage to provide youth within the community the opportunity to learn about the stage and to participate in popular plays and musicals during the summer months.
