ALL CAUGHT UP. Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild performers take a bow after performing Caught in the Net in 2019 at The Grand Theatre.

One theater, 15 years of history. One group, 40 years of entertainment. The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild is celebrating 15 years at The Grand Theatre this year. This occasion coincides with their 40th year as an organization in the Chippewa Valley. While the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild will not celebrate in person, they will still celebrate this monumental occasion through video performances posted to their Facebook page.

One of these performances will be the Shakespearean Teen two-week workshop group, which will premier in October and be the last performance of the season, while the others will be videos taking a look at past performances, celebrating those who have been a part of the Guild in its 40-year history.

The Grand (102 W. Grand Ave., Eau Claire) the theater in which the Guild now is housed, was purchased by the group 15 years ago. Before that, it was a Salvation Army building. What the group now uses as the theater used to be the chapel.

“It’s a lovely location,” said Ann Sessions, executive director of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild. “We wanted to stay in the heart of Eau Claire. The space that we have is the chapel for the Salvation Army. Rows and rows of pews, a raised stage, and raised ceilings.”

“It’s a lovely location,” said Ann Sessions, executive director of the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild. “We wanted to stay in the heart of Eau Claire. The space that we have is the chapel for the Salvation Army. Rows and rows of pews, a raised stage, and raised ceilings.” Before the Guild was able to buy The Grand, they rented two offices at The State Theatre, which has now closed.

Every theatre company and production has its own challenges. Sometimes finding cast members, making sets work, financial problems – the list goes on. “Sometimes you have to think outside the box,” said Russel Slack, a member of the Guild.

The Grand has been closed since March, Sessions said, assuming restrictions were first put in place. Since then, all productions have been halted.

According to Rebecca Mattson, secretary for The Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild, after the first of the year, productions will resume. Two favorites will be returning to the stage: Legally Blonde, which will run from April until May, and Matilda, which will run in June.

To help the Chippewa Valley Theater Guild fund its programs and open for their next season, you can donate to them through cvtg.org. Starting in 2021 – when restrictions on in-person gatherings are lifted – there will be different events for the public to be a part of to celebrate The Guild’s long run in the Chippewa Valley and at The Grand.

Find the Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild online at cvtg.org or facebook.com/cvtgact.