EXPANDING THE SCENE. Chippewa Falls native Nate Plummer is expanding his acting coaching business, Stage Door Unlocked, in more way than one. With a physical venue secured, Stage Door Unlocked will move from its former virtual-only options to in-person classes – and soon, productions. (Submitted headshot)

The Chippewa Valley has a new theatre venue – one with a new approach. "Really, we’re an educational performing arts company," Nate Plummer, the founder of Stage Door Unlocked, said.

Since 2015, Plummer has operated Stage Door Unlocked as a virtual actor training and resource business. As of this fall, the business will branch out and become Stage Door Unlocked Productions & Training.

Plummer will expand his services to in person and occupy the former Jacobson’s Market space in Chippewa Falls (17168 Co Hwy J, Chippewa Falls).

Having a dedicated physical venue will be both a new direction for the business and offer a new type of theatre company for the area, he said. What sets this venture apart is its specific focus on being an educational environment first.

"Often times, during a theatre production, we don’t really have the time to help teach people what they need or want to learn to grow as performers," Plummer said.

Plummer intends, however, to flip the script. "We’ll be focusing on creating opportunities to help performers of all ages and experience levels grow," he said.

The new theatre company's classes will teach students skills that will then go on to be applied during Stage Door Unlocked productions.

Plummer, whose university degree is in theatre education, drew a lot of inspiration from the company Birder on Broadway, a theatre and youth education studio in De Pere. Much of the programming at Stage Door Unlock Productions & Training will focus on youth education, Plummer said.

"Any opportunity that develops new artists in any capacity is important. We'll be training people, growing their skills, honing their talents, and the performances will show the result of that work."

NATE PLUMMER

FOUNDER, STAGE DOOR UNLOCKED

Elementary and middle school students who are taking after-school classes at the theatre company will make up the cast of its first production, "Snow White & The Seven Dwarves," slated for January 2027.

Of course, the former meat market building isn't quite a theatre yet. The first series of classes at Stage Door Unlocked will help generate funding required to transform the space ahead of upcoming productions.

Classes will focus on acting and musical theatre for ages 8-17, a "Show Tunes for Seniors" singing club, "Acting Techniques for Adults" and "Homeschool Singing Club" for ages 8-17.

Nate Plummer is likely familiar to those who frequent or participate in Chippewa Valley Theatre Guild productions, as the org's former artistic director and director of education. In 2024, he directed CVTG's "The Importance of Being Earnest," pictured. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

Looking ahead, Plummer plans to include more offerings such as on-camera training, technical and stagehand work, voice-over classes and even workshops with health professionals like nutrition, yoga and how to take care of your throat while singing.

All of this will lead to Stage Door Unlocked's first large scale production – a musical slated for March 2027 (which Plummer didn't want to reveal the name of quite yet). 

"I've always wanted to get into education," Plummer noted. "Any opportunity that develops new artists in any capacity is important. We'll be training people, growing their skills, honing their talents, and the performances will show the result of that work."

Stage Door Unlocked Training & Productions (17168 Co Hwy J, Chippewa Falls) is booking classes now. Sign up for its newsletter online, reach out via email at info@stagedoorunlocked.com and follow the company on Facebook for future updates. Learn more at stagedoorunlocked.com.