May 3rd, 2024

A Legacy of Community Theater: Jane Reiman

by Katelyn Langwith

Have you ever wondered why individuals like Jane dedicate their time and energy to organizations like the Fairmont Opera House? Let’s take a closer look at Jane’s story to see why she believes the Fairmont Opera House is integral to our community.

Why did you get involved in volunteering at the Fairmont Opera House?

Jane’s involvement with the Fairmont Opera House spans several years, serving as Treasurer on the Board of Directors and actively participating in the Program Advisory Committee for Fairmont Area Community Theater. When asked about her motivation, Jane shared, “I joined and re-joined the FOH board to help preserve our current facility so we can continue to promote entertainment/theater throughout this rural region. There is no need to have to go to the Twin Cities to get exposure to quality performances when we can have this locally at a beautiful historic venue.”

What about volunteering excites you most?

For Jane, the heart of Fairmont Opera House lies in its ability to impact lives through theater. With over 25 years of experience, Jane has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of theater on individuals in the community. “The Fairmont Opera House has affected many lives in the area through the youth and adult theater productions over the years. I have seen many young individuals thrive and grow personally through their involvement in theater.”

Jane’s dedication extends beyond her role on the board; she volunteers as House Manager for almost every performance at Fairmont Opera House. Her personal experiences reflect the joy and excitement shared by audience members after each production. “My personal experience comes from seeing the looks on people’s faces when they leave the Fairmont Opera House after a production and how excited they are about what they have just experienced. Many comment on the performances and express their excitement about what a great experience they just had.”

Why do you think others should support Fairmont Area Community Theater?

So, why should others support the work of FACT? According to Jane, it is intrinsically tied to the work of Fairmont Opera House. Since Community theater merged with the work of Fairmont Opera House 40 years ago, it became more important than ever to save their performing home here at Fairmont Opera House.  She says, “We need everyone’s support to be able to continue to provide quality entertainment in such a historic environment. This is a treasure that many communities don’t have. The Fairmont Opera House provides the opportunity to promote the arts and entertainment in our region at an affordable cost. The Fairmont Opera House has been around for 123 years and it needs to continue for 123 more for our children and grandchildren!”

Jane’s dedication and passion for Fairmont Opera House serve as an inspiration to us all. We value the expertise she brings with so much experience as well as all of the hard work she puts in to make sure that everything we do runs smoothly. Her commitment to preserving the legacy of community theater underscores the importance of supporting local arts organizations. As we celebrate Fairmont Opera House’s rich history and look toward the future, let’s join hands in ensuring that this cultural gem continues to thrive for generations to come.

Want to get involved? Auditions for Community theater are NOW! 

To learn more about our work here at Fairmont Opera House or share your own story with us, click the links below!