Our Backstory

A legacy of live theater

Founded in 1981, Entertainment, Inc! has been a cornerstone of the Williston arts scene. Our productions have ranged from classic plays to bold new performances, always with a commitment to engaging and inspiring our community.

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. 

Each season, volunteers work alongside our office manager and contracted staff members 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, both on stage and off.  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 contracted directors.

Funding for Entertainment, Inc! is provided by grants on the local and state level, donations, patron and season ticket drives, admission revenue, contracted services, costume and equipment rental, technical services, concessions, and fund-raising events. We are always exploring additional sources of funding. As one can imagine, creating a season of four productions is an expensive venture. In addition to theatre production, other expenses include space rental, insurance, marketing, office supplies, telephone, internet, web services, and salaries for office personnel and contracted services. Supporting the arts through a donation to Entertainment, Inc! is tax-deductible.