Minnesota Nonprofit Fundraising Documentary

“This is Living History: The Fairmont Opera House” is a Minnesota nonprofit fundraising documentary I made this summer that highlights the history and importance of the Fairmont Opera House. I made this documentary because I grew up in a rural community similar to Fairmont, and I understand how important community institutions like the Fairmont Opera House are to more isolated communities. This project is close to my heart because I’ve been personally impacted by the Fairmont Opera House, and I’ve seen how it positively serves the community and surrounding towns.

The Fairmont Opera House is the oldest operating theater in Minnesota. Built in 1901 in Fairmont, Minnesota, the 500-seat theater has a rich history of programming and continues to provide services for the local community and the state. Impacting roughly 8,000 people in the region, roughly 1,200 of which are youth, this theater serves as an artistic home to many in various towns across Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa. It brings in different acts from all over the world, hosts community events, and offers theater opportunities for residents of all ages.

Fairmont Opera House currently faces significant financial and structural challenges. Its doors are currently closed as it is unsafe to hold performances inside. Programming is currently happening, but events are taking place elsewhere in the community as a temporary solution until repairs are made. Immediate repairs to put the theater back in service cost $4 million, which must be raised by December 2025 or the theater will close permanently. The closure of Fairmont Opera House will negatively impact the town of Fairmont, and the state of Minnesota, in several ways: an integral part of town and state history will be lost, a rural community and the surrounding areas will lose its firsthand access to other cultures, a space that serves as a vital activities’ hub for residents of all ages will be closed, and a financial loss of approximately $500,000 per year in local revenue will be lost. Several historic theaters across the state of Minnesota, including the Old Log in Excelsior, have closed in the past 5 years. If FOH were to close, Minnesota would lose yet another historic site. Executive Director Blake Potthoff is actively campaigning to raise the necessary funds but are having difficulty due to the project’s scope and rigorous grant guidelines.

To hire me to create your Minnesota Nonprofit Fundraising Documentary, inquire at: janetecklesmedia@gmail.com