Our Mission
Northland Words is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization based at 14 4th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902. The organization celebrates the essential role of stories in our lives, bringing together theatrical, literary, and musical arts for the southeast Minnesota community. Thinking about stepping onto the stage for the first time? Preparing For Your First Community Theatre Audition offers a friendly guide to help you walk into your first community theatre audition with confidence.
Through productions, classes, and gatherings, Northland Words invites families, students, and longtime arts lovers to participate in the stories that shape us — and to share in the conversation they spark. Every event at Northland Words is powered by a passionate team of volunteers, artists, and supporters. The people who make Northland Words events possible shines a light on the individuals who bring our productions and festivals to life.
Words Players Theatre
Words Players Theatre was launched in 2004 by homeschooled students with two productions: The Sign on Rosie's Door and a retelling of Aristophanes' The Birds. Today the company stages productions year-round for audiences in parks, theatres, barns, and farmers' markets, including an annual Shakespeare in the Park series. Explore the intersection of music, drama, and live performance in our featured article, Music, Drama, And The Power Of Live Sound. Music, Drama, And The Power Of Live Sound
Programs at a Glance
- Theatrical, literary, and musical arts programming for youth and adults
- Education classes on a donation basis, with a $10/hour guideline
- Annual Thornton Wilder Short Play Festivals, held since 2006
- Community performances at festivals, parks, and partner venues
- Supporting-member discounts for show tickets
By the Numbers
Since 2004, Northland Words has entertained over 20,000 audience members, and approximately 4,000 young people are involved in the arts through its programs each year.
A Few Past Productions
- A Midsummer Night's Dream and The Pirates of Penzance (2010)
- Sixth Thornton Wilder Short Play Festival (2011)
- As You Like It, Oklahoma!, and Into The Woods (2012)
- Twelfth Night, Our Town, and King Arthur in Camelot (2013)
- A Christmas Carol, Shakespeare in the Park, and Schoolhouse Rock Live! (2014)
- Tenth Thornton Wilder Short Play Festival and nAnnie mcTwist (2015)