Contact Us
Northland Words and Words Players Theatre are based in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Reach out with questions about performances, classes, or supporting the organization.
- Address: 14 4th Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902
- General information: (507) 358-6651
- Tickets: (507) 216-6431
- Education inquiries: education@northlandwords.org — see our Education page for class details.
For updates on performances, classes, and other activities, you can also join the email list through our Subscribe page.
Staff & Website
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Executive Director | Daved Driscoll |
| Website Director | Ian Henckel |
Northland Words is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization serving southeast Minnesota through theatre, literature, and music.
Northland Words stands as a community-rooted arts organization dedicated to the craft of storytelling, whether through stage productions, classroom programs, or the simple joy of gathering to hear words performed aloud. The organization brings together writers, actors, students, and audiences who share a belief that language remains one of the most powerful forms of human expression. Across its many projects, the focus stays on nurturing curiosity, encouraging participation, and creating spaces where stories can travel freely between people and places.
Through the Words Players Theatre, the group mounts a wide range of performances that draw from classical traditions, contemporary work, and original adaptations crafted by local artists. Productions are designed to welcome newcomers while still offering depth for longtime theatre-goers, and they often travel to schools, festivals, and community venues across the region. Auditions are open to anyone willing to commit to the rehearsal process, and the company takes pride in giving emerging performers a chance to grow alongside seasoned collaborators.
Education sits at the heart of the mission, with classes and youth programs that introduce participants to acting, voice, playwriting, and the fundamentals of theatrical production. Students of all ages are invited to take part in hands-on activities that build confidence, literacy, and a sense of creative community. The organization also supports student-driven decision making in play selection, set design, and stagecraft, helping young people understand the many roles that come together to bring a production to life.
A signature project weaves together Shakespearean adventure and the spirit of the Renaissance festival, inviting audiences to follow a wandering troupe of players through a journey that feels equal parts theatre, history, and outdoor spectacle. Performances have earned recognition for their inventive staging, energetic cast work, and a memorable soundtrack that ties the story together. Rave reviews have followed the show through festivals and university appearances, and the experience continues to evolve with each new season of touring and community engagement.
Beyond the stage, Northland Words maintains an active presence through social media, an email newsletter, and ongoing conversations with members and supporters. Visitors can explore membership options, learn about donation opportunities, and browse handmade merchandise such as leather goods inspired by classic folk traditions. The organization is tax-exempt and nonprofit, sustained by the people who believe in the essential role the arts play in everyday life, and it continually seeks new ways to keep the conversation alive between performers and the communities they serve.