The Curtains are Hung

Behind the Scenes at Historic Fort Peck Summer Theatre: Where the Magic Happens

The Historic Fort Peck Summer Theatre is more than just a stage—it’s a vibrant hub of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. While audiences are captivated by the performances, the real magic is crafted behind the scenes by dedicated technicians and artists of the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council. Let’s take a tour of the facilities that bring these productions to life, complete with photos showcasing the heart and soul of this beloved theatre.

The Scene Shop: Building the Stage, Piece by Piece

Next to the theatre, the council constructed two essential buildings, starting with the Scene Shop. This space is a marvel of organization, split into two sections: the workshop and the prop shop. The workshop is a builder’s dream, with neatly sorted doors, platforms, 2x4s, and even recycled nuts and bolts, all meticulously arranged for efficiency.

On the other side, the two-story prop shop is a treasure trove of donated and scavenged items collected over decades. From vintage lamps to quirky knickknacks, designers have an endless array of props to add those perfect finishing touches to each set.

The Rehearsal and Costume Building: Precision and Style

Built in 2016, the second building serves double duty. The main floor is a rehearsal space, with a floor painted to the exact scale of the main stage. This allows performers to perfect their spacing and blocking, ensuring every movement is seamless on opening night.

Downstairs, the costume shop is a wonderland of fashion and history. Endless racks of period-specific clothing and specialty attire—much of it donated—fill the space. With sewing stations, tools, and even a washer and dryer, the costume team can tailor existing pieces or create stunning new designs from scratch.

The Duplex: A Home Away from Home

Just down the street, the council owns a dormitory affectionately called the Duplex. Originally part of Glasgow Air Force Base, this building was relocated to Fort Peck in the 1990s, along with two others in the neighborhood.

Since its acquisition, the Duplex has been transformed into a cozy retreat for cast and crew members who travel from across the country to bring the theatre’s productions to life.

With two kitchens, eight bathrooms, and 19 beds, the Duplex buzzes with energy all summer long. Recent upgrades, including new windows installed in 2018, have added waterproofing and style. During the off-season, the council focuses on maintenance—flooring repairs, bathroom upgrades, and general tinkering keep the building in top shape.

A Touch of Warmth from Volunteers To make the Duplex even more inviting, the council enlisted talented volunteers to enhance the sleeping rooms. Thanks to the incredible efforts of Jean Carlson, Bonny Meyer, Betty Belkajon, and Della Yeska, new curtains have transformed these spaces into cozy getaways, offering residents a warm and restful escape.

Looking Ahead: Siding and Sustainability The next big project for the Duplex is a much-needed siding replacement. This costly endeavor will be approached with the council’s signature care, balancing feasibility and responsible spending as a nonprofit.

A Community That Shines The Historic Fort Peck Summer Theatre is more than a venue—it’s a testament to the power of community, creativity, and dedication. From the organized chaos of the Scene Shop to the tailored elegance of the costume shop and the welcoming embrace of the Duplex, every corner of this operation reflects the hard work and love poured into it by the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council and its supporters.

Join us to kick off what's slated to be a memorable season, Friday May 23, to witness the magic on stage—and know that behind every performance is a world of artistry and effort, making Fort Peck a true gem in Montana’s cultural landscape.