Mark Colbenson,  
Artistic Director 
2002 ~ 2004

Taking a leap of faith
By Cole Short 
Fargo Forum  

July / August 2003
"Theology To Theater"
by Jerry Mevissen

Shannon Geisen
Business Manager & Publicity
2004 ~ Present

In 2002, my husband had the wacky idea of 
converting a former church into a live theater, 
100-seat playhouse. I thought he was crazy. 
The old church was located in the village of 
Hubbard (population approx. 75, if you 
include the dogs), 
about five miles south of Park Rapids, MN. 
Nuts, I said, no one will come. Well, 
it was his lifelong dream and he pursued it. 
Five years later, Long Lake Theater is still 
alive and kicking. We entertain audiences 
with our line-up of top-notch comedy, drama 
and musicals. 
This summer we expanded the theater complex 
by adding a second church. That’s right, 
another church from the 1890s – probably 
one of the oldest buildings in Hubbard. 
The United Methodist Church of Hubbard 
was slated for destruction last year 
until my husband, Bruce Bolton, offered 
to move it next to Long Lake Theater and 
preserve the cherished structure. The 
church community generously raised funds 
to cover moving costs. On June 1, 2006, 
northern Minnesota’s newest art space, 
now called “The Landmark,” opened. The 
art gallery features selected regional 
artists as well as artwork from Maria’s 
Children International, a Moscow-based 
arts rehabilitation center for Russian orphans. 
(There is no admission fee.) The versatile space 
also has a stage, piano and workshop area for 
theater classes.