Bird's Eye View of Hubbard

Street Scene in Hubbard in the '50s

About Us 

Long Lake Theater history

In 2001, Bruce Bolton had the idea of converting a former church into a live, 100-seat theater. The old church was located in the village of Hubbard. Managing a theater was his lifelong dream, so he pursued it. The former Hubbard Alliance Church was transformed into an intimate theater space with the help of Mark Colbenson, who took the helm of Artistic Director from 2002-2004. The 'curtain rose' for the first time in June 2002, and we've been entertaining audiences with our line-up of top-notch comedy, drama and musicals ever since. Colbenson and his acting company, Lone Wolf Players, staged many fine productions at Long Lake Theater. Bruce, along with his wife/business partner, Shannon Geisen, are indebted to Mark for sharing his passion for theater and immense talent.

In late 2005, the theater complex expanded by adding a second former 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 until Bruce offered to move it next to Long Lake Theater. The church community generously raised funds to cover the moving costs. Once again, we are grateful to the many organizers who helped preserve this cherished structure.

On June 1, 2006, northern Minnesota's newest art space, called The Landmark, opened. Initially, the versatile space was an art gallery open freely to the public and featuring selected regional artists as well as artwork from Maria's Children International, a Moscow-based arts rehabilitation center for Russian orphans. The space also had a stage, piano and workshop area for theater classes or rehearsals.

After more renovation, The Landmark opened in June 2008 as a cozy, 100-seat theater. We're thrilled to offer this additional stage for great family entertainment. We also wish to thank our loyal patrons who have so faithfully supported theater arts for these many years. Another huge thanks to the many diverse and talented actors, directors, stage managers and others who have shown equal dedication and charisma!

The village of Hubbard history

In its hey day, Hubbard was the rival of Park Rapids.


Who we are

Bruce Bolton founded Long Lake Theater and currently serves as its Artistic/Managing Director. He is a 1981 graduate of Nevis High School. In 1996, he returned the Park Rapids area to pursue another lifelong interest:  cattle ranching. He also teaches English/Drama at the Menahga High School, and it was on his morning drive to work that he noticed the vacant church in Hubbard. The wheels began turning...

Shannon Geisen, Bruce's wife and business partner, was admittedly skeptical of her husband's brainstorm. A theater? In Hubbard? But she and Bruce share a love of theater, and even shared the stage together in Mark Twain's "The Diaries of Adam and Eve" (2005). Shannon serves as Business Manager and Publicity Manager. The couple lives on a hobby farm with their two daughters.

nearly 4500 patrons per year from a 120 mile radius and beyond.