Blue Water Theatre

About

In the heart of Wayzata, a local theatre company is making waves with its commitment to creating a vibrant and transformative theatre community. Blue Water Theatre Company (BWTC), established with a mission to provide actors with opportunities that are important, meaningful, and life-changing, has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene.

Image courtesy Blue Water Theatre.

In a significant stride toward realizing their mission, BWTC made a pivotal move in the spring of 2017 by acquiring their own venue at 605 Rice Street East, formerly the Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka. This strategic relocation marked a turning point for the theatre company, allowing them to establish a permanent home in downtown Wayzata.

Since settling into their new space, Blue Water Theatre Company has been hard at work, undertaking various interior renovations to transform the location into a state-of-the-art theatrical haven. Noteworthy improvements include the addition of central air conditioning, turning the sanctuary space into a dedicated theatre with professional staging, comfortable seating, top-notch sound systems, and dazzling lighting setups.

The transformation of 605 Rice Street East has not only enhanced the theatre experience for audiences and actors alike but also solidified BWTC’s presence as a major arts organization in the Wayzata community. The historically significant building has now become synonymous with the rich cultural tapestry of the area.

To support the ongoing efforts and future aspirations of Blue Water Theatre Company, community members and theatre enthusiasts are invited to contribute through donations. A simple click on the designated button on the official website can make a meaningful impact, helping to fund continued renovations and ensure that BWTC remains a beacon of artistic excellence in Wayzata.

As the curtains rise on each new production at Blue Water Theatre, the local community eagerly anticipates the cultural enrichment and artistic brilliance that this thriving theatre company brings to Wayzata. With a permanent home at 605 Rice Street East, BWTC is set to weave more compelling narratives and create lasting memories for years to come.

  • Blue Water Theatre Company Presents Water for Elephants

    Blue Water Theatre Company Presents Water for Elephants

    WAYZATA — Blue Water Theatre Company invites the community to step under the big top as Water for Elephants arrives on stage December 11–21, 2025. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s celebrated novel, the production promises a sweeping, imaginative journey brought to life through inventive stagecraft and expressive puppetry — a hallmark of the company’s commitment to youth artistry.…


  • Blue Water Theatre Launches $500,000 “Raise the Roof” Campaign to Preserve Its Historic Home

    Blue Water Theatre Launches $500,000 “Raise the Roof” Campaign to Preserve Its Historic Home

    Blue Water Theatre Company has launched a $500,000 capital campaign to stabilize operations, repair its 109-year-old former church building on Rice Street, and preserve a youth-led arts community that serves families throughout the west metro. Board Chair Janessa Prawer said the campaign, called Raise the Roof, is intended to give the organization enough runway to complete a financial…


  • Blue Water Theatre Company Seeks Historic Designation to Preserve Its Home

    The Blue Water Theatre Company is turning to the community and city leaders for support as it seeks to add its building at 605 Rice Street East to the National Register of Historic Places. The youth performing arts nonprofit has called the former Wayzata Congregational Church home since 2017. The property’s history stretches back nearly a…


  • Wayzata Musicales Presents: Brad Olson’s One Man Band to Close the Season

    Wayzata Musicales Presents: Brad Olson’s One Man Band to Close the Season

    WAYZATA — The Wayzata Musicales concert series will cap off its season in high-energy fashion with Brad Olson’s One Man Band on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The performance will be held at the Blue Water Theatre Company and promises to be an entertaining finale that ushers in the summer season with style. A Twin…


  • Wayzata Musicales Brings Gypsy Mania Quartet to Blue Water Theatre

    Wayzata Musicales Brings Gypsy Mania Quartet to Blue Water Theatre

    In a town that loves its music, few things are as exciting as a night of live jazz, and this April, Wayzata Musicales is set to deliver a performance sure to have toes tapping and hearts soaring. The Gypsy Mania Quartet, a renowned Twin Cities-based ensemble, will take the stage at Blue Water Theatre on…


  • Wayzata Musicales Presents: Copper Street Brass in Concert

    Wayzata Musicales Presents: Copper Street Brass in Concert

    The beloved Wayzata Musicales series continues its tradition of showcasing exceptional talent with an upcoming performance by the renowned Copper Street Brass. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable evening of music, taking place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Wayzata High School in Plymouth. Copper Street Brass, Minnesota’s premier brass chamber ensemble,…


  • Wayzata Musicales Returns for a Spectacular Second Season

    Wayzata Musicales Returns for a Spectacular Second Season

    The beloved Wayzata Musicales concert series is back, bringing world-class performances to the heart of Wayzata. After a highly successful inaugural season, the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund and Blue Water Theatre Company have teamed up once again to deliver unforgettable musical evenings to the west metro. Kicking off Season 2 on Saturday, November 9, at…


  • Wayzata Musicales Announces Exciting Lineup for Season 2

    Wayzata Musicales Announces Exciting Lineup for Season 2

    After the success of its debut season, Wayzata Musicales is back for another round of headline performances, bringing top-tier musicians to the heart of the west metro. Sponsored by the Woody Budnick-Chip Williams Fund in partnership with Blue Water Theatre Company, Season 2 of Wayzata Musicales promises a series of can’t-miss concerts. The season kicks…


  • New Play ‘A House Divided’ to Premiere at Blue Water Theatre Company

    New Play ‘A House Divided’ to Premiere at Blue Water Theatre Company

    New Play ‘A House Divided’ to Premiere at Blue Water Theatre Company A new play, A House Divided, co-written and directed by Phi Hamens Nelson and Carmen Chávez, will premiere at Blue Water Theatre Company over Labor Day weekend. Nelson and Chávez spent five years developing the play. Performances are scheduled for August 30, 31,…


  • Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Comes to Bluewater Theatre

    Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Comes to Bluewater Theatre

    Blue Water Theatre is proud to present William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, “Romeo and Juliet,” from April 18 to April 21, 2024. The performances will be held at 7:00 pm from April 18 to 20, with an additional matinee at 2:00 pm on April 21. Set in the heart of Verona, this tragic tale revolves around…