Press Release - 11-7-24

Breaking the 4th Wall

For 55 years, 208 N. Marina Street was the heart and soul of Community Theatre in Prescott.

Initially gifted to the Prescott Fine Arts Association, the theatre was an opportunity for community members to step out of their comfort zone and work in a collaborative environment to produce Musicals, Dramas, Comedies and variety of programs ranging from Readers Theatre, Summer Stock, to Family Theatre programs.

Most recently known as Suze’s Prescott Center for the Arts, the group was faced with an unsustainable financial situation and stopped productions this past summer.

For the last several months, a group of local arts leaders, business owners, and community members came together with a common mission: “To save the historic facilities and preserve Community Theatre in Prescott for generations to come.”

This last week, with the financial backing of a benefactor who shares that vision, 4th Wall Productions, and Prescott’s Community Theatre became a reality.

The 4th Wall refers to a period in a theatrical piece where the actors break character and address the audience, inviting them into the experience of live theatre.

With a nod to history and the original mission, the property has been named The Hazeltine, in honor of Norma Hazeltine who originally purchased and gifted the Church and Rectory to the community in 1968.

4th Wall Productions operates as a nonprofit 501C3 with a Board or Directors, as well as an Advisory Board and is currently planning their first full season beginning in the Spring of 2025.

In the meantime, The 4th Wall is focusing on December fundraiser productions that include a series of themed “Dinners in the Theatre” that take place on the Main Stage of the historic theatre.

Beginning December 5th with “Postcards from Paris” and two additional dinners on December 12th and 19th with “An Evening in Casablanca” and “White Christmas” guests will be treated to an intimate evening that combines music, film, and live performances in a transportive setting.

“The Christmas Tree”, a two person play featuring Joann Robertson and Sean Jeralds, rounds out the month along with “Sticks & Tones” performing “Where’s the Light?”, a matinee at 4pmworld-wide holiday tour with Henry and Maria Flurry.

February will see the first full stage production of “Putting it Together” a Tony winning musical and apropos to the efforts put forth by the team.  Directed by veteran Prescott director Don Langford, the five-member cast takes the audience through the challenges, trials, and anticipation of putting a theatrical production together.

Meantime, the group is focusing their efforts on converting the Main Stage to traditional theatre seating and other cosmetic and facility upgrades.

For more information, tickets, volunteer opportunities and to support community Theatre visit the-hazeltine.com and on Facebook – 4th Wall Productions.