Cutter History

Named for its renowned Spokane architect, Kirtland Cutter, this historic 1912 school is now a Community and Performing Arts Center housing The Cutter Theatre and its support spaces, The Metalines Library, a Rural Schools Exhibit, an Art Gallery and areas for other public and private use.

The Cutter Theatre is on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Built in 1912 of locally-kilned brick and designed by Spokane's master builder, The Cutter Theatre is a building buff's dream. Its graceful and symmetrical lines make the building elegantly lovely as well as sturdily functional. Guided tours are available upon request, or take a self-guided tour using brochures in the lobby.

For those interested in the history of the area, a visit to our Rural Schools Exhibit will be a real treat. This exhibit is a history not just of this building, but of all the schools that have lived and died in what is now Selkirk School District. It is also, by extension, an history of American rural schools, since so much of the school history of Selkirk is typical of rural America everywhere.

Enjoy high-quality entertainment ranging from the hilarious to the sublime in the delightfully intimate atmosphere of The Cutter's 166-seat Theatre. Events include local amateur plays and musicals, booked plays from other area amateur groups, professional musicians and dancers, a lecture series, elementary and high school plays and concerts, and an arts festival. Please consult the enclosed schedule or call The Cutter Theatre at 509-446-4108. We keep our entertainment prices very low to help make up for your travel costs. Local restaurants close early, but we can arrange box dinners for your party by special order. Join us soon and discover the magic of live entertainment in the finest local theatre in Washington.

Who We Are

The Cutter Theatre, located in the small (pop. 225) isolated town of Metaline Falls, is a non-profit Cultural Center founded in 1968 to "develop appreciation and understanding of performing arts in our community. " This mission has since been expanded to include visual arts and humanities. The Cutter Theatre believes that art transcends communication barriers of race, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, and age to minister directly to each person's inner needs.

Our Goals

Preserve the arts
Present the best quality of performing arts.
Educate young theatre students in the skills necessary
Present high-quality arts at a price our economically-depressed audience can afford.
Provide art opportunities that entertain, educate and inspire both audience and artist.
Provide a facility where our community can celebrate its culture and experience other cultures.

Our History

The Cutter Theatre began in 1968 when a local businessman asked some local people to put on a play. The group continued one-play-per-year operation for many years, putting on a musical during the community Down River Days celebration in the high school gymnasium or an occasional play at a local restaurant. In 1987 the long process of obtaining federal 501(c)(3) and state non-profit status began, including the election of officers and board members and the composition of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. In 1991, the theatre finally came home by purchasing the historic Metaline Falls School, a 30,000 square foot, three-story brick building designed by renowned architect Kirtland Cutter. With lots of help from local volunteers, individual and business donations, and corporate, county, state and federal grants, the long-vacant 1912 school has been converted to a Community and Cultural Center without peer. Since its opening in September, 1991, The Cutter has averaged 22 different events per year in its new facility. In addition to its arts and humanities programs, The Cutter Theatre is an historic building on the State and National Registers of Historic Places which houses a Rural Schools Exhibit, a branch of the County Library, health and business offices, school performances, and private and community celebrations.