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 architaect, The Cutter Theatre is a building buff's dream. Its graceful and symmetrical lines make the building elegantly lovely as well as sturdy and 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, a history of American rural schools, since so much of the school history of Selkirk is typical of rural America everywhere.
Enjoy quality entertainment ranging from the hilarious to the sublime in the delightfully intimate atmosphere of The Cutter's 156 seat Theatre. Events include locally produced plays and musicals, booked plays from other area groups, professional musicians and dancers, a lecture series, gallery shows, elementary and high school plays and concerts, and an arts festival.
For information about our events, please consult the "Coming Events" page or call The Cutter Theatre at 509-446-4108. We pride ourselves on providing quality entertainment at affordable prices. Many of our performances have pre-show dinners available here at The Cutter by reservation. Some of the local restaurants close early, but we can arrange box dinners for your party by special order. We are happy to direct you to a local hotel/motel or RV spot if you would like to spend the night in the area.
Join us soon and discover the magic of live entertainment in the finest community theatre in Washington.
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 aa affordable price.
- 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 BEGINNING
The Cutter Theatre began life as The North County Theatre 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 (14,000 hours in the first year), 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.
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