Grey Area Productions

Grey Area Productions exists to offer a wide range of artistic and cultural enrichment through presenting published and original works.
A hooded man shakes his fist at a woman in her work apron and visor

Grey Area Productions mission is to bring our audiences stories that ignite emotion, challenge conception, and inspire growth. We know you value enriching artistic experiences. To that end, we are committed to not only entertain, but to engage you with compelling stories and complex characters.

The first conversations of starting a local theatre company involved the following:
  • We want to create something that is inclusive and works across different mediums
  • We want to enrich our community by providing compensation to our talent
  • We want to provide accessible theatre for all
A hooded man sits hunched over eating food while a woman in brown robes talks behind him

E.184: Grey Area Produtions Theater Company

La Crosse Local Podcast chatted with Colin Thelen and Katie Bakalars of Grey Area Productions, a multimedia-focused theatre company based in La Crosse, WI. We learned the origin story of the theatre, the process when producing a show, and what’s next for this theatre group.

There was a lot of isolation going on with the pandemic…oddly kind of a silver lining…a lot of us had worked together over a decade ago in the theater world…wound up back here (on the origins of the company).

Katie Bakalars

Actor, Producer & Director with Grey Area Productions

A man in green camouflage pants talks to himself while a woman in brown robes sits behind him listening
A hooded man shakes his fist at a woman in her work apron and visor
A woman and a man stand next to each other smiling while looking off to the side
A hooded man sits hunched over eating food while a woman in brown robes talks behind him

Media Coverage of Mitzi’s Abortion: A Saint’s Guide to Mid-Term Politics and Medicine in America

WXOW’s article on Mitzi’s Abortion and video interview with Co-Directors Katie Bakalars and Colin Thelen →

Z93 Morning Buzz radio interview with Chelsea McManimon-Moe (Reckless Mary in Mitzi’s Abortion) & Colin Thelen (Co-Director) →

News8000’s article and video interview with Co-Director Colin Thelen →

Audience Testimonials

“A remarkable ensemble piece that carefully and thoughtfully deals with a very difficult subject matter. The performance reminded me of the significance of the arts. The importance of telling a story, and the impact and intersection of art and life.”

Mary

“Phenominal.  Real, just so good and powerful. How the issue was handled was great. The raw emotion behind the forced choice, and the accuracy of the medical and philosophical/religious concepts and language was spot on.  It made me tear-up multiple times.”

Tom

What a tremendous, moving, funny, transformative performance last night. I will be processing this…well, forever.

Rita

Follow Grey Area Productions on Facebook @greyareatheatreproductions

We are Grey Area Productions, and we can’t wait to connect with you.