It’s no secret that, sadly so, theater is a dying art form in many cities. Very rarely do you hear of a seemingly-small town having a bustling art/theater scene, let alone a scene that possess any significance at all. In my hometown, being into art and theater, I was convinced that the scene was reaching its end, that to see a show of value and appeal, I would have to go to Ann Arbor, New York, or even Chicago. And then I discovered The Fourth Wall.

Nestled in our quaint downtown rests an old warehouse that art enthusiasts Marjy and Gary Minix transformed into an incredible performance space. This space is, conveniently, located next to a coffee house, and is above an art gallery – an art lover’s dream. Everything that an artist would need to find their inspiration is within a few feet.

The first time I stepped foot in the building, the intimate feel of the space made me realize that it was, simply, the perfect place for Jackson to revive its theater life. It didn’t cease to amaze me, and I soon realized that the possibilities for The Fourth Wall were endless.

The possibilities are endless is truly a great phrase to use when explaining the performing arts space. From live music to theater productions, poetry readings to open mic nights, the owners have aimed to create a place where expressing yourself is of utmost importance. This space and the mission of its owners has proven, tenfold, that art is not dead. As an art enthusiast myself, of course I was excited at the idea of this. And you, my friends, should be, too.

Throughout much of February and March, The Fourth Wall was home to a local production of Spring Awakening, directed by Ron Baumanis. Ron, alongside Gary and Marjy, succeeded in turning The Fourth Wall into the perfect spot for a production such as this. I was lucky enough to be part of the crew for an evening or two, and at the rehearsals, I realized rather quickly that Spring Awakening at The Fourth Wall was The Show to See. With an extremely talented, young cast, in a small venue that put the viewer no more than eight feet away from the action, it certainly was one of a kind. (After all, can you expect anything less in a fifty-cap room?) The small space provided a gateway for an intimate show with incredible sound and an even more incredible feel.

The Fourth Wall, a local gem, is proof that art is not dead. The Fourth Wall is proof that it is possible to restore a dying art scene, and do so with a flourish that is unheard of.

For Marjy and Gary, it simply started with a love of the arts, and boundless ambition.