BLUESTEM, HOME OF TROLLWOOD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL, SET TO HAVE A MAGICAL SUMMER

Trollwood Performing Arts School has been a treasured fixture in FargoMoorhead since its founding in 1978. Its Mainstage Musical attracts thousands every summer, and its alumni number in the tens of thousands. A 2009 move from Fargo to Bluestem Center for the Arts in south Moorhead was a much-needed and exciting change for the organization.

As Executive Director Kathy Anderson explained, “Trollwood and Bluestem are one, essentially.” Bluestem Center for the Arts, home of Trollwood Performing Arts School, is a unique collaboration between Fargo Public Schools and the City of Moorhead. Bluestem, the 38-acre venue, is programmed and managed by Trollwood Performing Arts School, a program of Fargo Public Schools, which leases the facility from the City of Moorhead. For funding, Anderson and her staff depend heavily on donations as well as a variety of other sources to make their programs possible. They have to raise about $750,000, half of their budget, each year.

Trollwood has three organizational priorities. Foremost is its youth arts educational programming, offering 11 programs for grades K-12. “We began as a youth enrichment program,” said Anderson, “and we continue to be that.” Most programs occur in the summertime, including the Mainstage Musical Trollwood is most known for, but they also have programs that run throughout the entire year.

At the middle school level, students attend Totally Trollwood Academy in early summer for training in acting, singing and dancing. In July, this age group has the opportunity to perform in a full-scale Broadwaystyle musical ("Shrek The Musical Jr." in 2015). High school students have their own academy program at the same time, as well as the more intense Trollwood Conservatory, where students focus on a single arts discipline. Another opportunity is the Student Leadership Program, where students work alongside staff mentors for the summer. “Getting training is so important,” Anderson said. “It’s not just about being onstage.”

Trollwood’s STAR Program was created to remove financial barriers and other obstacles for students. Trollwood never turns students away because they can’t afford to pay. Also, Anderson explained, some students may struggle with other issues. Trollwood’s student services team works to make sure all students have a successful experience.

Trollwood’s second priority is quality entertainment for the community. In addition to the Mainstage Musical, Trollwood staff works with Jade Presents to provide the venue and onsite support for summer concerts. They also collaborate with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony (Symphony Rocks at Bluestem), Red River Dance and other arts organizations.

Third, Trollwood provides space for private rentals and community events. MSUM’s “Oldfashioned Community Fourth of July” will be at Bluestem this summer, and they also host many weddings, business retreats and conferences.

This July, Trollwood will present Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s "Mary Poppins" to thousands of audience members. The rights to this classic musical have only just been released, and according to Anderson it has yet to be performed in the area. “This is a huge family show,” Anderson stated. “It seems to particularly encapsulate the all-ages aspect, with a familyfriendly storyline, which isn’t the case with every musical. It’s also going to feature many special effects, including the first time we’ve ever flown an actor at Bluestem.” Anderson is also looking forward to the costumes, which include craft designs: costumes depicting animals, park statues, and similar story elements. “I’ve seen some of the initial designs, and they’re going to be magical.”

Anderson’s description of her favorite parts of her job parallels the gifts Trollwood provides to the community. “I love watching our students grow and learn and am inspired by their energy. It’s incredible to watch them build so many life skills: creativity, confidence, the ability to communicate and collaborate. I enjoy working with organizations like Jade Presents, seeing how happy a night out at a concert makes people. This is such a memorable place for so many, a part of their lives. It’s fun to be at the hub of all that.” [AWM]