Trollwood education. entertainment. community.
Big City Set & Summer Success
By Nicolette Jackson, Marketing & Communications Specialist Picture this; the warm sun is setting, birds are chirping, a beautiful fire-like sky in the background and most importantly, no snow on the ground! I’m excited to take you into the future and invite you to join us in our 36th annual summer Mainstage Musical. This year, Trollwood Performing Arts School will proudly present How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. It is a playful musical comedy about young love and young ambition set in urban America in the 1960’s. Follow Finch, a young man trying to climb the corporate ladder and make something of himself. He stumbles upon a book called, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and follows it page by page. Watch the musical satire unfold as Finch makes it big and finds love along the way. Leading Trollwood’s artistic team is Michael Walling, nationally recognized stage director based in New York City. He and his creative team are responsible for making the big city come to life on the Trollwood stage. When describing his vision for Trollwood’s production he said, “This is an urban musical so our goal is to make you feel transported to big city life in the 1960’s. The creative team is currently using architecture and fashion research from the 60’s to inspire us to recreate pop culture of the times.” He also mentioned, “The 1960’s was a visually stimulating time in American history. I love the fact that everything old is new again and our audience will recognize just how much of what we consider hip today is really recycled from another era. It’s also going to be great fun to watch an audience discover what a wonderful musical How to Succeed really is. You just can’t help but fall in love with the hilarious characters and 1960’s vibe music.” The 1960’s setting and style is sure to leave the hipsters wanting more.
Young Hollywood actors, Nick Jonas, from the Jonas Brothers, Darren Criss from Glee, and Daniel Radcliffe from Harry Potter all performed in the sensational 2012 Broadway production. Walling said, “How to Succeed characters are all smart, fast and funny. The actors will have a blast keeping up with the pace of the show while wearing high fashion of the times. Every character will get a chance to dance on stage and some will even tap as well.” Join us as we put the Trollwood twist on this nine time Tony award and Pulitzer Prize winning musical classic. Performances dates are: July 16-19, July 23-26, and July 30- August 2.
Winter Recap
By Nicolette Jackson, Marketing & Communications Specialist It is hard to believe six months have passed since our 2013 fall newsletter went out and I started my journey with Trollwood. The snow has since come and gone and we are getting anxious for the summer programs to start and the students to come rushing in. Since you heard from us last, some pretty exciting things have happened for Trollwood Performing Arts School at Bluestem Center for the Arts. In November of 2013, we held our 2nd annual Trollwood Children’s Theatre program in collaboration with Kennedy Elementary. Over 40 students had the opportunity to work on their singing, acting and dancing skills for two packed shows at Ben Franklin Middle School. In December, Trollwood held its first annual 3 P’s in a Pod Holiday Art Sale. Three artists, specializing in three different artistic mediums demonstrated their skills and sold their art, just in time for the holidays. Shortly after, for the second year at Bluestem, the Sertoma and Quota club hosted their annual Signing Santa for hard of hearing and/or deaf children and
their families to celebrate with Santa. The afternoon was filled with holiday crafts, sleigh rides, games, lunch, and of course a visit with “Signing Santa”. Finishing up the year, we cruised through the Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park, to see the beautiful light displays, where familiar Trollwood characters from the past can be seen. The Sertoma club uses this event as a fundraiser and generously donates its proceeds to benefit numerous community organizations. Rolling right into 2014, we have enjoyed hosting a variety of exciting events at Bluestem for the community to enjoy. In January, the Trollwood Children’s Theatre presented a session of Annie KIDS in our very own, Scheels Living Room at Bluestem. The 37 students did a tremendous job and performed to several sold out shows. In February, we had the pleasure of hosting the FargoMoorhead Opera’s, Young Artist scenes concert. A truly unforgettable and unique concert, filled with world renowned opera classics. Currently, our Mainstage Musical cast and orchestra auditions are in full swing and numerous students are registering for summer programs. We are gearing up for what is sure to be one of the most memorable Trollwood summers ever. We look forward to sharing it with you!
A Note From the Executive Director Kathy Anderson As the snow continues to melt and the thermometers begin to rise, things are heating up to summer temperatures at Trollwood Performing Arts School! We have spent the past six months preparing for another amazing Trollwood summer! We look forward to sharing it with some of the most talented youth in our region. In addition, we look forward to joining together with audience members who wish to enjoy a performance, concert, or a community festival at the beautiful Bluestem Center for the Arts venue. We look forward to sharing another wonderful summer with our amazing faculty and production teams who have devoted their lives to their art forms, and in turn have a passion for passing that knowledge and love for what they do onto the young people we serve at Trollwood. Trollwood has seen a lot of changes since its inception in 1978, but there is a common thread that connects all of its history together. When we ask current Trollwood students why they spend their summers at Trollwood, they often times answer similarly to students that attended Trollwood in 1980, or 1995, or 2005. We often hear things like, “Trollwood was a place I could be myself.” “Trollwood was a place that helped me gain confidence.” “Trollwood was a place I fit in.” “Trollwood was home to me.” “Trollwood helped me become the person I am today.” I have had the incredible pleasure of meeting some of the most generous, kind, and dedicated people through my work at Trollwood. This is a gift I do not take lightly. Trollwood’s positive impact happens because of the value our community places on the arts and its incredible support for our youth. Today we celebrate those who have made all of this possible. We celebrate our students and our alumni. We celebrate those who have collaborated with us to expand our organization’s vision of serving an even larger constituency within our community and beyond. Today we celebrate those who have believed in Trollwood enough to share of their time and talents to further our mission. Today we celebrate those who have given generously of their financial resources to make certain Trollwood continues for future generations. We look forward to continuing this important legacy together. Here’s to an unforgettable 2014 Trollwood season!
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Program Favorites- Do More, Be More, Have More Fun! By Nancy Glaser, Program Coordinator
2014 is shaping up to be an exceptional summer at Trollwood Performing Arts School, with classes and performance opportunities for students of all ages! ArtSpark, a program for elementary students, is back by popular demand! We are offering 10 sections of ArtSpark this summer, each a fun-filled week of acting, singing and movement that closes with a captivating performance for family and friends. Sections are offered for 6-8 year olds and 9-11 years olds. This program has been a favorite, with several sections filling up already. Sign up today if you’d like to reserve your spot in this creative and confidence boosting program! If you are looking for a fantastic way to fill your middleschoolers summer, Trollwood is the place for you! We will kick off Totally Trollwood Academy in June, catering to 11-14 year olds. This is a half day program consisting of core classes in the performing arts. Students get a great start and expand their skills in acting, singing, and dancing. Students can choose two more elective classes if they wish to have a full day. Watch them put their news skills to work in Totally Trollwood Musical. Join us this summer for Disney’s My Son Pinocchio, JR.
intensive taught by industry professionals. Choices range from an emphasis in Acting, Musical Theatre, Filmmaking and Dance. These upper level classes will challenge and inspire students while also offering a look into the professional world of the Arts! Students may follow up their classes with the Mainstage Musical production as a member of the cast, orchestra, or technical crews. This program includes 12 performances of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. We have wonderful instructors from Fargo to LA to NYC coming here this summer to share their knowledge and expertise with our students! Join us to DO MORE, BE MORE & HAVE MORE FUN at Trollwood Performing Arts School this summer!
Trollwood Academy is designed for students ages 14 through 2014 seniors. High-schooler’s may create their own individualized schedule by choosing 1-4 electives from a broad selection of arts-inspired classes. For the more advanced student, we offer The Trollwood Conservatory, a two-week
Savor & Stroll- Fargo’s Newest Tradition! By Veronica Michael, Development Coordinator
Our beautiful Bluestem facility is proud to be the location for Savor & Stroll, a culinary-inspired event supporting the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation, on May 31st! The Foundation is taking a smart new approach to ending breast cancer with an event that combines our beautiful setting, healthy tasty samples from local eateries, and live music. Participants will nibble on exclusive food samples, prepared by some of our area’s finest chefs, along the 2 to 3 mile route. The course will finish with an all-out festival starring local favorite Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome. If walking outside on our beautiful campus and helping to support finding a cure to breast cancer aren’t enough, the food looks to be delicious! Participating local eateries include: The Beefsteak Club, Basies, The Broiler Room, Hotel Donaldson, Maxwell’s, Monte’s, Mezzaluna, Sanford Health, and Zest. Although Sanford is a recognizable name in our community, you may not have heard of the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation. Edith Sanford is an innovative new initiative dedicated to unlocking the potential of genomics to end breast cancer and raise the standard of care for women everywhere.
together to help advance breakthrough research to find the cures faster. We’re grateful to Bluestem for hosting this inaugural Savor & Stroll event, and we look forward to a spectacular turnout for a day of fun, food, music and progress against breast cancer.” Every dollar raised through this fun-filled event will be invested in cutting-edge research, supported by the Edith Sanford Breast Cancer Foundation and conducted at the Roger Maris Cancer Center, to help advance breast cancer prevention and treatment. In short, 100% of every dollar raised stays in our community. We hope you can join in on this family friendly festival. Tickets are $25 for individuals or $50 for families (two adults with their children). Strollers are welcome; however, much of the course is unpaved. Dust off those walking shoes and we hope to see you in May! WHEN | MAY 31, 2014 | AT 10:00 AM FOR MORE INFORMATION www.edithsanford.org/savorandstroll
“There’s such passion in the Fargo-Moorhead area for our mission to end breast cancer,” said Kimberly Simpson, president of the Foundation. “Bluestem Center for the Arts is the ideal setting to bring the community
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Alumni Spotlight: For Trollwood Alum on Broadway
By Joel Farren, Rentals & Technical Theatre Specialist There is nothing more gratifying for the faculty and staff of Trollwood Performing Arts School than celebrating the many accomplishments of the thousands of talented and successful Trollwood students and alumni! Today we join in celebration with Trollwood alums, Preston Boyd, Ben Gunderson, John Brink, and Jessica Perrizo, who are all currently performing professionally on Broadway in New York City.
John Brink What years were you at Trollwood? I did Totally Trollwood in 1999 through Footloose 2003. Where did you receive your training? I received my BFA in Music Theatre from the University of Hartford. What are some of your career highlights to date? In 2009, I joined the cast of the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, Connecticut. There, I was involved in their Fourth Annual Goodspeed Festival of New Artists, which featured a staged reading of Life on the Mississippi. From November 2010 to June 2013, I joined the touring cast of Les Miserables New 25th Anniversary U.S. National Tour (Feuilly). This gave me the opportunity to work in 63 cities in 34 states. Currently, I am a swing in the cast of Broadway Company of the Les Miserables New 25th Anniversary Production, which opened in March! Why is Trollwood important to you? The teamwork was so amazing, watching all of the actors and technicians collaborate to bring a show together was so cool to see. Trollwood was my
introduction to theatre and it ignited my passion for the performing arts. I never
even knew I could sing until I went to Trollwood. The Trollwood productions were on another level, the closest to Broadway in our community. What is your favorite memory of Trollwood? In Crazy for you, I had just learned how to tap dance, but I was cast as Bobby Child and Michael Walling took a big risk and gave me a large responsibility. It was one of the most difficult summers I can remember but it ended up being really great. It meant a lot to me that they had that much faith in me. It was a huge confidence boost. Why do you think Trollwood is important to youth in the Fargo-Moorhead community? It’s such a character building organization as well as an artistic outlet and safe haven for teenagers who don’t feel like they belong. Ben Gunderson and I were
talking about how, we’re doing what we’re doing, because of Trollwood and because we had such a strong foundation in theatre. 4
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Preston Boyd recently joined the new Woody Allen Broadway musical production, Bullets over Broadway, which is performing at the St. James Theatre. Jessica Perrizo just started previews of a Cabaret revival, directed by Sam Mendes, at Studio 54. In addition, both Ben Gunderson and John Brink joined the revival production of Les Miserables, which made its Broadway debut in mid-March at the Imperial Theatre. We caught up with these Trollwood alums as they shared some of their fondest Trollwood memories and what impact their time at Trollwood had on their lives.
Congratulations, Preston, Ben, John, & Jessica! Jessica Perrizo What years were you at Trollwood? I was a part of Trollwood from 6th grade through senior year in 1992. Where did you receive your training? St. Mary’s College of California and The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. What are some of your career highlights to date? Cabaret at Studio 54 – Opening April 24, 2014 Chicago Broadway Tour – 2007-2008 The Producers – Broadway 2003-2007 Rockette with the Radio City Rockettes 2001 Cabaret Broadway National Tour 1999-2001 Why is Trollwood important to you? Along with the Gasper School of Dance, Trollwood was my first introduction to theatre and performance. Trollwood solidified my love and passion for theatre in every form. There is such a wide range of opportunities from dance, to voice, acting, and technical theatre. There is really training for whatever you would want to do. I want to extend a huge thank you to
Trollwood and the people that inspired me to pursue my passion. What is your favorite memory of Trollwood? I loved being backstage waiting to go on with the lights and energy of the audience combined with the beauty of the outdoors. An ironic twist, in my first show at Trollwood, Fiddler on the Roof I played the clarinet in the orchestra. Now in Cabaret, the cast is also the pit orchestra and I play the clarinet! Why do you think Trollwood is important to youth in the Fargo-Moorhead community?
Trollwood offers a theatrical outlet that is of such high quality, you really can’t get that anywhere else. It has had such an
impact on so many already. It is enlightening to see the entire production unfold. Trollwood provides a wonderful place to immerse you in the performing arts.
Preston Boyd
Ben Gunderson
What years were you at Trollwood? I started at Trollwood in 8th grade and went until my senior year – Damn Yankees through Kiss Me Kate!
What years were you at Trollwood? Totally Trollwood Musical, 1999 through Beauty and the Beast in 2005.
Where did you receive your training? I received my BFA from the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. There, I was seen in the Pajama Game (Sid Sorokin), The Pirates of Penzance (Pirate King), Wonderful Town (Wreck), Cabaret (Ernst Luwig), Little Women (John Brooke), Crazy for You (Moose), Brigadoon (Angus MacGuffie), and SideShow (Roustabout). What are some of your career highlights to date? Playing the “Young Monster” in the 2009 first national tour of The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein. On September 12, 2010, after understudying the role and performing in the ensemble, I replaced Shluler Hensley as “The Monster”. I was also involved in 2011 with the second national tour. I ‘ve toured with Jersey Boys and Big Fish. I am now in rehearsals for Bullets Over Broadway, opening in early April! Why is Trollwood important to you?
Trollwood provided a chance to do professional caliber theater in FargoMoorhead. Trollwood was a serious opportunity for kids who couldn’t get enough in the school year.
What is your favorite memory of Trollwood? My gosh, one? Being able to take in the surroundings of nature while improving my craft with other passionate young performers. Outdoor theater got in my blood. I went on to work at The St. Louis Municipal Theatre in Forest Park. The Muny seats 11,000 people in its outdoor musical amphitheater. Working there, the summer after my freshman year, I got my Actor Equity Association card. Summer theater is 100 degree weather, bugs in your mouth, all the while doing a dance number in a three piece suit. I love it. Why do you think Trollwood is important to youth in the Fargo-Moorhead community?
I give Trollwood much of the credit for the passion I developed for the arts. The training I was able to receive at Trollwood with professionals in the performing arts was remarkable. I believe the best training is doing and Trollwood provided that for me. Four plus summers out at Trollwood
helped me get to where I am today!
Where did you receive your training? I received my BFA from the North Carolina School for the Arts in 2009. What are some of your career highlights to date? In 2009, I joined the cast of Cabaret (Cliff ) at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina in Hilton Head. 2010 found me busy in The Hidden Sky (Mede) with the Prospect Theater Company in New York and also in Fiddler on the Roof (Fyedka) with the John Engeman Theater. In 2011, I had the opportunity to be on America’s Got Talent (tv series). I made it into the semifinals round one! Currently, I am a member of the Broadway company of the Les Miserables New 25th Anniversary Production. My roles this time include swing/dance captain/fight captain and Grantaire/Bamatabois understudy. Why is Trollwood important to you?
Trollwood was my haven, my incubator, my home. Other than in the theater, I never felt at
ease roaming the halls of my school. Trollwood was the opposite: expansive, removed, al fresco - certainly not square. It offered me a place to stretch my legs instead of trying to fit in the box. The people I met and the opportunities I was given expanded both my worldview and myself, offering a wellspring of worth.
I also made the best friends of my life and laid a strong foundation for the skills that have helped me succeed as a professional actor. What is your favorite memory of Trollwood? I have so many amazing memories, but one of my favorites was running out to the Frying Pan after a heavy rain and slip ‘n sliding around with friends. Other highlights include: reading in the tops of willow trees, making friends at mealtimes, being a student leader for Totally Trollwood, Sun Celebrations, waiting in the wings, and my wicked farmer’s tan in Footloose. Not to be forgotten. Why do you think Trollwood is important to youth in the Fargo-Moorhead community? In a country (and region) where sports opportunities reign supreme, it’s imperative to have an organization that gives young artists a place to discover their voice and cultivate new ways to express themselves. As far
as I’m concerned, theater IS a team sport, and deserves all the funding, space and support a community can throw at it. It changes and saves lives - it certainly has mine.
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Trollwood Performing Arts School to Shine Brighter!
Jade Presents Hires Trollwood Alumn
By Alexa Cole, Marketing & Communications Assistant
By Joel Farren, Rentals & Technical Theatre Specialist Trollwood Performing Arts School and Jade Presents are gearing up for another summer of amazing concerts in the Imagine Amphitheatre at Bluestem. The first set of concerts was announced at a Trollwood press conference in March, with the promise of a second set to be announced soon. The second set may include up to four more summer concerts! The Dakota Magic: Bluestem Summer Concert Series, brought to you by Forum Communications, will feature an evening with The Beach Boys on June 8; The Fray on June 21; Trampled by Turtles on June 27; and Bonnie Raitt on July 6. Trollwood has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Jade Presents. Recently, Jade Presents hired Trollwood alumna, Pennie Fike, as its co-director of events. Pennie, a Fargo-Moorhead native, spent the last 10 years of her career in arts management. Prior to joining the Jade Presents team, she served as an associate producer with Blue Man Productions in New York City, and as an event manager with Jam Theatricals in Chicago. Pennie, who participated at Trollwood from 1998 through 2001, credits Trollwood for having a direct impact on her career. She stated, “Trollwood provides not only a safe and creative place for kids to explore their potential, but it also arms them with a skill set to be competitive in the arts community.” Regarding the 2014 concert line-up, Pennie said, “Jade Nielsen, President of Jade Presents, as usual, has done an incredible job with the 2014 season. It really offers something for everyone. What makes this series so special to me is that it melds together my past and my present. Trollwood was my creative incubator and it’s exciting to see how the program has continued to grow and impact the next generation of arts professionals.” We are happy to be working with Pennie Fike, Jade Nielsen, and the entire Jade Presents team as they continue their outstanding work of bringing nationally renowned artists to Bluestem for the entire region to enjoy!
The 2014 event calendar for Trollwood Performing Arts School is jam-packed with fun and creative opportunities for budding young artists in the Fargo-Moorhead area. An exciting new addition this year includes Paige KeiserRezac’s Music Appreciation Series, operated through Shine Music. Opened in 2005, Shine Music is owned and managed by Paige Keiser-Rezac. Passionate about the study of classical music, Paige segmented the program into three main categories: Classical Piano Study, Beginning Voice Study, and a Music Appreciation Series. The Shine Music curriculum focuses on technical training along with the 125-year old repertoire method designed for programs at Carnegie Hall. This precise grading method and attention to technique paid off in 2012 when Shine Music was named the founding school in the state of North Dakota for the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory’s Achievement Program. Trollwood Performing Arts School strives to provide arts education for all ages and present high quality entertainment for the region. Partnering with Shine Music for the Music Appreciation Series will expand the opportunities for elementary aged students to encounter music education in a fun and creative style. The Music Appreciation Series offers classes that are open to children ranging from 6-9 years in age. Three different classes will be offered, each infused with science, history, literature and art for an all-encompassing music education experience. Jungle Drums, the first of the series will be held the beginning of April. The two other classes include:
Fur, Feathers, & Fun • July 8-11 • 1pm-3 pm; $130 Lucha Music: Tour of Mexican Music & Culture August 19-21 • 1pm-3pm ; $100 For more information contact Paige at shinemusicarts@gmail.com or call 701-566-3312.
To learn more about the Dakota Magic: Bluestem Summer Concert Series brought to you by Forum Communications, go to the Jade Presents website at JadePresents.com. Tickets are also available weekdays from 11am to 6pm at Tickets300 located at 300 Broadway in Fargo, or by calling 866-300-8300.
Join us for an afternoon of fun at our 2nd Annual, Spring Arts Fling! A community festival featuring local artists and arts organizations.
SPRING
Arts Fling 6
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“Art to look at, listen to, purchase, learn about, and enjoy!” Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 1:30pm - 4:30pm Marcil Commons at Bluestem Center for the Arts, Home of Trollwood Performing Arts School
Last fall, Trollwood leaders began the process of building its newly organized administrative staffing structure, which is now complete. Trollwood welcomes Veronica Michael as its Development Coordinator and Joel Farren as its Rentals & Technical Theatre Specialist. Both Joel and Veronica bring skills and talents to Trollwood that will help the organization continue to grow and flourish. Veronica and Joel join Executive Director, Kathy Anderson; Program Coordinator, Nancy Glaser; Marketing & Communications Specialist, Nicolette Jackson; Administrative Assistant/Operations, Ryan Crane; and Building Engineer, Richard Curfman. This team is passionate about the mission of Trollwood Performing Arts School and excited to lead the organization into its future! Joel Farren Rentals & Technical Theatre Specialist
Veronica Michael Development Coordinator Veronica is excited to join the staff of Trollwood Performing Arts School. Veronica has a passion for the arts and education. She received her B.A. in English from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1995, with a minor in Women’s Studies. Professionally, Veronica has spent the last fifteen plus years working in higher education enrollment management, with programs focused on providing academic and social support towards degree completion. She is looking forward to working in an environment which educates students in such variety of arts programs. Raising support to make certain these programs flourish well into the future is something Veronica is very enthusiastic to lead. Veronica lives in Fargo, with one extremely spoiled dachshund. She enjoys sewing, gardening, yoga, and time spent enjoying the outdoors. The opportunity to work for an organization whose values include nature inspires learning is an amazing gift!
Britta the Photographer
Trollwood welcomes two new faces to the team!
Joel Farren grew up in Moorhead and spent much of his youth working with and learning from members of our arts community. Joel is a product of the Moorhead Public Schools system and was intensely involved in theatre and music during his high school and college years. In addition, Joel is also a proud alumnus of Trollwood Performing Arts School. He continued his education at Minnesota State University Moorhead earning a B.A. in Music Industry with an emphasis in music business. Joel is no stranger to working at Trollwood, as he was first employed seasonally in 2006. He began his working relationship with Trollwood as a member of the facilities crew. He later moved to working on the Mainstage Musical production team in the areas of lighting and sound. In 2010, Joel accepted the role of sound designer and audio director for Anything Goes. Since then, he also served as sound designer and led the audio department for Music Man, Legally Blonde, and Shrek. Joel has also served Trollwood as its equipment manager for the past 6 years. In addition, he has been Trollwood’s technical manager for events occurring at Bluestem since it opened in 2009. Joel oversaw the venue’s technical details for numerous concerts, such as The Symphony Rocks Bluestem, Sheryl Crow, Moody Blues, O.A.R., and Dwight Yoakam, to name a few. Joel is excited to lead Trollwood’s efforts in rentals and technical operations and looks forward to making a positive impact for his community! In his spare time Joel is training for a half marathon in May. He tries to experience as much art and performance as possible, and loves spending time with his wife, Alie. Joel is grateful for all of the experiences that have led him to this point in his career, and to the mentors he has had to guide him.
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