Get Ready foR a SupeRcalifRaGiliStic SummeR! We are excited to announce Mary Poppins will be flying into our Bluestem Amphitheatre Summer 2015! One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins has delighted Broadway audiences.

Mary Poppins is sure to entertain audiences of all ages. “We are very excited to bring this family classic to life in the Bluestem Amphitheatre under the artistic leadership of national stage director, Michael Walling,” states Kathy Anderson, Executive Director of Trollwood and Bluestem. Performance dates are set for July 15 - 18, July 22 - 25, July 29 - August 1, 2015 at Bluestem Center for the Arts, home of Trollwood Performing Arts School, 801 50th Ave S, Moorhead. Group sales will open in January and the regular box office will open in June. Cast auditions will be held February 20-24, 2015. Trollwood summer program registration will open January 7, 2015. Orchestra audition dates will be announced at that time. All auditions are open to students currently in grades 8 through 12. A free audition workshop will be held at Trollwood on January 25, 2015 to help prepare students for cast auditions. Mary Poppins is perfect entertainment for the entire family. There’s plenty of spectacle, laughs and great music!

2014 youth pRoGRamS in Review 2014 was an outstanding year for Trollwood Performing Arts School’s youth programs! Trollwood successfully served a wide age range of students, from ages 6 through graduated seniors, in 9 educational programs with an enrollment of 1161 participants. In 2014, Trollwood offered 107 learning opportunities. From class opportunities in Trollwood Academy, Totally Trollwood Academy, and the Trollwood Conservatory, to participation in the Trollwood Student Leadership program, students were able to gain important performing arts training as well as further develop skills that will help them with other important areas in their lives.

Trollwood Faculty member and Concordia College Assistant Professor, Dr. Paul Hindemith, talked about his first summer at Trollwood. He said, “Not really knowing what to expect when I started teaching at Trollwood last summer, I was blown away by the level of artistry by the students and their willingness to experiment, to take risks, to stretch themselves, and to learn to perform in so many different ways. It is a joy to work with students who are so excited and motivated. Then, to see them grow and put their newly-developed skills into action throughout the summer could not be more fulfilling for a teacher. The creative broth of Trollwood brings out the best in students, faculty, and staff alike. Trollwood is a great educational experience for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it is gives students practical, hands-on training for the theatre. Students have a leg up on others their age because after Trollwood, not only do they know what the world of the theatre is like, they have skills that will serve them if they choose to enter the field. And if they don’t enter the field, they will have dug deep into themselves to find wells of artistry, strength, endurance, and talent they may not have known they possessed.”

Student Leader to our Mainstage Musical Director, Colter Schoenfish, reflected on some of the skills he received in the

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a note fRom the executive diRectoR Kathy andeRSon 2014 marked Trollwood’s 36th anniversary. Having been part of Trollwood myself for the past 24 years, I have had the pleasure of seeing thousands of young people go through this program. I have witnessed the amazing growth of so many young artists. I have had the honor of working with numerous passionate and talented professionals who have made Trollwood the stellar program it is today. I have enjoyed countless hours of working closely with hundreds of parents and community volunteers to make Trollwood productions and student events successful and memorable for all. And I have been amazed and inspired by the generosity of our financial partners who make these programs possible year after year.

As I think back on the many milestone moments Trollwood has had over the years, I feel so fortunate to have been part of this amazing journey. From setting up white chairs in the very first reserved seating section at Trollwood Park in 1990 to looking out over a sold-out, packed house in our beautiful new amphitheater (minus the white chairs), a lot of transitions have occurred over the years. The common thread that ties it all together is the enthusiasm and excitement I see every year in our talented student body. The memories we collectively share are special from remarkable moments on stage as a young person nails their part and brings an audience to laughter or tears; to a gorgeous summer day watching a dancer gracefully move across the stage; or an evening walk through the park as the sun begins to set after a full day of creativity and hard work. Our Trollwood experiences are special and I’m so glad I have been able to share these cherished memories with so many of you.

Recently we sent out a mailing to re-launch our Legacy Chair and Brick programs. As I think back on all of my special Trollwood moments, it is hard not to get a little nostalgic. I invite you to capture your memories by leaving a lasting legacy at our beautiful new home, Bluestem Center for the Arts, by purchasing a brick or chair and engraving in stone or metal your special message that will be part of this space for future generations of Trollwood students, families, partners, and friends to enjoy.

It is such fun to walk down the yellow brick road and read the memories, sentiments, and dreams of so many close friends of Trollwood etched in stone. It is inspiring to stroll through the amphitheater and see name plates commemorating the special people who are such a huge part of making Trollwood and Bluestem what it is today.

With every brick and chair purchase, not only will your message be a part of this organization’s future, but your financial support will help us to continue delivering the highest standard of performing arts education to young people throughout our community; providing exceptional entertainment for the entire region to enjoy; and making the venue available for exhibitions, community festivals, corporate retreats, conferences, and private rental opportunities for all.

Thank you for everything you continue to do to keep Trollwood alive and well! I look forward to sharing more special moments with you and making many new memories together in 2015 and beyond!

RecoRd SettinG SummeR conceRt SeRieS There is no doubt about it, we have some of the most breath taking sunsets in the Midwest. I hope you were able to enjoy a few of them with us this summer at the Bluestem Amphitheater while listening to one of your favorite acts.

Eight star-studded performances from national touring acts like Goo Goo Dolls & Daughtry, The Beach Boys, The Fray, Bonnie Raitt and others brought over 20,000 patrons to the Bluestem Amphitheater during the summer of 2014, making it a record-setting concert season for Jade Presents and Bluestem Center for the Arts.

“We look forward to returning with more great acts in the summer of 2015,” Jade Presents CEO Jade Nielsen said.

This summer provided a little something for everyone to enjoy at Bluestem and it is our goal to continue to provide exceptional entertainment for the entire region to enjoy. Whether you visit us for a national touring act, a festival, or one of our magical Trollwood student showcases or musicals , we hope you will continue to support live music and the arts.

Trollwood Student Leadership program. He said, “Trollwood is a place of invaluable learning. I learned so much by being Michael Walling’s student leader. Not only did he teach me about directing, but about communication and how to navigate life as a person in the theatre. I know that what I have learned at Trollwood will prepare me for college and for life.”

In 2014, students were also able to showcase their talents on the stage. Trollwood offered 11 sessions of ArtSpark for elementary students where young performers demonstrated their hard work for friends and family every Friday. In July and August, our Totally Trollwood Musical performed the classic tale of Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr. where they brought to life a lively cast of characters and helped both the audience and company members discover the true meaning of family.

The 2014 Mainstage Musical program presented How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Over 100 young people, led by a creative team of performing arts professionals, entertained thousands of audience members after a summer of intense rehearsals and hands-on experiences of honing their skills in acting, singing, dancing, technical theatre, and musical instrumentation. Connecticut-based professional Stage Manager, Ryan Burbank, articulated her impressions of what makes the Mainstage Musical experience at Trollwood unique and special. She said, “You cannot think of this program as a high school musical. It sits in a category of its own. It’s a professional level production that utilizes high school age students both on stage and off. It offers students the opportunity to learn from educators from within the region and across the nation. This diversity encourages each and every student to broaden their horizons, gain exposure to more than one way of doing things and carve out a creative process for themselves that they will carry with them throughout their future, no matter what profession they choose to pursue.”

2014 was another banner year for Trollwood youth programs. With a positive culture of mentoring from our talented faculty and production teams, students and staff bonded together to produce an environment of creativity, learning and support for each other. Paige Rezak, a 2014 parent stated, “Trollwood has given my daughter a place to be ‘herself’ and to be around others who understand who she is... and it means the world to her and to us to be able to experience all that she is finding and uncovering at Trollwood. It is something that we are very lucky to have in our community. There is no way that it won’t positively change who a young person is and who they will be in the future. How can you put a price on that? Trollwood is a blessing, and a beacon of light leading our children to a richer, healthier, and more inspired life!”

We hope all of our students found Trollwood to be a caring, inviting, and fun environment in which to learn and grow. We look forward to another amazing year together in 2015!

ReGiSteR foR all tRollwood pRoGRamS! Registration opens January 7, 2015

Save the date // JanuaRy 17, 2015 Early Registration Party // Save up to $70!

Save the date // JanuaRy 25, 2015 Mainstage Musical Audition Workshop

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tRollwood childRen’S theatRe cominG to tRollwood in JanuaRy!Come be in the SPOT- light! You will have a PAWS-itively, DOG-gone good time! Join us January 2015 for 101 Dalmatians Kids! Daily rehearsal will be held at Bluestem Center for the Arts, home of Trollwood Performing Arts School; with performances at Ben Franklin Middle School in North Fargo. The program cost is $150 per “pup” and includes a fun t-shirt. Get registered for this great program now, as the program is limited to 32 “pups” !

Trollwood Children’s Theatre Director, Joan Degerness, stated, “In this process, the students build self-assurance and excitement. The students leave Trollwood Children’s Theatre brimming with confidence and enthusiasm to perform. One student, who was involved in Annie Kids last year was very quiet and reserved at the beginning of rehearsal - his mother had signed him up and he was not totally convinced this was the place he wanted to be. However, on the day of our first public performance, the cast was gathered and waiting to go on stage. He was so happy and excited and said, “Joan, what will the next play be, because I want to be in it!” I saw him again in the next session!”

To register go to www.trollwood.org and download the registration form. Auditions for parts will be held at Trollwood January 5 & 6. Rehearsals begin January 12 at Trollwood with performances on February 6 & 7 at Ben Franklin Middle School.

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winteR/SpRinG claSSeS cominG to tRollwood Soon!Watch facebook for details

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alumni SpotliGht: huGh Kennedywhat yeaRS weRe you at tRollwood? I was at Trollwood for five years of June sessions, five years of the Mainstage Musical with Michael Walling as director, and one year of Second Stage improv. Trollwood’s improv opportunities were playful, sophisticated, and afforded me a great view of improv craftsmanship as an eighth grader. That sort of formative experience is hugely valuable. I only realized during my time at the U of M and Guthrie that my opportunity at Trollwood was unique and equivalent to an arts school curriculum. At Trollwood we had so much fun learning in a nurturing and safe environment, which left a lasting impression.

wheRe did you Receive youR tRaininG? I received my BFA from the University of MN Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. This environment created an experience where I was immersed in my craft and included a mandatory move to London to serve as a student at Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. At Guthrie I was seen in Pride and Prejudice, TRIBES, Othello, The Primrose Path, A Christmas Carol, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, A View from the Bridge, The Government Inspector, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and as a directing intern in Faith Healer.

why iS tRollwood impoRtant to you? Trollwood is where I found out that this amazing roller coaster ride of adrenaline and excitement is where I wanted to be. From getting ready backstage, to the performance, the standards were very, very high at Trollwood. Being cast in the Trollwood Mainstage Musical afforded all of us young people the luxury of being taken seriously. As a young performer, being taken seriously makes you up your whole game in your preparation to perform and improves your skills.

tell uS what you’Re aRtiStically involved in now? I’m excited to be going back the Twin Cities to do a play during the holidays with the Moving Company. The Moving Company is led by Co-Artistic Directors Dominique Serrand and Steven Epp. As a college student, I idolized their previous theater company, Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Theatre de la Jeune Lune existed in Minneapolis from 1985 to 2008, was highly notable for its production of original works, and in 2005, were awarded the Regional Tony Award. They’re one of the most inventive and hilarious groups I’ve ever watched, and excel in a way like no other when it comes to creating magic and capturing it in a bottle. I just love them.

why do you thinK tRollwood iS impoRtant to youth in the faRGo-mooRhead community? When I first took part at Trollwood, I was a chorus boy … “third tap dancing cowboy to the left or something like that”. Our instructors at Trollwood taught and encouraged us that the skills of the chorus have got to be sharp, the voices blended, and dance moves synchronized. It was in the chorus that I learned some of my greatest lessons while looking up through the sky at ten at night seeing my peers singing their hearts out. My experience at Trollwood made this clear – Number 1: This is what I want to do. Number 2: What a great thing I did with my summer. I wouldn’t trade my time at Trollwood for anything.

alumni SpotliGht: JacKy aRneSS, cuRRent miSS noRth daKota & ameRica’S ‘miSS conGeniality 2014’i heaRd a RumoR that tRollwood may have played a paRt in youR path towaRdS becominG miSS noRth daKota. iS that tRue? While doing blocking on the steps during a rehearsal for Joseph, Stage Director, Michael Walling made a passing statement while strolling by in his ‘legendary way’, “Jacky, have you ever thought about pageants?”

I was fortunate to work as Michael’s Student Leader for one year at Trollwood. Working with him made me want to do better, achieve more. He expects your best and not the status quo. He has been an amazing mentor; he truly hears every single word you say and that is so meaningful as a young person. He cares for his students, has passion for his work, and works to make the productions he is involved with the best possible. Michael inspires respect, dedication, and excellence. Trollwood is lucky to have him and I am fortunate to have studied with him. Michael even came to watch me at Miss America. It meant so much to me that he was there to support me.

why iS tRollwood impoRtant to you? My time at Trollwood taught me teamwork – the ability to achieve a common goal with a group of diverse people. That requires hard work, attention to detail, humility, and truly caring for others.

Trollwood also taught me to be prepared and confident in myself. In Anything Goes and Music Man I had the opportunity to play character roles. Playing someone different taught me more about who I am. My experiences at Trollwood helped me better understand my deepest values and my personal goals.

did youR tRollwood expeRience help you when competinG foR miSS ameRica? At Trollwood, I didn’t always have the lead role, but I learned that being in the chorus was just as important. At Trollwood we all learned how to shine even when others had the spotlight. We were taught that all were special, important, and belonged there.

My time at Trollwood also helped me understand criticism and gave me thick skin. I learned that working hard doesn’t mean that I’ll always win or come out on top, but that I will learn something about myself, and that has the potential to make me a better me.

It was a life changing experience being able to be involved in Miss America – getting to meet 52 talented, educated, passionate, hardworking, and committed women was amazing. Trollwood equipped me with the tools needed to be successful.

why do you thinK tRollwood iS impoRtant to youth in the faRGo-mooRhead community? Trollwood is important because it has a long standing legacy of teaching empathy. Trollwood helps us all become better listeners; care more for the people around us and their stories; and come together to hear those stories as a community.

a note fRom the development cooRdinatoR veRonica michaelIt was magical to experience my first summer at Trollwood! From the excitement of meeting the kids in our many education programs (shout out to Cookie and the Cones!), getting to know and understand the unyielding passion of our instructors, participating in Student Leader meetings, watching in amazement as the set was built, seeing the soaring performances of students in the Mainstage Musical, and being star struck by the high level of talent of the kids in the orchestra and the crew, I am proud to be involved in the good work at Trollwood Performing Arts School. For 15 years I worked at public universities, because I have a passion and belief that all people should have access to quality education so they can pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on this big, beautiful world. In 1996, our Executive Director, Kathy asked herself a similar question, “How can we ensure access to our high quality performing arts education programs?” Her answer was to create the Students At Risk program, which supports students and families with financial need and those challenged by learning/emotional/behavioral/physical disabilities and difficulties. In addition, ELL (English Language Learners) students are also served through the STAR program. Since 1997, STAR has addressed student involvement by providing adult and peer mentors, academic support, tuition assistance, meals, and transportation. In addition, necessary class materials are available for these students such as dance shoes, clothing, and make up kits. STAR students are integrated into all classes and performance programs of Trollwood, giving youth at risk an equal opportunity to engage and mature in positive personal expression. STAR gives us the ability to make an impact in our community. Our scholarship program through STAR helped us served 70 students and their families. Providing these scholarships (tuition assistance, transportation, and meals) cost our organization an excess of $20,000.00. At Trollwood we are unceasing in our commitment to providing young people and their families in our region with high quality performing arts education. Whether the need is financial support, mentorship, transportation, language, or health conditions, these obstacles are removed and these students are offered Trollwood programming opportunities.

I invite you to join us in sharing the gift of performing arts education with our local youth. By making a donation to Trollwood Performing Arts School, you can help us support a STAR student. Your gift of $425 could cover the tuition cost of one STAR student, $85 could cover the transportation fee of one STAR student, or $120 could cover the meal plan of one STAR student. In fact, your gift of $20 can support this important program. All and any gifts make an impact. Would you be willing to join us instill life skills such as confidence, creativity, communication, collaboration, citizenship, and character in the life of a young person? It is my honor to thank so many of you for your generous financial support this year. Your dollars helped us share the magic that is Trollwood. Thank you!

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Staff Spotlight: Rebecca a. barrett, lighting designerWe congratulate Rebecca Barrett, our Electrics Director, for being the recipient of the 2014 Joseph Jefferson Award for Equity Midsize Lighting Design, along with Lee Keenan, for their work on Dorian at the Chopin Theatre for The House Theatre of Chicago. The Joseph Jefferson Awards have been honoring outstanding theatre artists in the Chicago area annually since being established in 1968.

Rebecca received her MFA from Northwestern University with a primary emphasis in lighting design, secondary emphasis in scenic design. She received her BFA from Ithaca College in Upstate NY. She has worked freelance in and around the Chicago area as a lighting designer and lighting coordinator for the past 15 years.

how did you Get involved in teachinG at tRollwood? After graduating from Ithaca; Trollwood was my first real paying job. The idea of being outdoors for the summer was appealing, although I had not been to ND. I fell in love with the mission and passion that is Trollwood – helping students develop life skills and become who they truly are. I loved the fact that Trollwood was not an exclusive community, but a wide variety of opportunities for a wide variety of students.

why iS education in the peRfoRminG aRtS impactful to younG people? Beyond the idea of learning the craft of theater, it’s about learning the skills of confidence, the ability to make decisions, problem solving under pressure, and creative thinking. Theater helps you work on being heard and communicating clearly to others, being held accountable for your work and your actions, and learning how to work with others. These are the skills you can take anywhere.

what iS youR teachinG Style? I strive to be very approachable; I want students to feel comfortable asking me questions but also start thinking for themselves. Often students come in wanting to know that right answer, but as artists we need to dig deep and invest in our personal experience that will lead us to different explorations and more creative ideas. Try to challenge students without being threatening, but to give the project all they have.

why do you thinK tRollwood iS impoRtant to youth in the faRGo-mooRhead community? By the end of the summer, we have a group of students who are able to keep up with professionals in an amazing way. Some of our students go on to become professionals. It amazes me to now be working as a professional with those I used to teach. Trollwood and the Fargo-Moorhead community are so supportive and excited to see their youth succeed. It’s an amazingly rich theater community and it feels like a second home now. This summer will be my 17th year at Trollwood. Holiday Lights in Lindenwood Park

to Benefit TrollwoodPlease clip out and give to attendant when purchasing your ticket to view the holiday lights displays in lindenwood Park November 28 - december 31, 2014.

trollwood Performing arts school will receive a $2 donation from the f-M sertoma club for each coupon redeemed.

3 p’S in a pod, holiday aRt Show & Sale December 6, 2014 | 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Marcil Commons | Bluestem Center for the Arts

Join artists Eric A. Johnson, Sam Norman, McCal Joy Johnson, and Chelsea Odden for the 2nd annual “3 P’s in a Pod” collaborative show. Four artists using three different media will be offering demonstrations and exhibiting their latest work.

SiGninG Santa holiday paRty December 13, 2014 | 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Marcil Commons | Bluestem Center for the Arts

Hard of hearing and/or deaf children and their families are invited to celebrate with Santa! Holiday craft activities, sleigh rides, games, and free luncheon; and of course, visit with the “Signing Santa!” Made possible by the Quota club & sertoma.

tRollwood timeline December 6 | 3 P’s in a Pod Holiday Art Sale

December 13 | Signing Santa Holiday Party

January 5 | Mary Poppins Group Sales Open

January 6 & 7 | Trollwood Children’s Theatre (TCT) Auditions For Parts

January 7 | Summer Program Registration Opens

January 12 | TCT Rehearsal Begins

January 17 | Early Registration Party (Save up to $70!)

January 25 | Mainstage Musical (MM) Audition Workshop

February 5 & 6 | TCT Performances at Ben Franklin Middle School

February 20 -24 | MM Auditions

March 26 | Summer Program Information Open House

April 1 | Early Registration Deadline (Save up to $50!)

April 12 | MM Measurement Party

May 1 | Student Leader & Financial Aid App Deadline

May 22 | Summer Program Registration Deadline (June Programs)

June 1 | MM Kickoff Meeting

June 2 | MM Rehearsals Begin

June 4 | Orientation & Classes Begin

June 8 | Mary Poppins Box Office Opens

June 12 | Summer Program Registration Deadline (July Programs)

June 8 - 12 | ArtSpark Session

June 15 - 19 | ArtSpark Session

June 22 - 26 | ArtSpark Session

July 1 | Sun Celebration

July 6-11 | MM Tech Week

July 7 | Totally Trollwood Musical (TTM) Orientation

July 9 & 10 | TTM Auditions For Parts

July 13 | TTM Rehearsals Begin

July 14 | Mary Poppins Family Preview

July 15 - 18 | Mary Poppins Performances

July 20 - 24 | ArtSpark Session

July 22 - 25 | Mary Poppins Performances

July 27 - 31 | ArtSpark Session

July 29 - August 1 | Mary Poppins Performances

August 3 - 7 | MM Strike

August 4 - 5 | TTM Performance

August 6 | MM Production Party

August 6 | TTM Strike & Celebration

conSideR uS foR youR fall, winteR oR SpRinG weddinG!

welcome to youR next holiday paRty!

callinG all alumni... become paRt of taG!On July 26, 2014, a group of passionate Trollwood Alumni met to form and begin laying out plans for a group called TAG. TAG, the Trollwood Alumni Group, has a clear mission to invigorate and strengthen connections to Trollwood Performing Arts School and relationships among Trollwood alumni, students, parents, and friends, leading to increased life-long support of Trollwood’s mission, vision, and values, and the cultivation of TAG members as leaders, volunteers, advocates, and donors for Trollwood. liKe taG on facebooK and Stay connected! SeaRch “TAG - Trollwood Alumni Group”.

Our first meeting was full of great brainstorming and began the conversations needed to create the format that is right for this group. We are confident that our small group will grow to hundreds, as we get the word out about who we are, what our goals are, and how we can work together to make sure Trollwood is around for young people to enjoy and grow for years to come.

Currently, we are looking for alumni who are interested in getting involved by connecting with alumni in their community and hosting a TAG meeting to help us get the word out about our group, our mission, and potential initiative that will help support Trollwood. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Veronica at 218-477-6514 or email michaev@fargo.k12.nd.us.

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In an effort to connect with alumni home during the December holiday, TAG will be hosting an Alumni Holiday Showcase on December 29th from 7 to 9 pm at our Bluestem location. We hope you can join your Trollwood family while we enjoy some delicious treats and the beautiful talents of our alumni!

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NON-PROFITU.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 965Fargo, ND

fargo public Schools801 50th ave Smoorhead, mn 56560

At Bluestem Center for the Arts

(218) 477-6500 www.tRollwood.oRG tRollwood@faRGo.K12.nd.uS a pRoGRam of faRGo public SchoolS

walK down memoRy lane...