Visual surprises enhance the story of everyone’s favorite ogreTrollwood Performing Arts School is set to stage the regional premiere of Shrek The Musical for its 35th annual summer Mainstage Musical.

Come see Broadway’s favorite new fairytale July 17–August 3. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks movie that started it all, this hilarious story of everyone’s favorite green ogre is part romance, part twisted fairytale, and all family-friendly fun!

Leading the artistic team charged with making this fantasy tale spring to life on the Trollwood stage is Michael Walling, nationally recognized stage director based in New York City. When describing his vision for Trollwood’s production of Shrek, he uses words like ‘bright,’ ‘animated,’ ‘glossy,’ and ‘articulated fantasy.’ Walling relates that “The team has all seen the National Tour production of Shrek. Then we’ve pulled inspiration from books, cartoons, and the Shrek movies themselves, but we won’t stray too far from the brand—because Shrek is a very recognizable show.”

Of course, we will give Broadway’s newest hit musical a bit of that traditional Trollwood ‘flair’…. “It’s been helpful to do the research and then give the show our ownership,” Walling related in a recent interview. “You have to keep your audience intrigued to keep them watching when they know a production like they do with Shrek, so we will present them with lots of surprises to keep them captured in our fantasy world.”

Audience members will be invited right into the story from the first notes of the overture, as plans are to have the fairytale characters step out of a story book to begin the show. Scene locations will appear and revolve away, and then reappear with changes. “It’s all about keeping [the show] magical and moving along,” according to Walling.

Christopher Payne, a special effects and prosthetics makeup designer and artist from Chicago, has been hired to create Shrek’s head (complete with ogre ears) and hands, custom built especially for our leading man, Walker Degerness (West Fargo High School Senior). Payne will work with Makeup Designer and Trollwood alumna Heather Hurner to create a believable “look” for all the ogres of Shrek The Musical.

The illusion of a flying Dragon will be created by puppeteer Lisa Leiber-ing from Philadelphia. By placing actress/vocalist Samantha Raun (Fargo Davies High School Junior) on a high, rolling tower and constructing an articulated puppet around her with wings and a tail operated by our puppeteers, the Dragon visual and Dragon voice will be seamlessly integrated to present a truly magical creature.

Continued on page 2

2 Spring, 2013

Everyone’s Favorite OgreContinued from page 1

Audiences can anticipate surprises of all shapes and sizes, from oversized books and mythical dragons to fantasy hand-held props created by Minneap-olis-based puppeteer and props artist Justin Spooner, another Trollwood alum. Our Properties Master has also been tasked with creating several additional unique puppets, such as the Cow Who Jumped Over the Moon.

What truly made the original Dream-Works movie and now this all-new Shrek The Musical so popular with fans of all ages isn’t the visual tricks and surprises, however, but the underlying timeless story themes: an underdog tri-umphing over injustice, good winning out over evil, and a heartwarming tale of love despite adversity and differ-ences, where the ogre gets the girl!

Make your summer plans now to attend what is sure to become one of Trollwood’s most beloved musi-cal productions—Shrek The Musical! Show dates are July 17–20, 24–27 and 31–August 3. Discounted ticket sales are now open for groups of 10 or more (see ad back page). Reserved and general admission tickets available. General public box office opens June 10.

See you at the show!

Still time to register!Trollwood Summer program registration open until May 22.

Classes are filling fast—don’t wait! All information, including registration form, available on-line at www.trollwood.org.

Arts FlingArts FlingSPRING SPRING

Sunday, May 19, 2013 • 1:00–5:00 pmMarcil Commons, Bluestem Center for the Arts,

home of Trollwood Performing Arts School, Moorhead

Arts Showcase

Sponsored by The Arts Partnership, Trollwood Performing Arts School, and Moor-head Community Education, this family-friendly event will feature entertainment, performances, art displays, and demonstrations by area artists and arts organiza-tions. Stroll through booths featuring artwork for sale by various primary partners of The Arts Partnership and others. Concessions available.

Check Trollwood’s website for event details at www.trollwood.org/shows-events

Photography Workshop with Martin Jonason Sponsored by Moorhead Community Education • 1:00–3:00 pm

The photography professional will review the basics of digital camera settings, plus share principles and techniques to take your digital photography to new artistic levels.

Workshop offered at no charge, limited enrollment; must pre-register to participate by calling (218) 284-3400. You will need to provide your own digital camera (D-SLR camera suggested).

Spring, 2013 3

Music Concerts return to Imagine AmphitheaterRegional concert promoter Jade Presents has announced two concerts for the 2013 Imagine Amphitheater season, with more announcements to come.

The Duluth-based bluegrass group, Trampled By Turtles, performs May 10 at 7:00 pm. Reinventing Radio: an Evening with Ira Glass, host and creator of This American Life on NPR will be on stage August 17 at 7:30 pm. Several additional summer and fall dates are on hold, pending negotiations with performers, with the intention of scheduling one or two additional shows.

The Fargo School Board and the staff of Trollwood Performing Arts School have a dynamic vision for the use of the Bluestem Center for the Arts facilities in south Moorhead. This vision not only includes staging Trollwood programs, but also includes serving as performance and gathering spaces for area arts organizations, community-focused events, arts learning opportunities for all ages, corporate meetings, seminars and retreats, private event rentals, and public concerts by musicians and entertainers, such as those produced by Jade Presents.

Jade Presents President Jade Nielsen is excited to have access to the Imagine Amphitheater, which boasts the largest permanent performance stage in the Upper Midwest. “Working with this team from Fargo Schools and Trollwood Performing Arts School has been nothing short of inspiring. We are thrilled to once again be presenting concerts for the public at this unique outdoor venue.”

Jade Presents produced concerts at the Imagine Amphitheater from 2009 to 2011 that included Garrison Keillor and Prairie Home Companion, Moody Blues, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Alice Cooper, and others. Named one of the top 100 promoters in the world, Jade Presents produces concerts, festivals, and live events that connect local audiences with national artists and musicians. They are the exclusive promoter for The Fargo Theatre, The Venue, and House of Rock & Cadillac Ranch, plus the exclusive talent buyer for RibFest Fargo, among other local and regional events.

Trollwood Executive Director Kathy Anderson is excited for the future of this world-class facility in south Moorhead. “With these concerts by Jade Presents, we are able to continue moving the vision for this facility forward, which in addition to being the home of Trollwood Performing Arts School and its programs and community performances, it will also be a location for regional performances by national artists, as well as local artists, making high-caliber arts performances available right in our own back yard.”

Tickets for all concerts presented by Jade Presents are available at JadePresents.com, the Tickets300 box office (300 Broadway, Fargo; open Monday–Friday, noon to 6:00 pm), or can be charged by phone at (866) 300-8300.

4 Spring, 2013

Trollwood extends heartfelt gratitude to retiring Fargo Schools administratorAssistant Superintendent for Human Relations Nancy Jordheim will retire June 30 after 42 years in education.

As Trollwood staff gathers in late May and our 2013 programs kick off in June for another season, we will do so without the watchful eye, guiding hand, words of wisdom, and smile of Nancy Jordheim, Fargo Schools Assistant Superintendent of Human Relations, who will retire after

27 years with the Fargo School District. She’s been an integral part of behind-the-scenes Trollwood for many of those years.

Jordheim doesn’t just have a passion for Trollwood. Her passion for education shines through in all her endeavors. Jordheim credited her mom, a West Fargo middle school instructor with first igniting that passion for education in their home. Jordheim also shared, “The commitment and consideration of some very special teachers added to my desire to be a ‘servant leader’ in education. What made me continuously interested and inspired were the young people that I was allowed to serve. They gave me energy and drive to continue in this marvelous profession.”

In February the Fargo Kiwanis recognized Nancy’s extraordinary dedication to students by naming her their first ever Community Champion for Kids as part of the 55th annual Fargo Kiwanis Pancake Karnival. “This [award] was affirmation of what persons within the community can do to make connections and be advocates for our most important resource— children.” However, Nancy shares that the most significant incident that affirmed her life’s work in education was the encouragement she received when a student phoned her and said, “Never think that one person cannot make a difference, because you changed me.”

After several years of teaching, Jordheim’s career with the Fargo Schools began in 1986 as a counselor at South High. Following, she served as assistant principal at South, then moved on to principal of Ben Franklin in 1994. She has been an assistant superintendent from 1995 to the present. When she took the assistant superintendent position, Jordheim was one of only a few women in the state working in upper level administration in education.

Whether as a teacher, a counselor, or most recently as a school administrator, Jordheim has allowed a few simple principles to guide her work: All children can learn; everyone deserves to be understood; servant leadership is a driving goal. Wise words everyone can benefit from following!

Nancy’s worn many Trollwood hats over the years: school administrator, supervisor, valued mentor, dedicated volunteer, long-time donor, loyal supporter, and even staff “mom.” When asked what she has enjoyed most about working with Trollwood, Nancy shared, “There is a spirit and joy for learning and for sharing that is most clear at Trollwood Performing Arts School. The staff finds time to identify and encourage that spark of unique-ness in one another and in the students they serve. The parents are willing to double their efforts in making this place and this time rewarding and memorable for their children. Our students have boundless energy and the capacity to learn, enjoy, embrace, and challenge themselves and each other. It all reminds me of Oz: ‘I don’t know if I have been changed for the better, but I have been changed for good,’ thanks to Trollwood.”

“Nancy has been my direct supervisor since taking over as Executive Direc-tor of Trollwood in the fall of 2009 and I could not have asked for better leadership during this time of transition. I have had the great privilege of working closely with Nancy since beginning my profession back in the early 90’s. I feel so blessed to have been the recipient of such incredible mentor-ship over the years and could not have asked personally for a more beautiful gift than working with Nancy Jordheim,” says Kathy Anderson, Trollwood Executive Director.

Continued on page 5

As one of her many Trollwood volunteering gigs, Nancy served as a celebrity griller for Trollwood’s 1998 Sun Celebration Fundrais-ing Picnic alongside Morris Lanning.

Spring, 2013 5

2013 Faculty Spotlight: An alum with a passion to share

Austin Regan 2013 Faculty Position: Conservatory/Musical Theatre Instructor

Where do you currently live?

I live on the west side of Manhattan in New York City, but I grew up in Fargo, and am a graduate of Fargo South High School.

Where did you receive your training?

I received my B.F.A. from Boston Conservatory, and also studied briefly at Columbia University. In addition, I have been extraordinarily blessed to have as a friend and mentor the Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer.

What years were you at Trollwood?

I was at Trollwood from 1999 through 2003, in classes and musicals. I took many dance classes, acting classes, and musical theater class with Joel Briel. My favorite shows include being in Jesus Christ Superstar and playing Enjolras in Les Misérables.

What is the most valuable thing you learned at Trollwood?

I learned to nurture my love and talent for the arts. I never would have known I had the capability of being a professional theater artist if it hadn’t been for the fantastic teachers and my amazing fellow students at TPAS.

Where are you currently employed; what is it you “do”?

I am a freelance theater director. I develop and direct plays and musicals both in and out of New York City. I also do a fair amount of work as an assistant/associate director, including on Broadway. And I teach actors as well—at places like my alma mater, the Boston Conservatory, as well as with an organization I co-founded called “Other Side of the Table.”

Give us the highlights of your career.

My first Broadway show—American Idiot, for which I was the assistant director—was an incredible experience. I got to work with some of the best people in the world, including Michael Mayer, Tom Kitt, and Steven Hoggett. I was also the associate director of the 2011 revival of On A Clear Day You Can See Forever, with my wife, Kendal Hartse, in the cast. It was wonderful to work with her on Broadway, and also with star Harry Connick, Jr! I also directed a really fun new play at the Kraine Theater last summer, and one of the leads was my dear Trollwood friend, Nicole Rodenburg.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

As an artist, every new show I direct I hope to make the best thing I’ve ever done. I do also feel very proud that I was trusted to be the associate director of a Broadway show while in my twenties.

What do you want Trollwood students to “get” as a result of taking your Conservatory session?

I hope I can bring a taste of what it is like to be a professional theater artist in New York. I remember how inspiring it was when I was a student to have been mentored by teachers who had worked at places like the Metropolitan Opera and on Broadway.

Nancy JordheimContinued from page 4

Nancy’s servant leadership heart is evident as she exhorts all of us to meet the needs of this growing organiza-tion. “Trollwood is a gem that indeed meets the mission of enriching the lives of ALL through the encourage-ment and advancement of the arts in our lives. Our challenge is to ask what can we do—each and every day—both where we are and as we look to where we wish [Trollwood] to be. Trollwood believes in you, and you can act out your belief in Trollwood through shar-ing your time, talent, and treasure—Trollwood is a challenge worth saying YES to, now and in the future.”

When asked to share her post-retire-ment plans, Nancy said, “I hope to always be part of this community that has given so much to me. Volunteer-ing to work with and for the advocacy of children, youth, and programs that make a difference for them is on the top of my ‘more time to do list.’ Being a wide-eyed and enthusiastic lover of my own children, grandchildren, hus-band, and family will not take effort, but it will be joy-filled.”

You can see why it is with a warm hug, a kiss on the cheek, and an ear full of best wishes that Trollwood Performing Arts School humbly and with heartfelt appreciation says, “Thank you, Nancy! You will truly be missed!”

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6 Spring, 2013

In loving memory of Thomas “Mickey” Snortland

October 29, 1949 to

January 27, 2013

You will be missed, Friend!

Concert Volunteers needed for May 10.Donate a few hours as you listen to some great music!

A crew of volunteers is needed to help manage the upcoming Jade Presents concert needs on May 10, when the popular bluegrass group Trampled By Turtles takes the Imagine Amphitheater stage. Interested in helping to park cars or usher? All volunteers will be able to enjoy the concert when not actively assigned a volunteering duty. Contact Trollwood by May 1 at (218) 477-6500 or Trollwood@fargo.k12.nd.us with your email and daytime phone number. Trollwood Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Glaser will then contact you with final volunteer assignments for the concert.

2013 Faculty Spotlight: Giving young students a voice

Richard “Rick” Kuhlman 2013 Faculty Position: Beginning Improv, Improvisation, and Sketch Comedy Instructor

Where do you currently live?

I bought a house last year in Oak View, CA, in the Ojai Valley, about 70 miles north of Los Angeles, and have settled into this arts oriented Valley community, which is full of theatre, music, painting and dance.

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there I moved to Chicago, where I made a living as an actor for about 2 years, then moved to Hollywood. I lived in Orlando, Fla. for a year when I shot a series for the Disney Channel, but then moved back to Los Angeles.

Where are you currently employed; what is it you “do”?

I’m a self-employed actor and director, and by the end of this year I will have directed 5 shows at various theaters in Ojai and Los Angeles. I audi-tion for commercials, TV and film in LA when they get offered. I also teach Acting, Improvisation, and Writing at Columbia College Hollywood as a full professor. And, for the past year, I’ve been co-artistic director of the Ojai Youth Entertainer’s Studio (OYES). I was a Trollwood Acting Department faculty member in 2009 and 2010.

What education or training has prepared you to do your work?

My formal education was at Ohio University and Miami University, but I’ve learned so much of the craft of writing, acting and directing from first-hand experience. I’ve studied with great directors, both film and theatre, and I have always, always, stayed busy with projects, either as a hire or self-produced. I have been a working actor since 1978, all over the country.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I was hired for a summer in one theatre as a playwright, actor and direc-tor; it was incredibly creative and artistically satisfying. The challenges were great and joyful. That energy propelled me beyond that gig, and I grew so much that year.

What do you want Trollwood students to “get” or understand as a result of taking one of your classes?

I trust Trollwood students to be attentive and hungry for theatrical knowl-edge and experiences. I base this on my past 2 summers working at Troll-wood. With this trust, I want them to understand that I will treat them as an artist—an artist who wants to express themselves—and that they have something to say: a point of view, a perspective and an opinion. I want students to know that their interpretation is unique and one of a kind, and that they need to trust themselves, and their fellow artists in collaboration, as they work to bring forth their voices.

Spring, 2013 7

Combining the unexpected works well for local arts organizationFargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra mixes music genres and an unexpected performance venue to create popular concert and successful fundraising event

“Funk band,” “outdoor,” “casual,” and “party!” are not the usual descriptors one would apply to a symphony concert— unless it is describing Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra’s third annual Symphony Rocks @ Bluestem event, slated for August 15, 2013, once again at Bluestem Center for the Arts in south Moorhead. This event raises operational funds for the Symphony while providing a major, end-of-summer fun musical event for the whole community.

The F-M Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 81st season. Their annual programming consists of a Masterworks series, Chamber series, Holiday Pops, and a Young People’s concert. In addition, they annually hold two fundraising events and five Urban Overture events, which are aimed to introduce the symphony to young professionals. The Symphony’s final Masterworks concert of the season is April 20 and 21.

The Symphony Rocks event is the Symphony’s major pops concert of their season, quite different in tone from their Master-works concert held inside Festival Concert Hall at NDSU. It is a chance for concertgoers to perhaps experience a symphony for the first time in a fun, informal atmosphere.

At Symphony Rocks @ Bluestem, people of all ages will experience the thrill of hearing a full symphony orchestra perform the first few numbers, then be joined onstage by the 12-piece, horn-fueled Post-Traumatic Funk Syndrome. The band and orchestra perform together, with arrangements of pop hits written specifically for this event. There will be fundraising activi-ties before the concert inside the Marcil Commons, and concessions are also available on the grounds before the concert.

In a recent conversation with F-M Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director, Linda Boyd, she shared, “The Bluestem Center is the perfect venue for this event. The stage is large enough to accommodate the symphony orchestra plus a 12-piece funk band, the outdoor venue is perfect for an end-of-summer concert celebration, and the beautiful Marcil Commons lends a gracious yet informal atmosphere to our VIP pre-concert fundraising activities.”

Linda went on to add, “We are thrilled to be a part of Bluestem’s offerings to the region; the venue is a community jewel. The entire staff is a pleasure to work with, making a technically complex and challenging event look easy and sound great.”

F-M Symphony Orchestra’s creative blend of diverse music genres and spaces seems to work well, as audiences have grown dramatically during the first two years of this popular event. The Symphony hopes to reach the 1,800 attendance mark at this year’s event, and raise significant funds to help support the operations of the symphony orchestra.

Contact the organization for tickets to this casual, fun, party—err, Symphony concert—at www.fmsymphony.org or (701) 478-FMSO (3676).

NON-PROFITU.S. PostagePAID

Permit No. 965Fargo, ND

Fargo Public Schools801 50th Ave SWMoorhead, MN 56560

(218) 477-6500 www.trollwood.org trollwood@fargo.k12.nd.us

See Broadway’s favorite fairytale—at a discount!

Group Sales Now Open! Call (218) 477-650010–20% OFF Regular Ticket Prices with your group of 10 or more.

July 18–20, 24–27, 31–August 3, 2013