Trollwood Performing Arts School provides high quality arts education, exceptional community entertainment, and operates as a community events and exposition center.

Trollwood Performing Arts School, a program of Fargo Public Schools, serves as the managing arm for Bluestem Center for the Arts, large circular room filled with white tablesa world-class facility headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota. The campus includes river views, grassy meadows, woods, and wildlife. The facilities are comprised of outdoor stages, a 2,500-seat amphitheater, and the beautiful Marcil Commons, which serves as the Trollwood headquarters, an educational center, and a rental space. It boasts warm knotty pine rooms and beautiful park views.

Bluestem Center for the Arts hosts many programs that inspire a love for arts in people of all ages. The facility is used for school arts curriculum and activities, including the 12 programs offered by Trollwood Performing Arts School. Bluestem also serves as a space for public performances, exhibitions, community festivals, corporate retreats, conferences, weddings, and other private rental opportunities. Since opening, thousands of patrons and students have enjoyed these opportunities.

Trollwood Performing Arts School intentionally incorporates the outdoors into curriculum. Many of our programs are summer based, and we understand the importance of allowing youth to enjoy the season.

Bluestem Center for the Arts is an exciting collaboration between Fargo Public Schools and the city of Moorhead, serving as a testament to our region’s commitment to the arts. The center opened in 2009 thanks to generous support of the entire community.

TROLLWOOD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL’S HISTORY OF SERVICE TO YOUTH THROUGH ARTS EDUCATION HAS BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED WITH SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS:

  • United Nation’s Peace Messenger Award, 1991
  • President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, Coming Up Taller Award, 2002. Trollwood was one of only 11 orgaizations across the nation to be chosen for their outstanding youth arts programs
  • Governor’s Award for the Arts, 2003, awarded by North Dakota Governor John Hoeven in honor of Trollwood’s long-standing commitment to excellence in arts education and community entertainment
  • Lake Agassiz Arts Council’s Arts Education Advocate Award, 2007
  • Certificate of Excellence for Superior Performance and Leadership by Impact Foundation through Dakota Medical Foundation, 2008
  • Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Small Non-Profit of the Year Finalist, 2008
  • Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau “Countrypolitan Award” for creating the new 4-season campus to promote tourism in the Fargo-Moorhead area, 2009
  • Metro Area Mayors’ Committee for People with Disabilities “Universal Access Award” for meeting the minimum requirements set by the ADA and made additional architectural designs that have increased the accessibility for people with disabilities, 2009
  • North Dakota Parent-Teacher Association Friend of the Child Award, 2011
  • American Advertising Federation-North Dakota
  • “Best of the Valley” and “Best Live Entertainment Venue” from Fargo Forum’s Best Annual Non-Sporting Event for 5 years running
  • “Best Large Music Venue” 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 from High Plains Reader
  • Award of Excellence from NSPRA Publications & Digital Media Awards, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
  • “Best Live Entertainment Spot” from Fargo Forum’s Best of the Red River Valley 2022, 2023, 2024

Trollwood Performing Arts School has maintained a high standard of excellence in all its programs since 1978 as a result of the level of commitment to serve youth exhibited by the leaders of the organization. These Trollwood leaders are community members, educators, business owners, and parents dedicated to offering quality education opportunities to our youth through the arts. We thank them for their service.

Our heartfelt appreciation to the Fargo Board of Education and Fargo Public Schools leaders, for their support of our growth and development.

  • Dr. Cory Steiner, Superintendent
  • Dr. Robert Grosz, Associate Superintendent
  • Melissa Eidsness, Associate Superintendent
  • Jackie Gapp, Chief Financial Officer
  • Dr. Jeff McCanna, Chief Human Capital Officer
  • AnnMarie Campbell, Chief Communications Officer
  • Bill Westrick, Chief Operating Officer
  • Tara Brandner, General Counsel
  • Katie Christensen Mineer, President
  • Robin Nelson, Vice President
  • Melissa Burkland
  • Greg Clark
  • Jolene Garty
  • Nikkie Gullickson
  • Jason Nelson
  • Kristin Nelson
  • Allie Ollenburger

A special thank you to the Moorhead City Council for their partnership in hosting the home of Trollwood Performing Arts School.

  • Mayor Shelly Carlson
  • Lisa Borgen
  • Chuck Hendrickson
  • Nicole Mattson
  • Sebastian McDougall
  • Emily Moore
  • Ryan Nelson
  • Heather Nesemeier
  • Deb White

In addition to the participation of thousands, it takes love, commitment, materials, and money to keep Trollwood going and growing each year. Gate receipts and contributions comprise approximately 50% of our annual operating budget. Your financial and in-kind contributions allow us to provide unique youth development programs and high quality entertainment for our community. Now is the time to join hundreds of others in the all-important role of being a Trollwood supporter.

Make your individual contribution today!

Listed below are those individuals, companies and organizations who have generously supported Trollwood Performing Arts School. Their encouragement and financial support make dreams come true for our youth and provide numerous arts opportunities for people in the region. This list reflects gifts received between June 1, 2024 and July 7, 2025.

 

 

 

 

Bright Star

Bell Bank

Angel

Fargo-Moorhead Sertoma Club

FriendlySky

Xcel Energy Foundation

Angel in-kind

Corwin Automotive Group

Luminary

Forum Communication Co.

Julie Snortland

The Arts Partnership, with support from the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead, & West Fargo

Luminary Inkind

Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation

Forum Communications Co.

Hornbacher’s Foods

Imagineer

Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation

Otter Tail Corporation

Imagineer In-kind

West Acres Development Company

Dreammaker

Dawn Dexter

Gail Dexter

Bob Gerke

Nancy & Neil Jordheim Fund

Dreammaker In-kind

David Coons/ASI Professional Associates

Minnesota Public Radio

Mistees Screen Printing & Graphics

Prairie Property Management

Visionary

Sarah & Dean Atchison

FM Area Foundation – Charles Bailly Donor Advised Fund

Elmer & Kaya Berg Foundation No. 2

George & Pauline Economon

Fargo Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau

Roxanne Fiebiger

Sara Gjerdevig

Kiwanis Club of Fargo

Michelle & Brent Hella, Family of Jane Hella

Corey & Whitney Henry

Larry Holmstrom

Tara & Neil Iversen

Nancy & Neil Jordheim

Shiloh Lodge No 1 AF & AM/ND Masonic Foundation, Inc.

Kenneth Scherber in memory of Kit Scherber

West Acres Development Company

Angie & Brian Schulz

Shanon Sell

Stephen Silletto

Matthew Thibedeau Endowment Fund

Visionary In-kind

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Moorhead

Paradiso Mexican Restaurant

Prairie Public Radio

Urban Foods

Wimmer’s Diamonds

Patron

Katie & Craig Brye

Vicki Chepulis – In Celebration of Michael Walling’s Creativity and Commitment

Myndi & Mark Frey

Heather Hanson

Beth & Robert Haseltine in memory of Elizabeth Thompson

Jill & Gary Inman

Rachelle & Jon Martin

Robin Melcher
in honor of Avery Moxness

Olivia Monson

Laura & Austin Morris

Carly Nelson

LuAnn & Mike Quaschnick

Judith & Stephen Spellman

Supporter

Kathy & Jim Anderson

Pat & Burt Belknap

Linda & Larry Brooks

Victoria & Michael Chambers

Susan Farkas

Anne Hintz

Rachel & Ted Horan

Anja & Drew Kalvoda in honor of Jeffrey Kalvoda

Keith & Lorraine Langseth

Robin Melcher

Eric Momsen

Danielle & Kyle Oetker

Jennifer & Blair Thoreson

Anna & Ross Yost

Contributor

Jaime & Michael Aasen

Lakyn Adkins

Cassie Amundson

Amanda Amundson

Denielle Amundson

Ashley Andel

Penny Andersen

Krystal & Kevin Anderson

Jennifer & Jeffrey Anderson

Karma Anderson

Ann & Lawrence Anderson

Eileen Anderson

Robert Arusell

Teresa Austad

Winnie & Rhen Austin

LaVerne Aventi

Karla & Terry Babler

Rebecca Barry

Pam & Kim Beckius

Kayla Beilke

Judy Berceau

Denelle & Fred Berg

Christine & Justin Berg

Kim & Howard Berglund

Maxine Beseler

Don & Peggy Bierdeman

Stacey Biewer

Patricia & James Bjorklund

Sara & Scott Bleth

Lori Blomquist

Jodee Bock

Abby Boggs-Johnson

Raymond Bohanna

Regina Bohnet

Leah Bothum

Bomb Dog

Susan Brandt

Patricia Brees

Eloise & Arnie Breikjern

Chrissy Brenna

Jill & Steve Briggs

Kristy & Byron Brink

Alexandra Brothen

Elair & Joyce Brothen

Pam & Michael Burns

Steve Burrell

Lisa & Gregg Campbell

Jane Linde & Rodney Capistran

Megan Carlblom

Lisa & Josh Christianson

Lisa Coleman

Kelsey Colwell

Douglas Cremers

Jenna & Kevin Cronen

Steven & Kristen Crumby

Kathryn & Daniel Damico

Rachele Davis

Deb & Todd DeBates

Jodi DePree – Tropical Sno

Jonie & Leo Dignam

Kathy & John Dixon

Roxane Doll

Michelle Dowell

Kim & Devin Droog

Erin & Craig Dummer

Bryan & Melisa Duncan

Lora & Kevin Elfstrum

Ronald Ellingson

Heather Erickson

Joshua Erickson

Shauna Erickson

William Erickson

Gracie Erickstad

Jill Esser

Katie Ettish

Marian Fagerholt

Lisa Faiman

Lisbeth & Jim Fandrich

Ken Farnham in honor of Lisa Bohnet Farnham

Amy Beaton & David Fenelon

Holly & Tim Fiechtner

Angela Fiedler

Daniel Figueroa

Cindy & Rick Fischer

Cindy Fischer

Mary & Gary Fiske

Turner Fixen

Karen & Paul Fleming

Barb Franke

Jocelyn Frazee

George & Rae French

Jody & Jay French

Colleen & Vince Frost

In celebration of our Trollwood Friends, Rick & Cindy Fischer & Ken Frank

Shannon Full

Lorraine & Bruce Furness

Mackenzie Gable

Christopher Gaddie

Lori Garbe

Paul Garnaas

Pam & Jason Gibb

Donna & Michael Gillen

Jackie & Nick Giobres

Payton Gleave

David Gooch

Nancy Gordon

Justin Grams

Brittany Greenwood

Heidi & Jeremy Gregoire

Wendy Gress

Renee Grosz

Ashley Grosz

Anna & Marc Grothmann

Nikkie & Greg Gullickson

Sheila Gullickson

Dawn & Lee Gunderson

Abby Gunderson

Jodi & Glen Haekenkamp

Sherry & Gerry Haga

Brian Hagelstrom

Danny Hallock

Megan Halstenson

James Hand

Judy Hansen

Ava Hanson

Kathryn & David Hanson

Anna & Lew Hanson

Stefanie & Jared Hardy

Jean & Marc Harju

Stacie & Rick Harvala

Marcy Harvala

Courtney Hatfield

David & Eileen Hauff

Sara Hawes

Beverly Heller

Todd & Maggy Henderson

Gracie Hennen

Hannah & Tony Herder

Amy Hewitt

Sharre & Lyn Hodny

Cherish & Ryan Hoffman

Becky & Ron Holten

Carol & Kenneth Hopp

Charissa Horner

Joni & Travis Hubrig

Jason & Beret Huck

Cindy Huffman

Allison Hursman

Vicky Huschka

Tracy Imle

Annette Ingulsrud

Anna Isakson

Arland & Willy Jacobson

Linda Jalbert

Kristin Jameson

Janelle Jamison

Katie & Chase Johansen

Ryan Johnson

June & Roger Johnson

Mary Lynn & Roger Johnson

Michaela Johnson

Marty & Maureen Jonason

Amanda & Josh Kadrmas

Kristin Kane

Janet & James Kapitan

Kristin & Jim Keal

Janet Kemper

Anne & Kevin Kidder in honor of Grace & Kaitlyn Kidder

Angie Klein

Jean & Randy Koch

Maria Weller & Kurt Kooyer

Susan Korman

Beth Kovar

Kyle & Kayla Kranda

Jennifer & Jason Kratcha

Keagen Kratcha

John Kringer in honor of Robert Kringler

DeAnn Krueger

Brian Kuehl

Stephanie Kummer

Leah & Nick Kvamme

Travis Kvanvig

Mary & Harvey Laabs

Carol Ladwig

Brandi Laframboise

Susan LaHaise

Cherie Lamb

Tracy & Mike LaMont

Larry LaMont

Michal & Charles Lang

Jessica Westgard Larson & Dave Larson

Alissa Larson

Betty & Wayne Larson

Brian Larson

Anita LaVoy

Kathy Leingang

Kellee Lenoue

Josee & Norman Leslie

Rebecca & David Lindell

Jane Lobitz

Aaron & Kjellan Loe-Johnson

Wendy & Scott Longlet

Jena Lovaas

Jon Lucht

Kirsten Lund

Cindy & Bob Lunneborg

Catherine & David Lutgen

Sandy Luttio

Karen & Gary Mailloux

Brian Market

Theresa Martin

Aubree Martinez

Angela & Michael Mathers

Nicole & Chad Mathiason

Melissa McCulley

Tom McDougall

Jennifer & Tim McManamon

Joni Mehrhoff

Lisa & Adam Melby

Victoria & Jeff Melchior

Paul Meyers

Amy Milbrandt

Ivan Miller

Rebecca Moore

Colleen Moriarity

Marcia Myers

Avish Nagpal

Jerry Nelson

Andrea Nelson

Mary Margaret Nelson

Melissa Nettleton

Tracie & David Newman

Jon Nistler

Cindy & Gary Nolte

Julie Norman

Susan Nymark

Palmer Obembe

Marlene Ochsner

Denese & Ron Odegaard

Rennitta & Gene Okerlund

Julie Olek

Laura & Craig Olson

Mary Olson In Celebration of Foster & Wynn Helm

Karissa Olson

Rita & Jay Olson

Audrey & Ardell Olson

Dwight Olson

Nikki Olson

Sherri Olstad

Amanda Oney

Maren & Thomas Ortmeier

Holly Osborn

Naomi Paasch

Rene & Duane Parke

Amy & Jim Parker

Becky Parker

Erin Paulson

Dawn Peters

Pamela & Toby Peterson

Twila Peterson

Mary Peterson

Marni Pinks

Kristie Pladson

Lisa Poehls

Maiken Pontoppidan

LaCosta Potter

Sharon & James Puppe

Jay Puppe

Travis Quaschnick

Cassandra Rasmussen

Paulette & Bill Rastedt

Nathan Reineke

Lana & Russell Rensvold

Tryniti Richard

Lou Richardson

Carole & Mark Richman

Delaney Rick

Paula & Eugene Roach

Dawn Robson

Kyle Roesler

Alpha & Bill Roeszler

DeLilah Rosecrans

Jerri & Dale Rust

Evelyn Rutten

Makell Sahlberg

Gina Sandgren

Erica & Brian Sauer

Carole & Bill Schalow

Molly Schenck

Crystal Schmeets

Katie Schmidt

Jackie & Jim Shaw in honor of Jenny & Natalie Shaw

Suzanne Sheldon

Barbara Silletto Hoch

Alex Skaare

Linda Skalet

Alicia Skalsky

Michelle & Steve Skoblik

Mary & Shawn Skrove

Jane Skunberg

Portia Smith

Carmen Sorenson

Ashley Starkweather

Tracy Stenhjem

Judy Stroh

Aaron Sunde

Carol Svingen

Norma & Jim Swanson

Michelle Swanson

Chelsa Swaser

Jill & Brady Swenson

Bryce & Brittany Swiers

Jennifer Taylor

Sandy Thiel in memory of Chad Bowden

Amanda & John Thomas

Lindsey Thomas

Cindy & Vern Thompson

Kathryn Thompson

Julie Thompson

Mary Kay Thompson

Tara Thorsgard

Mary Thrond

Mae & Stephen Tinguely

Tally Tinjum

Becky & Derek Todd

LeeAnn Torkelson

Kia & Carl Trout in memory of Grams

Paige Tuhy

Karen Tuil

Rhonda Turner

Mary Tuttle

Heidi & Ron Twedt

Charlee Ugstad

Madeline Van Beek

Nicole & James Van Vleet

Erica Vance

Kathryn Vander Ark

Kathleen & Blake Vander Vorst

Natasha Carvell & Nick Vaughn

Steven Vitalis

Melissa & Patrick Volk

Jasen Walker

Steven Weber

Brenda Weiler

Mary Weisser

Nancy Wermager

Beth West

Joel Westby

Bill Westrick

Jayla & Sam Wheeldon

Vicki & Ron Wiisanen

Lynn & Gary Willhite

Joni Wohlwend

Lexie Woinarowicz

Ashly Wolsky

Christina Wuollett

Jennifer Wurgler

Kathleen & Robert Yannish

Codi & Chris Yokom

Lauren Young

Colton Younggren

Lisa Zacher

Bailey Zeiher

Andrea Huseth-Zosel & Josh Zosel

Sue Zurn

Contributor Inkind

Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

Minnesota State University Moorhead

KATHY ANDERSON

Executive Director

Kathy Anderson has been leading Trollwood Performing Arts School since the fall of 2009, guiding the organization through significant growth in both its programming and its reach. Under her leadership, Trollwood has expanded opportunities for young artists by launching the Trollwood Conservatory, Totally Trollwood Academy, and the Trollwood Children’s Theatre, while continuing to champion the nationally recognized STudents At Risk (STAR) program, which she played a key role in creating in 1997.

Kathy Anderson has been leading Trollwood Performing Arts School since the fall of 2009, guiding the organization through significant growth in both programming and reach. Under her leadership, Trollwood has expanded opportunities for young artists by launching the Trollwood Conservatory, Totally Trollwood Academy, and the Trollwood Children’s Theatre, while continuing to champion the nationally recognized STudents At Risk (STAR) program, which she helped shape during its early development in 1997.

Kathy has served as producer for numerous Trollwood Mainstage Musical productions, including Mamma Mia! (2025), The Addams Family (2024), Singin’ in the Rain (2023), Cinderella (2021), Freaky Friday (2019), Hello, Dolly! (2018), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2017), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2016), Disney’s Mary Poppins (2015), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2014), Shrek (2013), Legally Blonde (2012), The Music Man (2011), and Anything Goes (2010). She is especially excited to bring Disney’s Frozen to the Bluestem amphitheater in 2026.

In addition to overseeing Trollwood’s artistic and educational programming, Kathy manages Bluestem Center for the Arts, coordinating venue operations, community rentals, and partnerships. Her role also extends into Fargo Public Schools, where she supports and oversees the district’s technical theater programs.

Before returning to Trollwood, Kathy served as Executive Director of the Cass County Historical Society and Bonanzaville USA from 1997–1999. She later worked for Microsoft (2000–2005) as a Technical Support Engineer and Technical Lead for the Great Plains accounting software. Kathy began her career as an intern at Trollwood after earning her Bachelor of Music degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Kathy and her husband, Jim, enjoy their life together in Moorhead, MN, and stay closely connected with their daughter, Jessica, who lives in Colorado.


Becky Gulsvig

BECKY GULSVIG

Mainstage Musical Director

Becky Gulsvig is honored to direct the Mainstage Musical at Trollwood, where, as a high schooler, she starred in Michael Walling’s productions of 42nd Street (Peggy Sawyer), Jesus Christ Superstar (Judas), and Damn Yankees (Lola). Becky grew up dancing under Eddie and Kathy Gasper and graduated from Moorhead Senior High School, where she was a proud Speech Team member and MHS Musical participant under Rebecca Meyer-Larson.

Becky moved to NYC in 2000 and has been New York City-based for the past 25 years. Her Broadway credits now include Hairspray (Amber), Legally Blonde (Original Broadway Cast), School Of Rock (Patty), Come From Away (Beverley & Others), and A Beautiful Noise (Jaye). Becky also starred in three 1st National Tours: Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Cynthia Weil), and Come From Away (Beverley & Others). She has worked on television, in commercials, voice-overs, and performed on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and (twice!) on the Tony Awards.

Simultaneously to her Broadway credits in the past 5 years, Becky founded and runs a Theatrical Enrichment program for children in New Jersey, where she lives with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs. Becky would like to give a shout-out to her Mom (Patty Gulsvig) for getting the ball rolling by paying for dance lessons and always being so fierce and supportive. Becky is extra proud to direct at this new Trollwood facility, which her Dad, the late Kris Gulsvig, helped to plan after both of his kids had graduated, because he saw what the theatre community can do for kids, families, and this wonderful FM community full of such wonderful talent and artistry!


NANCY GLASER

Program Coordinator

Nancy has been involved with Trollwood as a volunteer and parent since 2003. She started her role on the Trollwood staff in January 2008 as the Events and Volunteer Services Coordinator. In the fall of 2009, Nancy took on the role of Program and Volunteer Services Coordinator for Trollwood. In her new capacity, Nancy continues coordinating all volunteer efforts and also oversees the youth arts programs of Trollwood including coordinating all aspects of the Trollwood Academy, Totally Trollwood Academy, Totally Trollwood Musical, Trollwood Conservatory, Trollwood Children’s Theatre, ArtSpark, the STAR program, and the Trollwood Student Leadership program. Nancy is responsible for developing curriculum, as well as hiring and managing the faculty for all of these key Trollwood programs. The parts of her job she enjoys the most include working with all of the wonderful students and volunteers that make up the Trollwood family. Her previous employment was with the Muscular Dystrophy Association where she served as Health Care Service Coordinator, running the MDA Clinic and Summer Camp programs. Prior to being employed by Trollwood, Nancy spent numerous hours volunteering for the organization. She served as the volunteer Ambassador Chair, assisted with poster distribution, Sun Celebration, Tech Week meals, mic wiring, concessions, set construction, the holiday card mailing, and more. Her love of theatre began at Fargo North High School where she performed in several shows. During college, she was a member of the North Dakota Repertory Theatre and also performed in shows at NDSU and at FMCT.


ANDY SEGAL

Technical Coordinator

Andrew Segal is the Technical Coordinator for the Fargo School District theaters. He moved here from Colorado in 2022 to be the Technical Director for Totally Trollwood and Trollwood Children’s Theatre. He oversees the Bluestem Stage, Fargo North, South, and Davies High School Technical Directors and the middle school theaters. Prior to his arrival to the area, he was the Technical Director for Windsor High School and University Schools in Colorado. He also taught Middle School Stem and Math. He has been involved with theater since the early 1980’s as an actor, director, teacher, theater manager, and technical director. As an entrepreneur he was the Creative Director for a theater school he created to provide additional theater training for students ages 6-18. His passion is Shakespeare, in fact, he directed a middle school production of Romeo and Juliet at Trollwood, on the old barn stage back in 1993, after one of the many Fargo floods tried to wipe out Trollwood park. Andrew is glad to be back in the area, despite the freezing temperatures, with his dog Lucy. He looks forward to the schools reaching new theatrical heights, and summers of fantastic productions on the Bluestem Stage.


TYLER BROWN

Graphic & Web Designer

Tyler is a Fargo-Moorhead-based designer and illustrator with a passion for visual storytelling and the arts. He’s the graphic & web designer for Trollwood and Fargo Public Schools (FPS), and spends his days creating visuals and managing websites throughout the district. Before joining FPS, he worked with web developers and advertising agencies across the Red River Valley and holds a Master of Art + Design from NC State University, a BFA in Visual Art, and a BS in Design Technology from Bemidji State University. He spends his free time experiencing the joys of life with his wife, two boys, and crazy dog. You might also catch him exhibiting at comic book conventions, sketching ideas for personal work, or intently studying cartoons and comics.


ADAM WATTS

Communications Specialist

Adam Watts is a writer and communicator with about a decade of experience in the newspaper industry before entering his role as the communications specialist for Fargo Public Schools and Trollwood in the fall of 2021. He manages the social media accounts for both FPS and Trollwood, writes press releases for major events, and produces the weekly SchoolTalk e-Newsletters every week for the school district during the school year and the Trollwood Weekly newsletter every week at Trollwood during the summer. Adam has a degree in multimedia communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He was a sports reporter, news reporter, and page designer in multiple stints at The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, a sports reporter at the Worthington Daily Globe in Worthington, Minn., and the sports editor at the Winona Daily News in Winona Minn. Adam has a lifelong passion for theatre and grew up attending Trollwood’s Mainstage Musical every summer, so it is a thrill to be working at a place that has brought so much joy to his life. His first memory of seeing a musical on stage was Trollwood’s 1994 production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat when he was three years old, and he’s been a huge fan of that show and the theatre ever since. He performed in numerous high school productions at West Fargo High School, but has spared the community from having to watch him on stage since then.

The mission of Trollwood Performing Arts School is simple, “…to inspire those we serve through the arts to realize their full potential and be a positive influence in the global community.”

Trollwood believes that the arts have the power to transform people’s lives — to open them to the greatness that lies within them and in others.

Our primary goal is to develop and deliver the highest standard of performing arts education, which provides young people with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in future endeavors.

Underlying this performing arts curriculum is a commitment to instill lifeskills: confidence, creativity, communication skills, collaboration skills, citizenship and character.

In the course of serving young people, Trollwood realizes a second goal of providing high quality entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of people have enjoyed performances by Trollwood Performing Arts School since its inception.

In order to accomplish this mission, Trollwood Performing Arts School:

  • Provides intense, quality learning and performing opportunities in the production and performing arts.
  • Provides an atmosphere where young people are encouraged to set goals, take risks and view mistakes as an avenue for learning.
  • Surrounds students with a staff of professional artists who serve as mentors and teachers, encouraging our students to commit to a high level of self-expectation.
  • Creates an awareness that the arts are a constructive vehicle of personal expression.
  • Demonstrates to the public the high level of performing and production arts skills that the students are capable of achieving when given proper training.