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

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. Rupak Gandhi, Superintendent
  • Dr. Robert Grosz, Associate Superintendent
  • Missy Eidsness, Associate Superintendent
  • Jackie Gapp, Business Manager
  • Dr. Jeff McCanna, Human Capital Officer
  • AnnMarie Campbell, Communications Officer and Executive Assistant
  • Tara Brandner, General Counsel
  • Dr. Tracie Newman, President
  • Seth Holden, Vice President
  • Melissa Burkland
  • Katie Christensen
  • Greg Clark
  • Nyamal Dei
  • Nikkie Gullickson
  • Jim Johnson
  • Robin Nelson

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

  • Michelle Carlson, Mayor
  • Ryan Nelson
  • Matthew Gilbertson
  • Laura Caroon
  • Heather Nesemeier
  • Deb White
  • Larry Seljevold
  • Chuck Hendrickson
  • Steve Lindaas

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 January 1, 2021 – June 24, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRIGHT STAR
Bell Bank

ANGEL
Fargo-Moorhead Sertoma Club
North Dakota Council on the Arts
Julie Snortland

ANGEL IN-KIND
Forum Communications Co.

LUMINARY
Coca-Cola Bottling Company – High Country
Agnes C. Livdahl Estate
Otter Tail Corporation
The Arts Partnership and the Cities of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo

LUMINARY IN-KIND
Corwin Automotive
Hornbacher’s Foods

IMAGINEER
Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation
FM Area Foundation – Community Grant Round
Kiwanis
Michelle Radke-Hella & Brent Hella
Gary & Jill Inman
West Acres Development Company
Xcel Energy Foundation

IMAGINEER IN-KIND
Prairie Public

DREAMMAKER
Anonymous
Sarah & Dean Atchison – Atchison Companies
Katie & Craig Brye – In Honor of McKenna Brye
In Memory of Jocelyn Birch Burdick
Dr. Rick & Janette Buresh
Dawn Dexter – In Memory of Fran Dexter
“Lilly & Richard Berg In Honor of
The Elmer and Kayla Berg Foundation”
Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation/ Thibedeau Scholarship Fund
FM Area Foundation Fund/William and Anna Jane Schlossman
Bob Gerke
Larry Holmstrom
Austin & Laura Morris
ND Masonic Foundation, INC – Shiloh Masonic Lodge #1
Jean Zimmerman
LuAnn & Mike Quaschnick
The Estate of Jim & Joan Winkler
Kenneth Scherber In Memory of Kit Scherber
Angela & Brian Schulz
Shanon Sell
Stephen Silletto – Silletto Family & Friends
Justin & Stephen Spellman
Arlyce & Harris Widmer
In Memory of Jocelyn Birch Burdick

DREAMMAKER IN-KIND
David Coons/ASI Professional Associates
Erbert & Gerbert’s
Games Galore
Office Sign Company
West Acres Development Company

VISIONARY
Kathy & Jim Anderson
Vicki Chepulis
Gail Dexter
FM Area Foundation/Francis J. and Doris Y. Butler Memorial Fund
FM Area Foundation/Mohr Family-Dacotah Paper Donor Advised Fund
Sara & Eric Gjerdevig
Rachel & Ted Horan
Industrial Builders
Tara & Neil Iversen
Kim & George Koeck
Amanda & Dana Martens
Robin Melcher – In Honor of Avery Moxness
Midwest Communications, Inc.
Tuyettram Nguyen – In Memory of Tuyet Nguyen
Amy & Jim Parker – In Honor of Kensey Knight
Sharla Richards
Olivia Snortland
Thibedeau & Company, PC
Leslie Winterquist

VISIONARY IN-KIND
Blackbird Woodfire
Blow’s Sew-n-Vac
Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country
Microtel Moorhead
Prairie Property Management
Wimmer’s Diamonds

PATRON
Rachel Weber – 702 Communications
Jaime & Michael Aasen – In Honor of Drake Aasen
Ann & Lawrence Anderson
Jody & Scott Barrett – In Memory of Kris Gulsvig
Rebecca Barry
Dr. & Mrs. Burton Belknap
Janet Berg
Kathleen Bergseth
Maxine Beseler – In Honor of Jack, Milo & Linus Beseler Thompson
Peggy & Don Bierdeman
Regina Bohnet
Cheryl & Tom Boyle
Eloise & Amie Breikjern
Erika & Steve Briggs
Diane & Michael Brock
Linda & Larry Brooks
Jo & Birch Burdick
Pamela & Michael Burns
Janet & James Kapitan – In Honor of Jennifer Kapitan
Jodi & Ryan Christiansen
Nancy & Robert Comstock Odney
Deborah & Joel Davy
Joan & Dan Degerness – In Honor of Parker Degerness
Kim & Devin Droog
Julie & Charles Duchsherer
Joan & Peter Edwards
Eide Bailly Team
Carolyn & Tom Espel
Marian & Allyn Fagerholt
Christa Fandrich
Lisa & Kenneth Farnham
Amy Beaton & David Fenelon
Colleen & Russell Ford-Dunker
Jan & Andy Fugle – In Honor of Kyle Tekautz
Laura & Nick Gariano – In Honor Of Tyler Hoverson
Kathleen Glaser In Honor of Mark and Nancy Glaser Family
Rennitta & Gene Okerlund
JJ Gordon – In Honor of Past & Future Students
Heidi & Jeremy Gregoire – In Honor of Martan Gregoire
Helen & Charles Grommesh
Anna & Marc Grothmann
Carol & Thomas Gustad
Katherine & Joseph Halvorson
Kathryn & David Hanson
Beth & Rob Haseltine – In Honor of Bailey Haseltine Krusen
Maggy & Todd Henderson – In Honor of Grace Henderson
Corey & Whitney Henry
Caryn Jo Hewitt – In Honor of Morgan & Molly Trout
High Point Networks
Cherish & Ryan Hoffman
Carol & Kenneth Hopp
Deb Hoss
Willy & Arland Jacobson
J Johnson
Brian & Jackie Jones – In Honor of Lily Jones
Nancy & Neil Jordheim
Heather & David Klundt In Memory of Michael Anderson
“Maria Weller & Kurt Kooyer”
Jason, Jennifer, & Keagen Kratcha
John Kringler – In Memory of Jan Kringler
Michal & Charles Lang
Keith & Lorraine Langseth
Michael Lapthorn
Jessica Westgard Larson & Dave Larson
Louie Lauer
Julie & Richard Laufenberg
Kathy Leingang
Kathryn & Dr. Paul Lindquist
Laura & Cory Marcuson – In Memory of Hyllari Marcuson
Julie Martin – In Honor of Kyle Tekautz
Rachelle & Jonathan Martin
Jacob & Kendra Maurer
Renee & Phillip McClean
Margo & James McCulley
Marla & Ian McIntyre
Heidi & James Meline – In Honor of Noah & Clara Meline
Paul Meyers – In Memory Of Ted M. Larson
Paul Meyers – Legacy Wealth Management – In Memory of Vince Lindstrom
Linda & Wayne Monge
Carolyn & John Monzingo
Moorhead Rotary Club
Kathy and Duane Moos
Colleen Moriarty
Kristi Morrison
Erin & Matt Moxness
Carly Nelson
Diane & Mervin Nordeng
Lisa & Erik Nordeng
Laura and Steve O’Rourke
Denese & Ron Odegaard
Danielle & Kyle Oetker
Martha & Michael Olsen
Audrey & Ardell Olson
Rene & Duane Parke
Pam Peterson
Paula & Dana Peterson – In Honor of Andie Peterson
Betty A. Good In Memory of Hyllari Marcuson
Ann & Michael Potts
Jay Puppe
Lois Ann Ramlo
William H & Paulette Rastedt
Lou Richardson
Carole & Mark Richman – In Honor of Khari Richman Heerman
Paula & Eugene Roach
Adam Thiel Roder – In Memory of Matt Thibedeau
Mary & Donald Roos
Gina Sandgren
Glen & Tena Scharmer In Honor of Macy Scharmer – Trollwood Alum 2019-2021
Angela Schlieper
Melissa Schwengler – In Honor of Zachary Schwengler
Jackie & Jim Shaw – In Honor of Jenny & Natalie Shaw
Barbara Silletto Hoch
Stephannie & Thomas Stiel
Igor & KristIn Svidersky
Brenda Synhorst
Stephen & Mae Tinguely
Cindy & Gary Nolte
Kia & Carl Trout
Kati & Chad Ulven
Kathleen Vander Vorst
Bette & Paul R. Vandersteen
Scott & Susan Ellingson
Marla & Kenneth Wagenman
Rachel & Michael Weber
Emily Williams
Susan Farkas & Joshua Wynne
Christopher Bohnet
Doug Zinter

PATRON IN-KIND
Tropical Sno
Valley Landscaping

CONTRIBUTOR
Cristy Amundgaard
Jessica Anderson
Kayla Anderson
Kelly Anderson
Anonymous – In Memory of Vickie Ingebretson
Cynthia Bailey – In Honor of LuAnn Quaschnick’s service as a parent and volunteer
Becky Bakke
Kelsy Hewitt & Sean Ballinger
Linda & Donald Bartsch
Patricia Beck
Janelle & Steve Berge – In Memory of Leslie & Virginia Bahr
Sara & Scott Bleth
Jodee Bock
Karen & Paul Borstad
Cherryl Braton
Elair & Joyce Brothen
Susan & Richard Brudvik
Tamara & Todd Bucholz
Martha & Jim Burns
Lisa & Gregg Campbell
Kasey & Wade Carlin
Kirstin & Todd Carlson
Kayla & Brett Christensen
Dallas Christiansen
Sarah & Brian Christopherson
Carrie & Tom Celemens – In Honor Of Carolyn Solberg
Megan Collins-Moore
Kerry Conlin
Crystal Cossette Knight & Jeff Knight
Terri & Gordon Court
Kelly & David Creighton
Brynn & Michael Culloton
Erin & Rex Dahl – In Honor of Alexander Dahl
Louise Dahl
Alishia Daily
Kathryn & Daniel Damico
Ramona Danielson
Kerri Spiering & John Davies
Rachele Davis
Dayna Del Val
Lora & KevIn Elfstrum
“Joanna & Ron Ellingson”
Brandi Enger
Eric Everett In celebration of Hazel Beitelspacher
Lisa Faiman
Lisbeth & Jim Fandrich
Marcene & ErwIn Fendt In Honor of Susan Jordahl
Jake Ferguson
Cindy & Rick Fischer
Betsy & Jeff Fowler
Marilyn Froehlich
Amanda & Jason Gette In Honor of Madison Gette
Pam & Jason Gibb
Rachel & Richard Gladue
Nancy & Mark Glaser
Justin Grams
Susan & Robert Grantham
Marcella Gulsvig
Dawn & Lee Gunderson
Jodi & Glen Haekenkamp
Rodney Hains
Heather Hanson
Jan & Fraser Harrison
Billie Jo & Mark Hayes
Amy & Todd Hirsch
Jodi Holper
Becky & Ron Holten
Alayne Hopkins
Sharon & James Hurley
Renae Ingersoll
June & Roger Johnson
Nancy Johnson
Molly Jorgenson
Susan & Dan Kadrman
Anja & Drew Kalvoda
Anne K & Kevin Kidder
Amber Kienenberger
Sally Kienenberger
Gordon Court – Kings Court Creative Photography
Keagen Kratcha
Roberta Krenz
Erin Kub
Shelly Larson Kuchynski & KevIn Kuchynski
Mary & Harvey Laabs
Carol Ladwig
Tracy & Gordon (Mike) LaMont
Mike & Susan Morken
Kristi & Charles Livdahl
Marlys Lofberg
Dorothy Lohman
Karen & Gary Mailloux
Angela & Michael Mathers
Marie & Patrick McCann
Jan McClean
Michael & Maureen McDaniel
Sarah & Steven Meinhardt
Kris & Richad Merkens
Steve & Bobbi Miller
Jean Nelson
Mary M Nelson
Laura & Kyle Nesler
Yvonne & Steven Norgren
Julie Norman
Amanda Ohlsen
Mary & Chris Olson
Michael Olson
Cheryl Omeara
Maren & Thomas Ortmeier
Sara Owens Granger – In Honor of Erin Granger
Anthony Price
Jamie Proulx – In Honor of Michael Walling
Marcine & Erwin Fendt – In Honor of Susan Jordahl
Penny & Steve Retzer – In Memory of Vince Lindstrom
Alpha & Bill Roeszler
KarIn & Joe Rudd
Evelyn Rutten
Ron & Nancy Saeger
Linda Saurer
Susan & Thomas Schoon
Shantae Schumacher
Marijo Schwengler
Linda Skalet
Michelle & Steve Skoblik
Mary & Shawn Skrove
Lee Smith
Mary Thrond
Sherri & John Stern
Michelle Swanson
Lynn & Todd Swenson – In Memory of Tom Toulouse
Laura & MarlIn Thoreson
Sandy Thorne
JoAnn & Marvin Thorson
Kendall Brekken
Renae Ingersoll
Jillain Veil-Ehnert
Joshua Voytek – In Memory of Timothy Voytek
Jasen Walker
Kathy Weigel
Christine & Jeremy Welsand – In Honor of Sophia Welsand
Wendi Wheeler
Lynn & Gary Willhite – In Honor of our 4 children
Kathleen & Robert Yanish
Ross Yost
Anne & Jeff Zarling
Daniel Zitzow

KATHY ANDERSON

Executive Director

Kathy Anderson has an extensive background in Arts Management spanning over 30 years. She started her career as a Music Industry student at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree and began her arts management career as an intern at Trollwood. Kathy has held numerous management positions in both non-profit and for-profit industries.

Since 2009, Kathy has been leading Trollwood Performing Arts School, where she has expanded its educational offerings by establishing programs such as the Trollwood Conservatory, Totally Trollwood Academy, and the Trollwood Children’s Theatre. In 1997, Kathy was instrumental in launching the nationally recognized STudents At Risk (STAR) program for Trollwood. Kathy has served as a producer for various Trollwood Mainstage Musical productions, including 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).

In 2012, Kathy was tasked to take on a larger role at Trollwood, where she oversees the management and programming of the venue known as Bluestem Center for the Arts. She also oversees all aspects of fundraising and development for the organization. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director for the Cass County Historical Society and Bonanzaville USA (1997-1999), where she directed a major renovation and secured funding for the development of the Lucien Barnes Pavilion at Bonanzaville. Kathy also worked for Microsoft (2000-2005) as a Technical Support Engineer and Technical Lead for the accounting package Great Plains before returning to Trollwood as the Director of Administration in 2005.

Aside from her professional arts management career, Kathy has a passion for music and enjoys writing and performing her own songs as a singer/songwriter. She cherishes spending quality time with her husband, Jim, and daughter, Jessica.


MICHAEL WALLING

Artistic Director

Michael Walling is a nationally known New York City-based stage director and arts educator. Michael has been the resident guest director for Trollwood since 1992 and is currently the Artistic Director for the Mainstage Musical. Cinderella will mark the 30th stage production Michael has directed for Trollwood. This year the Arts Partnership is recognizing Michael’s artistic investment in TPAS and the Fargo-Moorhead area with the 2021 Outstanding Artist Award in the FM metro.

Michael was the Artistic Director of the Pit and Balcony Theatre Company in Michigan, directing 24 stage productions. He’s also served as Artistic Director for Fort Peck Theatre in Montana, directing and producing over 15 productions. For the last three decades, Mr. Walling has been a frequent Guest Artist/Lecturer on the regional theatre and university stage. Teaching masterclasses in stage directing and audition technique. Michael was a founding member of the Directors Company in the prestigious Goldberg Department of Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Throughout 1992-2000, Michael directed numerous projects for the writing program.

As Artistic Director of the Mainstage Musical, Michael continues to lead a national artistic team to produce high-quality professional theatre while inspiring thousands of our local students through the discipline of arts education. Because of Michael’s continuous dedication to our community, it was announced in 2001 by the mayor of Fargo that from this day on, July 18th would officially be “Michael Walling Day” in Fargo ND.

Michael’s Trollwood directing credits include: 1992-Oklahoma, 1993-Anything Goes, 1994-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1995-West Side Story, 1996-Guys and Dolls, 1997-A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, 1998-42nd Street, 1999-Jesus Christ Superstar, 2000-Damn Yankees, 2001-Crazy for You, 2002-Footloose, 2003-Les Misérables, 2004-Kiss Me, Kate, 2005-Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, 2006-Fiddler on the Roof, 2007-Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2008-Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 2009-The Wiz, 2010-Anything Goes, 2011-The Music Man, 2012-Legally Blonde The Musical, 2013-Shrek The Musical, 2014-How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, 2015-Mary Poppins, 2016-Disney’s The Little Mermaid, 2017-Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, 2018-Hello, Dolly!, in 2019-Freaky Friday, and Cinderella-2021.


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.


DAVID TRIPTOW

Operations & Rentals Manager

Raised in Fargo, North Dakota, David is no stranger to Trollwood Performing Arts School. His role as Operations and Rentals Manager is grounded by his own experience as an alum of the program. During his time as a student, he fully immersed himself in classes and performed in five Mainstage Musical productions from 2005-2009. These experiences have instilled in David the importance of providing young artists with a supportive environment to learn and grow and to give back to a community that had given him so much in his formative years.

With a diverse background in the performing arts industry as well as being a dedicated yoga teacher, David has had the opportunity to travel the country; recognizing how important it is to help others find joy and meaning in their lives. He believes in using his talents, skills, and his love of service to contribute to the greater good of this community.

As the Operations and Rentals Manager, David upholds Trollwood’s belief in the transformative power of the arts. He approaches his work with enthusiasm and deep respect for others, believing that how you approach one thing is how you approach everything. David is dedicated to ensuring that Trollwood continues to greatly transform people’s lives and open doors to the greatness that lies within them and others. Whether he is booking events, collaborating with staff and community members, or inspiring others, David brings a passion for building community to his work.


TYLER BROWN

Graphic & Web Designer

Tyler is an artist-designer in Fargo-Moorhead with a passion for visual storytelling. He’s the graphic & web designer for 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 around the Red River Valley and holds a Master of Art + Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art, and Bachelor of Science in Design Technology. He spends his time away from work experiencing the joys of life with his wife, two boys, and crazy dog. You might also catch him sketching ideas for personal art projects, exhibiting at comic book conventions, 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.