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
  • Greg Clark, Vice President
  • Melissa Burkland
  • Jolene Garty
  • Nikkie Gullickson
  • Jason Nelson
  • Kristin Nelson
  • Robin 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.

Xcel EnergyVisit Fargo-Moorhead Prairie Public

Coca-Cola

FPS Development FoundationWest Acres

Corwin Automotive Group

Kiwanis

Microtel

MPR

The Arts Partnership

  Prairie Property Management

Sertoma

 Shiloh Lodge

 Mistees Screenprinting

 FriendlySky

Bright Star

Bell Bank

Angel

Forum Communications Company

Fargo-Moorhead Sertoma Club

Angel in-kind

Corwin Automotive Group

Luminary

Coca Cola Bottling Company – High Country

FriendlySky

Julie Snortland

The Arts Partnership

Xcel Energy

Luminary Inkind

Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation

Forum Communications Co.

Prairie Public

Imagineer

Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation

Shiloh Masonic Lodge #1

Imagineer In-kind

Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota State University – Moorhead

West Acres Development, LLP

Dreammaker

Dr. Rick and Janette Buresh

Michelle & Brent Hella

Larry Holmstrom Gary & Jill Inman

Nancy & Neil Jordheim Fund/Fargo Public Schools Development Foundation

Kiwanis Club of Fargo

Kenneth Scherber in Memory of Kit Scherber

Stephen Siletto

Judith & Stephen Spellman

West Acres Development, LLP

Dreammaker In-kind

Coca Cola Bottling Company – High Country

Hornbacher’s

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – Moorhead

Mistees Screen Printing & Graphics

Visionary

Katie & Craig Brye in Honor of McKenna Brye

Vicki Chepulis in Memory of Marion Chepulis

FM Area Foundation Fund/William and Anna Jane Schlossman

Lorraine & Bruce Furness

Sara & Eric Gjerdevig

Carol & Tom Gustad

Corey & Whitney Henry

Ted & Rachel Horan

Industrial Builders, Inc.

Tara & Neil Iversen in Memory of Frank Vavrosky – Trollwood Grandpa

Keith & Lorraine Langseth

Olivia Monson

Laura & Austin Morris

Jennifer & Blair Thoreson

Danielle & Kyle Oetker

LuAnn & Mike Quaschnick

Mark Sell

Yvonne & Gary Smith

Visionary In-kind

Wimmer’s Diamonds

Patron

Kathy & Jim Anderson

Roxanne Fiebiger

Anja & Drew Kalvoda

Carrie Kienenberger

Rachelle & Jonathan Martin in Honor of MaTia Martin

Robin Melcher in Honor of Avery Moxness

Carly Nelson

Mary Olson in Celebration of Foster & Wynn Helm/Fargo North Thespians

Jay & Marilyn Oxton

Pamela & Toby Peterson

Mark & Carole Richman

Angela & Brian Schulz

Anna & Ross Yost

Supporter

Ann & Lawrence Anderson

Gretchen & Kent Anderson

Kelly Anderson

Rebecca Barry

Pat & Burt Belknap

Janelle & Steve Berge in Memory of Larry Bahr

Maxine Beseler in Honor of Jack Beseler Thompson

Jodee Bock

Rochelle Roesler of Century 21 FM Realty

Deborah & Joel Davy

Kim & Devin Droog

Amy Beaton & David Fenelon in Honor of Claire Fenelon

Cindy & Rick Fischer

Rochelle Roesler & Brian Fuder

Donna & Michael Gillen

Kathleen Glaser in Celebration of the Mark & Nancy Glaser Family

Helen & Charles Grommesh

Nikkie & Greg Gullickson

Danny & Kristi Hallock

Margaret & Bruce Hanson

Beth & Rob Haseltine in Honor of Betsy Krusen

Caryn Hewitt

Carol & Kenneth Hopp

Jim Kapitan

Anne & Kevin Kidder in Honor of Grace & Kaitlyn

Sharon & Steve Kleeman

Kayla & Kyle Kranda

John Kringler in Memory of
Jan Kringler

Michal & Charles Lang

Cindy & Bob Lunneborg

Bruce Maylath

Kelly & Chris McDonald

Jennifer & Eric Momsen

Kiwanis Club of Moorhead

Kristi Morrison

Namaste Chai

Gary and Cynthia Nolte

Denese & Ron Odegaard

Gene & Rennitta Okerlund

Martha & Mike Olsen

Ardell & Audrey Olson

Carlton & Phyllis Paulson

Emerging Prairie

Paulette & William Rastedt

Lou Richardson

Eugene & Paula Roach

Alpha Roeszler

Alan & Kelly Silletto

Barbara Silletto Hoch

Steve & Michelle Skoblik

Stephen & Mae Tinguely

Kathleen & Blake Vander Vorst

Brenda & Chad Vertin

Jessica Westgard Larson

LuAnn White

Lynn & Gary Willhite

Susan Farkas & Joshua Wynne

Andrea Huseth-Zosel & Josh Zosel

Contributor

Eileen Anderson

Becky Bakke

Pam & Kim Beckius

Sara & Scott Bleth

Anonymous

Renae, Mike, & Aubrey Boeddeker

Regina Bohnet

Ann Braaten

Katie & Cody Burington

John & Kara Burt

Josh & Lisa Christianson

Carrie & Tom Clemens in Honor of Carolyn Solberg

Daniel Damico in Honor of Katie Damico & Lily Damico

Jonie & Leo Dignan

Melisa & Bryan Duncan

Ecolab

Kristin & James Engstrom in Memory of Marian Chepulis

Lisa Faiman

Lisa & Ken Farnham

Cabrina Flanagan

Judy & Rick Lewis

Carol & Norman Forster

Thomas Froning

Pam & Jason Gibb

Edmund Goerger

David Gooch

Renee Grosz

Dawn & Lee Gunderson

Glen & Jodi Haekenkamp

Heather Hanson

Shirley Hayer

Tom McDougall

Leora & Conrad Hillman

Jodi Holper

Ron & Becky Holten

Lou Ann Honek

Lacey Hubert

Julie Hudson

Renae Ingersoll

Dr. Andrew & Sheri Jordan in Honor of Dr. Justin Schulz

Anonymous

Mari Krajewski

Jennifer & Jason Kratcha in Honor of Keagen Kratcha

Erin Kub

Tony & Julie Kunka

Mary & Harvey Laabs

Tracy & Mike LaMont

Shanara & David Lassig

Kathy Leingang

Krystal Long

Lisa & Dennis Behl

Gary & Karen Mailloux

Angela & Micheal Mathers

Jessica Meyer

Paul Meyers

Mary Margaret Nelson

Julie Norman

Karen Norman

Julie Olek

Michael Olson

Linda Paulson

April Peterson

Nancy Peterson

Prairie Winds Veterinary Center

Jay Puppe

Christine Holland

Mary & Donald Roos

Evelyn Rutten

Jackie & Jim Shaw

Kevin & Lora Elfstrum

Alicia Skalsky

Mary & Shawn Skrove in Honor of Grant Skrove

Claudia Quinnild-Souba
& David Souba

John & Sherri Stern

Megan Sundet

Sandy Thorne

Mary Thrond

Meghan & Adam Watts

David & Rhonda Wyum

Kathleen Yanish in Honor of Christopher & Randy Taylor

Contributor Inkind

Eckroth Music

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.