North Dakota's large land area coupled with its low population means that vacationers can drive for miles just reveling in untouched, unpopulated scenery. If you're visiting North Dakota and want to do more than enjoy the scenery – like get a taste of the state's performing arts culture – head to one of the more populated cities. Although smaller country towns often have their own community theater groups, the larger cities (like Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot) each have several performing arts groups a piece.
Fargo
Fargo holds the title as North Dakota's largest city, and as a hub of economic, educational, and tourist activity, performance arts groups have to stay on their "A" game to make sure everyone who comes through town is entertained. With three universities in the area, it's not uncommon to find performances put on by one school or another. If not held by the university theater arts students, a production is certain to be ongoing at least one of the four private theater groups located about town.
Located at the Emma K. Hearbst Playhouse, the Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre has served up theatrical productions since 1948. There are between two and five productions annually, with each show running for approximately two weeks at a time. The theater also does several traveling shows each year, as well as offers classes to the area's youth at the Prairie Theatre Academy.
Theatre B likes to walk on the wild side. They are a non-profit theater organization that thrives on providing provocative, cutting-edge performances to Fargo's theatergoers. Shows focus on character and raw human emotion, often touching on social issues and breaking down social barriers. The theater's season runs from September to May.
Do you prefer to know exactly what you're getting into when you enter a theater? Then the Tin Rood Theatre Company may be for you. Tin Rood focuses on hosting enriching dramatic performances of American classics that everyone can enjoy.
If you want a theatergoing experience that's just a tad fancier, visit the Fargo-Moorhead Opera. The opera house has been going strong since its founding in 1968 as the Fargo-Moorhead Civic Opera. The Opera generally offers two full-fledged productions annually (one in the spring and one in the fall), a one act show, and other special events each year.
Bismarck
As the second most-populated city in North Dakota, Bismarck has more than enough cultural activities to participate in. Adults and children alike will find theater performances to their liking. The Dakota Stage Ltd.'s season runs from October to May, with anywhere from four to eight productions each year. Shows are held Wednesday through Saturday in the evening, with matinées on Sundays.
Attending the Sleepy Hollow Summer Theater is quite an event. In partnership with Bismarck Parks and Recreation, the theater runs from July through August at the Sleepy Hollow Performing Arts Park, an outdoor venue. Performances start each evening at 8:30 p.m., and patrons are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs to sit on. Chairs and concessions can also be purchased.
If you are traveling with children during the summer months, bring them to see the Shade Tree Players. The Shade Tree Players began (under the name Priority Community Center Children's Theater) in 1970 as an educational tool for local children. Since then, each year, children between the ages of six and 16 have participated in acting classes and workshops and put on at least one production for the public. If you're spending an extended amount of time in Bismarck, you may even want to consider enrolling your own children in acting classes.
Grand Forks
Grand Forks is one of North Dakota's college towns, and can probably thank its large cultural scene to the presence of the University of North Dakota. The university is home to the Chester Fritz Auditorium, which is used for many entertainment events. Theatergoers should note that the Fritz often hosts touring Broadway musicals.
The Empire Arts Center was built in 1919 as a movie house, though it now stands as a performing arts venue. Though a variety of events are held here, visitors can often catch community theater groups' versions of popular plays and musicals.
If you're visiting Grand Forks during the summer months, you may want to support the area's children and teenage actors. The Summer Performing Arts Company is an eight-week summer program for local students who put on several public performances throughout the process.
For nearly 60 years, the Fire Hall Theater has been entertaining in the city of Grand Forks. The small theater provides guests with an intimate feel as they are entertained by a variety of genres – drama, musicals, comedy, and more.
Minot
Recently relocated to their new home at the former Labor Temple, the Mouse River Players are Minot's oldest community theater. They hold six productions each year, two of which are musicals, and two are children's productions.
The Minot Area Theatrical Society hosts a variety of productions, from musicals to one acts, that will please every type of theatergoer.
There are, of course, more theater options (perhaps on a smaller scale) throughout the state. Check the area listings wherever you stay in North Dakota. Meanwhile, there is an overflow of options in the state's larger cities.
