More Drama Please!

Featuring Photos, Costumes, Props and More from Area Theater Groups

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Gallery

NCTC in Thief River Falls October 4 - November 30

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is pleased to announce our exhibit – More Drama Please! Open from October 4 through the end of November, this gallery exhibit features non-profit theater groups that work primarily with children in the NW Minnesota region. When you visit the exhibit you will find props, costumes, shoes, Paper-Mache creations, photos, playbills, advertising, and historical information. Many of the props and costumes are handmade and have been used in a variety of plays over the years.

The featured theater groups are Thief River Falls Area Community Theater, Middle River Community Theatre, and Fosston Community Theater. For this exhibit there are no pieces of art for sale.

TRFACT Director Jane Anderson said, “Since I am a full-time employee of the Thief River Falls ACT, theater is my working life. But it is also my non-working life. I live to create theater for the community, to educate children and adults on stage, and to bring joy and inspiration to those in the audiences. Bringing joy to others, makes me happy and whole.”

Kay Dell Super of the Middle River Community Theatre explained, “Directing children/students on stage has been a highlight of my life. Striving to implant teamwork, self-confidence, and compassion into children in today's world seems impossible at times with all the "outside noise of society" filling their minds and hearts. I feel drama is a great avenue for such qualities ... it forces them to focus and concentrate on the world around them. To combine two loves of children and theatre is a gift!”

The Fosston Community Library & Arts Association (FCLAA) Theater Program has been thriving for decades. Their Children's Summer Theater Program has run continuously since the mid-1980s. In 2019 "Mary Poppins, Jr." was performed with donated costumes by an anonymous patron. Included with the donation was a note stating that this dress, along with others, was made in the early 1900s. Director Abby Pearson shared, “Mary Poppins was a delight to costume and cast. Children in 3rd -12th grades were able to be a part of the ensemble. One of the Directors favorite parts of the show was creating the illusion of magic. It was so much fun for the students to brainstorm ways to make the illusion work. Students are involved in every aspect of the show to give them a well-rounded experience in theater.”

NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett said, "I love the enthusiasm of the theater directors. They are passionate about youth being involved in and experiencing the world of drama and acting. Many of the high-quality props and costumes in the exhibit are homemade and have been used throughout the years. The creativity of the directors, staff, youth, parents, costume designers, prop engineers, artists, and photographers is evident in this wonderful exhibit."

The NWMAC Gallery is located at Northland Community and Technical College, 1101 State Highway 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701. The gallery hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30-5 PM and at other times when events are held at the college. Enter through Door B. Visitor parking is free.

Stay tuned for an online discussion with the theater directors. You will be able to watch this Artist Spotlight on Facebook Live or YouTube Live. Visit the NWMAC Facebook page or YouTube page for more information. The Artist Spotlight will also be available to view at any time after the live broadcast. Reach out to us with questions.

For more information about our exhibits or if you are an artist interested in exhibiting a body of work with NWMAC, please contact Trey Everett at treyeverettcreates@gmail.com. This exhibit is made possible with funding from The McKnight Foundation. Please sign up for our e-newsletter on our website home page to see the latest news and grant announcements. Email director@NWArtsCouncil.org or call 218-745-8886 to reach our office during regular business hours.