Submitted Photo Friends and theater supporters gathered recently to honor Kevin Neuharth, third from right, in naming the green room at the newly renovated Minot State University Amphitheater for the longtime professor.

Minot State University and Minot State Summer Theatre announce the naming of the green room at the newly renovated MSU Amphitheater for longtime professor Kevin Neuharth.

Neuharth spent 40 years teaching communication arts at Minot State and is synonymous with the stage in Minot, directing 149 plays with MSU Mainstage, Summer Theatre, the Sawmill Playhouse, Magic City Children’s Theater, University of Oregon Second Season and Minot’s Magic City and Central Campuses. 

“The green room is traditionally the place where the company members hang out backstage,” said Chad Gifford, MSU Summer Theatre artistic director. “When the renovation started, Executive Director Peg Morris knew that we needed to name the space after our mentor and friend, Kevin R. Neuharth. He inspired and created and ran the place for so many years that it only makes sense to name the new heart of Summer Theatre after Kevin.” 

Neuharth continues to play an active role in the MSU Summer Theatre, serving on the Board of Directors and is helping to form the upcoming Summer Theatre Hall of Fame.

The updated Kevin R. Neuharth Green Room is a part of an overall $2.8 million renovation that has spanned the past two summers. Finishing touches will take place during the summer with a new canopy covering stage completed in time for the 58th season starting in June, a marquee sign installed later in the summer and an updated wheelchair lift after the season.

MSU begins Season 58 with the production of “Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville!,” from June 13-18. “Doctor Dolittle” is June 23-26 and June 28-July 1. “Calendar Girls” is set for July 10-14 and “Elf the Musical” is slated for June 24-28 and July 30-Aug. 1.

Tickets for the upcoming season go on sale on June 1. Prices are $16 for adults; $11 for seniors, high school students, active military, MSU faculty and staff, and MSU summer school students all with current MSU ID; and kids 12 and under are $8. Deluxe seating that includes access to Hook & Ladder Wine Bar are $25-35. Tickets can be purchased from the MSU Summer Theatre website.