Submitted Photo A summer theater cast performs “Nunsense” at the theater’s 50th anniversary.

Bringing smiles and entertainment to the Minot area for the last 60 years, the MSU Summer Theatre has made an impact in the community.

Founded in 1965 by Harold Aleshire and Thomas Turner, what started as a traveling theater troupe performing out of an old circus tent has evolved into a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that has been home to a multitude of plays and actors over the years.

Due to the harsh North Dakota winds, the tent the troupe started in was not able to withstand the weather conditions.

“Kevin R. Neuharth, the previous artistic director, always told a story about how that hill behind the campus had been like a garbage dump. But the theater guys walked up there and said, ‘You know what would be good here? Build an amphitheater outside.’ From there the National Guard came in and dug out most of it,” said Chad Gifford, artistic director for the theater.

Construction for the amphitheater was completed in 1970, when doors opened for the first show, “Welcome to the Monkey House.” A major renovation was conducted in 2022-23.

Over the years the theater program has had the opportunity to work with a multitude of talented actors.

“We always put out a call to the whole country and frequently we get some pretty great performers,” Gifford said. Occasionally the theater will get celebrity actors, such as Tony nominated Broadway performer Keith Carradine, who had joined the MSU summer theater stage in past years.

This year’s theater season will begin with the popular classic “Nunsense,” a comedy about five nuns who have misadventures while trying to organize a fundraiser.

“Nunsense is frequently done on the 10 year anniversary,” Gifford said.

The theater also will be performing a play from a local playwright, Bradley Dokken. The play, “One Strange Night,” is filled with twists and turns, as circumstances drive the characters to undertake absurd actions.

The theater will finish its season with “Spongebob the Musical,” which is new to the stage.

“All the music is written by contemporary artists,” Gifford said. Writers include artists such as Steven Tyler, Cyndi Lauper and Lady A. The musical offers a modern take on a classic cartoon that the audience will recognize.

Summer Theatre Schedule

Nunsense: June 10-15

Fiddler on the Roof: June 24-29

One Strange Night: July 8-13

High School Musical, Jr.: July 17-19

Spongebob the Musical: July 23-26, 28-31