×

Major gift to MSU Summer Theatre greatly appreciated

Who in Minot has not attended a production at MSU Summer Theatre? It’s hard to image anyone falling into that camp.

After all, the amphitheater has been in existence for more than 50 years and performances there are often the highlights of summer in the Magic City.

As with all structures and venues, they need periodic updating and sometimes expansions. And that, of course, takes money. Friends of MSU Summer Theatre were sure to be happy to hear of a major gift announced Wednesday, which will provide a big push to their fundraising efforts already underway.

On Wednesday, the Minot Area Community Foundation announced a $500,000 gift to Minot State University to support the renovation of the MSU Summer Theatre. The gift will create a pool of matching funds that will offer donors an opportunity to double their impact with a one-to-one match. The $500,000 will be accessed only once the $500,000 in matching funds from private donors has been raised.

That is a huge incentive for people to contribute to the cause and help modernize the outdoor theater.

A campaign to raise funds for its renovation were announced last summer. The planned updates include relocation of the main restrooms from the upper level to the ground level of the complex, relocating some of the seating to provide aisles with hand railings, increasing access for people with disabilities, enhancing and expanding the cast dressing rooms and the box office/ticketing area, adding a canopy to the cover the center stage, renovating the orchestra pit, and landscaping the area.

A lot of fundraising work needs to be done besides the actual construction work, but it is clear that the project just got a huge boost.

We can’t wait to see the first performance there, under the stars, once the dirt and sawdust has settled.

Thank you, Minot Area Community Foundation, for backing the arts, which are so very important to residents of Minot. The donation is a magnificent investment in MSU and the entire community.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today