Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players

Bright Star
2026-05-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s Bright Star is an epic story of love, loss, and redemption set against the rich backdrop of Appalachia in the 1920’s and ‘40’s. Billy Cane returns from the second world war, with literary ambitions, bringing him into contact with Alice Murphy, the fearsome editor of the esteemed Asheville Southern Journal. Alice’s story is told through a series of flashbacks, revealing the source of her secret sorrow, and the impetus for her journey of discovery and redemption that will change her and Billy’s lives, and the lives of everyone around her. With beautiful melodies informed by the traditions of bluegrass and powerfully moving characters, the story transports us to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for an uplifting theatrical journey that will move you. Bright Star is a refreshing slice of Americana that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve.

Academy: Junie B. Jones - Session A
2026-05-26 09:00 - 2026-06-24 12:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Perfect for young performers, Junie B. Jones brings this lovable, hilarious character to life in a fun and supportive environment. Kids will build confidence, make friends, and learn the basics of theater while putting on a show full of energy and heart.
Registration
New for 2026
We’ve simplified our registration options. You can now complete all registrations at once (instead of separate transactions per child).
Volunteer Requirements
Parent volunteerism is a crucial part of what makes Shade Tree Players summer productions successful. Not only it is an opportunity to be involved in and support your child’s growth in theatre, we cannot function without it.
We respectfully request that you choose to either commit to at least 3 hours of volunteering for your child’s production (5 hours maximum for multiple children) or pay $75 (maximum of $125 for multiple children) up front to “waive” your volunteer commitment. This fee will go toward hiring summer help to fulfill the jobs not filled by volunteers. Volunteer job opportunities will be announced at the parent meetings for each production.

The DakStar Awards
2026-05-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
NEW NAME, SAME GREAT CELEBRATION! Join us as we celebrate an AMAZING Dakota Stage Season! Reception with live music 7:00-7:30, awards at 7:30pm.
All are welcome to attend this fun and exciting celebration of our 47th season!

Academy: Junie B. Jones - Session B
2026-06-01 13:00 - 2026-07-08 16:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States

Conservatory: Beetlejuice Jr.
2026-06-01 16:30 - 2026-07-14 20:30 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Big, bold, and a little spooky, Beetlejuice Jr. is perfect for teens who want to fully immerse themselves in a high-energy musical production. With memorable songs, dynamic characters, and lots of personality, this show challenges performers while delivering an unforgettable experience.
Registration
New for 2026
We’ve simplified our registration options. You can now complete all registrations at once (instead of separate transactions per child) and choose your audition time slot during the registration process.
Volunteer Requirements
Parent volunteerism is a crucial part of what makes Shade Tree Players summer productions successful. Not only it is an opportunity to be involved in and support your child’s growth in theatre, we cannot function without it.
We respectfully request that you choose to either commit to at least 3 hours of volunteering for your child’s production (5 hours maximum for multiple children) or pay $75 (maximum of $125 for multiple children) up front to “waive” your volunteer commitment. This fee will go toward hiring summer help to fulfill the jobs not filled by volunteers. Volunteer job opportunities will be announced at the parent meetings for each production.

The Sew Must Go On! Intro to Sewing for Theatre Workshop
2026-06-07 12:30 - 14:30 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Whether new to sewing, or in need of a refresher, this introductory adult workshop teaches foundational hand and machine sewing techniques tailored for theater, focusing on costume alterations and maintenance. Participants learn to do basic hand sewing repair techniques, operate sewing machinery, and get comfortable with costumes! This Workshop is designed to help lead into costume volunteer and apprentice opportunities with Shade Tree Players and our mainstage season at Dakota Stage, but can also be taken just for fun! Sewing machines will be provided, or participants may bring their own.Ages 14+

Academy: Rock Bottom - Session A
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-07-22 12:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
If your child loves to sing, dance, and be a little silly, Rock Bottom is a fantastic introduction to musical theater. This upbeat, comedic show gives kids a chance to shine while learning teamwork, stage presence, and performance skills—all in a fun, encouraging setting.
Registration
New for 2026
We’ve simplified our registration options. You can now complete all registrations at once (instead of separate transactions per child).
Volunteer Requirements
Parent volunteerism is a crucial part of what makes Shade Tree Players summer productions successful. Not only it is an opportunity to be involved in and support your child’s growth in theatre, we cannot function without it.
We respectfully request that you choose to either commit to at least 3 hours of volunteering for your child’s production (5 hours maximum for multiple children) or pay $75 (maximum of $125 for multiple children) up front to “waive” your volunteer commitment. This fee will go toward hiring summer help to fulfill the jobs not filled by volunteers. Volunteer job opportunities will be announced at the parent meetings for each production.

Academy: Rock Bottom - Session B
2026-06-22 13:00 - 2026-07-29 16:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States

Conservatory: A Wrinkle in Time
2026-06-22 13:00 - 2026-08-04 16:00 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
For teens ready to dive deeper into storytelling, A Wrinkle in Time offers a meaningful and imaginative theatrical experience. Students will explore complex characters and themes while working together to bring this adventurous, visually creative story to life on stage.
Registration
New for 2026
We’ve simplified our registration options. You can now complete all registrations at once (instead of separate transactions per child) and choose your audition time slot during the registration process.
Volunteer Requirements
Parent volunteerism is a crucial part of what makes Shade Tree Players summer productions successful. Not only it is an opportunity to be involved in and support your child’s growth in theatre, we cannot function without it.
We respectfully request that you choose to either commit to at least 3 hours of volunteering for your child’s production (5 hours maximum for multiple children) or pay $75 (maximum of $125 for multiple children) up front to “waive” your volunteer commitment. This fee will go toward hiring summer help to fulfill the jobs not filled by volunteers. Volunteer job opportunities will be announced at the parent meetings for each production.

Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook!
2026-06-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-26 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-28 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-11 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-12 14:00 - 15:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Something terrible happened to Junie B. Jones at school today! Someone stole her new furry mittens! So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen of many colors, she should be allowed to keep it, right? Because finders keepers, losers weepers. And guess what? There’s a new boy in kindergarten and he is the handsomest. The only thing is both Grace and Lucille want him to be their boyfriend. Maybe he will love Junie B. when he sees her wonderful pen! It is okay to keep it, right? Junie B. Jones is not a crook… or is she? A hilarious and heartfelt tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.

Beetlejuice Jr.
2026-07-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-18 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
It’s our show now, kid. The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty.
Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all!

Rock Bottom
2026-07-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-25 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-26 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-30 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-31 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-02 14:00 - 15:00 | High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Meet The Cobblestones, just an ordinary Stone Age family of cave folk living on Stoney Street, Rock Bottom! But when cave boy inventor Bobby Cobblestone hatches his very first good idea, he’s whisked off to work for none other than the beautiful celebrity Lady Lava! Unfortunately, BC is soon up to his neanderthal neck in trouble when he discovers his new boss hides a dark secret that will rock Rock Bottom to its foundations. With mysterious monsters terrorising the town and a volatile volcano ready to blow its top, can BC become a little boulder and hatch a plan to save his family, his friends and his very own precious Rock Bottom? Only time will tell…
A cast of crazy cave folk join in the neolithic naughtiness, not to mention a flock of prehistoric birds, two dippy dinosaurs, a vacuum-cleaning mammoth and a sabre-tooth tiger called Tiddles! With eight toe-tapping songs to get you rocking like a rolling stone and a puntastic script as sharp as a flint, one thing’s for sure – the Stone Age rocks!
