Making God Laugh
2026-03-19 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-20 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-21 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-26 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-27 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-28 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-03-29 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Making God Laugh is a family comedy that takes place in four scenes, each ten years apart, set at various holidays. Starting in 1980, the newly “launched” kids – a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former star football player – all return home, where we learn of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives.
The “empty nest” parents contend with their own changes too, as old family rituals and dubious recipes are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up. Over the course of thirty years’ worth of celebrations – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve and Easter – we see how, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations.
As Woody Allen once said “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans…”

Intro to Stage Makeup
2026-04-11 12:30 - 15:00 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Introduction to Stage Makeup is a hands-on workshop designed for adult performers, technicians, and creatives (ages 15+), seeking a strong foundation in theatrical makeup. This workshop explores the essential techniques to create expressive, stage-ready looks that read clearly under stage lighting and from a distance. Through guided demonstrations and practical application, Attendees will gain confidence in tools, hygiene practices, color theory, and basic corrective techniques. All makeup will be provided, but attendees are also encouraged to bring stage makeup kits they own.
This workshop will focus on:

Understanding stage lighting and how it affects makeup
Basic Stage Makeup for both Male and Female presenting actors
Skin prep, sanitation, and kit essentials
Color theory for stage (highlighting, contouring, correction)
Basic character makeup (aging, exaggeration, expression)
Durability techniques
Instructions on how to read makeup charts and designs

Jesse Burdick & The Auld Country LIVE
2026-05-01 20:00 - 22:00 | Dakota Stage, 412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND, 58501, United States
Join us for an evening of bluegrass music, played by our Bright Star pit musicians!
Banjo player and bandleader Jesse Burdick will tour North Dakota and the surrounding region with a run of performances celebrating bluegrass and American roots music, beginning with his role in the pit band for Bright Star, the Tony Award–winning musical by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, and culminating at the Missouri River Bluegrass Festival.
The tour highlights Burdick’s versatility as both a traditional bluegrass musician and a seasoned ensemble player. His work on Bright Star underscores his deep connection to roots-based theater and acoustic performance, while the festival and concert appearances that follow showcase his high-energy live sound as a banjo player, singer and bandleader.
Based in Smithfield, Virginia, Burdick is best known as the founder of The Auld Country, a bluegrass ensemble blending traditional influences with original material and modern arrangements. Throughout the tour, audiences can expect tight musicianship, engaging stage presence and a mix of original songs and classic bluegrass selections tailored to concert halls, listening rooms and festival stages.
The Upper Midwest run concludes at the Missouri River Bluegrass Festival, where Burdick will bring the tour full circle with a festival set rooted in tradition and driven by contemporary energy. Additional dates and venues across North Dakota and neighboring states will be announced.

Bright Star
2026-05-07 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-08 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-09 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-10 14:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-14 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-15 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-16 19:30 - 22:30, 2026-05-17 14:00 - 17:00 | 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 | 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.
