Summer Theatre stage to be named after alumnus Duhamel

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University is proud to announce the MSU Summer Theatre stage will be named after alumnus Josh Duhamel.

The naming of the stage in Duhamel’s honor is part of the University’s $2.8 million renovation project for the iconic amphitheater overlooking campus. The completion of the project is expected in mid-June, just before the start of its 57th season.

“We are excited to announce the MSU Summer Theatre amphitheater stage will be known as Josh Duhamel Stage. Josh is proud of his Minot State roots, a proud Minot native and North Dakotan, and we are so proud to call him a graduate of MSU,” said MSU President Dr. Steven Shirley. “His generosity and interest in supporting this project is sincerely appreciated, and we are thrilled having Josh’s name attached to this wonderful venue.”

Duhamel spent three years at Minot State, planning on attending dental school and was a member of the MSU football program, but chose to pursue an acting and modeling career in 1996. He later returned to finish his degree at Minot State. Duhamel was named a Golden Award recipient — the MSU Alumni Association’s highest honor — in 2020.

He is a dynamic and versatile actor who, most recently, starred in “Shotgun Wedding,” opposite Jennifer Lopez, as well as “The Lost Husband” and “Think Like a Dog.” Duhamel made his directorial debut at the 2019 Mammoth Film Festival with “The Buddy Games,” for which he co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in. Duhamel is known for his roles as Danny McCoy on the NBC crime drama “Las Vegas” and Captain William Lennox in 2007’s summer blockbuster “Transformers.”

“I am beyond thrilled to be a part of the new Summer Theatre at Minot State University,” Duhamel said. “This will further promote the arts in Minot and encourage the development of all the tremendous talent in our home state of North Dakota.”

The donation and naming of the stage is the latest in a series of high-profile donors who have supported the project. Those donors include:

  • Plaza: Minot Area Community Foundation
  • Deck: Hook and Ladder Winery
  • Driveway: Ryan Family Dealerships
  • Dressing rooms: Richard and Stephanie (Sabol) Strom
  • Box office and ticket website: SRT

“This is a very exciting project for our campus, but even more so for our region of the state,” said Rick Hedberg, vice president for advancement and executive director of the MSU Development Foundation. “MSU Summer Theatre has a wide draw of patrons.  We are extremely fortunate to have MSU Summer Theatre in our city and I think folks are really going to like the improvements to the facility.  This renovation will set us up for the next couple of decades at the amphitheater.

“We can’t thank Josh enough for stepping forward to support this project.  When he toured our facility in the fall and we shared the vision for the future of the complex, there was an immediate interest on his part.  He truly loves Minot and I’m glad we were able to name the stage after him, it’s a wonderful fit.”

Hedberg added many individual donors have also contributed to the success of the privately-funded project.

“We’ve had hundreds of donors that have supported the renovation project and we are grateful for all of them,” he said. “This wouldn’t have happened without their support. This has been a fun project.”

The MSU Summer Theatre Company released four productions to highlight the 57th season with tickets going on sale June 6. The lineup includes: “Something Rotten,” June 20-26; “A Taste of Things to Come,” June 30, July 1-3, and July 5-7; “Moon Over Buffalo,” July 15-17 and July 19-21; and “The Sound of Music,” July 28-31 and Aug. 2-5. For more information on each production and for tickets, see the MSU Summer Theatre WEBSITE or call the box office at 701-858-3228.

"After years of struggling with broken toilets, leaky dressing rooms, and difficult access to seating, it's amazing to see how our extended community came together to commit to making Summer Theatre a landmark of Minot for many years to come,” said Chad Gifford, MSU Summer Theatre artistic director. “This wouldn't have happened without the help of every single person who contributed to this renovation project.  I hope to see all of them at a show this summer.”

Phase One of the Summer Theatre project, started in October 2020 and completed before the beginning of last summer’s season, focused on accessibility, including integrating handicap seating in each section, increased space for aisles and handrails, and replacing the upper-level deck.

Phase Two began immediately after the summer season in 2021. Included in Phase Two is a complete renovation of the existing complex including bathrooms, ticket office, dressing rooms, and office space, along with a new plaza and drive-through, and lower-level concessions.

Minot State will also add a digital entrance sign and donor board later in the summer and plans to add a canopy over the stage shortly after the 2022 Summer Theatre season.

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 05/19/22   


» More MSU News