MINOT — Minot State University announced Thursday afternoon that it is naming the Summer Theatre stage after alumnus Josh Duhamel.
"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 Dakota, 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 and was a member of the 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.
"I'm humbled and honored... and kind of blown away by the idea that this is even happening," Duhamel said. "I'd love to be able to start imparting some of the things that I've learned through this journey and helping students, kids, adults, whoever wants or has an interest in theater or tv or movies or whatever phase of the business."
The naming of the stage in Duhamel's honor is part of the University's $2.8 million renovation project for the amphitheater overlooking campus. The completion of the project is expected in mid-June, just before the start of its 57th season.
"I'm so thrilled, so grateful, and extremely excited to get out there and see the final product," Duhamel added.
"We can't thank Josh enough for stepping forward to support this project," said Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of MSU Development Foundation Rick Hedberg. "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 wonderful fit."
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:
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."
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.
"The MSU Summer Theatre Program and the historic outdoor amphitheater are certainly iconic symbols of Minot that have been adding to the cultural fiber and the quality of life in our community for over a half a century,” said Shirley. “With the recent major renovations now being completed at the amphitheater, thanks to the wonderful generosity and spirit of giving by so many individuals, organizations and corporations we are confident this important outdoor enjoyment will certainly continue for the next half century and beyond.”
“We’ve been blessed in this city for 57 years with MSU Summer Theatre. For the past 52 years, they have been located up on the hill. Everyone knows what a great setting that is, there isn’t a better place to spend a summer evening,” said Hedberg.
"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."
The MSU Summer Theatre Company released four productions to highlight the 57th season with tickets going on sale June 1. The lineup includes: "Something Rotten," June 17-20 and June 22-24; "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.
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.
