Future Fungus News - February 2026

Tickets for “Fools” now on sale!

Tickets for Neil Simon's "Fools" directed by Linda Metcalf are now on sale! Do not miss this hilarious comedy that will leave you in stitches, or possibly feeling foolish yourself! Please note our Saturday March 14 performance is now a 2:00 PM matinee performance.

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• March 6, 7, 13, at 7:00 PM

• March 8 (Talkback with cast following), 14 and 15 at 2:00 PM

A young teacher named Leon Tolchinsky arrives in the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov seeking employment as a tutor for Sophia Zubritsky. He soon discovers the entire town is cursed with chronic stupidity, rendering its inhabitants incapable of learning. If Leon cannot educate Sophia within 24 hours, he too will fall victim to the curse.

Congratulations to the cast of "Fools"!

Cast of Characters:

• Leon Tolchinsky – Brian Baumann
• Snetsky – David Metcalf
• Magistrate – Ron Hungerford
• Slovich – Levi Nelson
• Mishkin – Tim Gosswiller
• Yenchna – Becky Hungerford
• Dr. Zubristky – Jon Benson
• Lenya Zubristky – Janice Severson
• Sophia Zubristky – Abby Stevens
• Gregor Yousekevitch – Gannon Miller

“Fools” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Pictures from the first rehearsal of “Fools”.

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“Newsies” auditions coming in May!

Mark your calendars for auditions for our 2026 Summer Musical "Newsies" on May 21 and 23! Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for more details as we approach auditions.

Performances at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center

• July 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:00 PM

• July 19 (Talkback with cast following) and 26 at 2:00 PM

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FungusAmongus Student Scholarship Application Live

Our 2026 student scholarship application is open and we are accepting applications.

Started during the 2023 - 2024 season, the funds that have been raised during our intermissions from freewill donations for treats go into a fund to support a Student Scholarship which may be awarded annually based on applicants. It is open to graduating seniors and/or students already attending a post secondary education that have participated in FungusAmongus productions. 

If you or a student you know would be a good candidate for this scholarship please follow the link below and complete an application, all applications must be postmarked or received via email no later than April 10th 2026.

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FungusAmongus Apparel now available for order! 

FungusAmongus has partnered with Hometown Sports & Apparel in Hutchinson to open a virtual apparel shop! Now you can order hats, t-shirts, polo's, hoodies and more all with the FungusAmongus logo and with customization options. Order via the link below and items can be picked up at the Dassel History Center. Sample items will also be available for viewing during the March performances of "Fools".

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Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading will be Sunday February 15 at 4PM at the Dassel History Center. As always the public is invited to read a potential script we will consider for one of our future seasons. 

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - January 2026

Auditions for “Fools” Next Week!

Auditions for Neil Simon's "Fools" directed by Linda Metcalf will be held next week. Do not miss your chance to audition for this hilarious comedy!

Auditions at the Dassel History Center

• Thursday January 8 at 6:30 PM

• Saturday January 10 at 10 AM

Auditions will be cold reads from the script and/or telling silly funny stories. Please bring your calendar of conflict for January through the performance dates in March.

A young teacher named Leon Tolchinsky arrives in the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov seeking employment as a tutor for Sophia Zubritsky. He soon discovers the entire town is cursed with chronic stupidity, rendering its inhabitants incapable of learning. If Leon cannot educate Sophia within 24 hours, he too will fall victim to the curse.

Cast of Characters:

• Leon Steponovitch Tolchinsky - the protagonist, a young schoolteacher who is sent to Kulyenchikov to teach Sophia. Breaks the fourth wall to narrate the story.

• Sophia Irena Elenya Zubritsky - Daughter of Dr. Nikolai and Lenya and love interest to Leon.

• Gregor Mikhailovitch Breznofsky Fyodor Yousekevitch ("Count Gregor") - the antagonist, the last descendant of Vladimir Yousekevitch who cursed Kulyenchikov with idiocy 200 years ago.

• Dr. Nikolai Zubritsky - Father of Sophia and husband of Lenya. Kulyenchikov's doctor.

• Lenya Zubritsky - Mother of Sophia and wife of Dr. Nikolai.

• Something-Something Snetsky - A shepherd known as “the sheep loser”.

• Mishkin - A young postman.

• Slovitch - An animal-loving butcher.

• Yenchna - A sweet but forgetful vendor.

• Magistrate - Timid judicial officer.

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• March 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• March 8 (Talkback with cast following) and 15 at 2:00 PM

“Fools” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

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Farewell to “A Sherlock Carol”!

Thank you everyone who attended our holiday production of "A Sherlock Carol', there were many nice comments made on social media and in-person about the production. We hope that it got you in the "spirit" for the holidays! Above is our cast photo and below are a few photos from our performances.

We also want to thank our patrons for donating to the freewill offering during intermission for the cookies / coffee / hot cider. We took in over $500 dollars that will be ear marked for the FungusAmongus Student Scholarship Fund. Also a special thank you to our three bakers who donate all the delicious cookies for each show: Becky Hungerford, Colleen Nelson, and Sandi Toft. 

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FungusAmongus Student Scholarship Application Live

Our 2026 student scholarship application is still open and we are accepting applications.

Started during the 2023 - 2024 season, the funds that have been raised during our intermissions from freewill donations for treats go into a fund to support a Student Scholarship which may be awarded annually based on applicants. It is open to graduating seniors and/or students already attending a post secondary education that have participated in FungusAmongus productions. 

If you or a student you know would be a good candidate for this scholarship please follow the link below and complete an application, all applications must be postmarked or received via email no later than April 10th 2026.

---

FungusAmongus Apparel now available for order! 

FungusAmongus has partnered with Hometown Sports & Apparel in Hutchinson to open a virtual apparel shop! Now you can order hats, t-shirts, polo's, hoodies and more all with the FungusAmongus logo and with customization options. Order via the link below and items can be picked up at the Dassel History Center. Sample items will also be available for viewing during the March performances of "Fools".

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading will be Sunday January 11 at 4PM at the Dassel History Center. As always the public is invited to read a potential script we will consider for one of our future seasons. 

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - December 2025

“A Sherlock Carol” Opens Next Week!

Celebrate the Christmas Spirit (or spirits?) with Fungus and our Holiday show "A Sherlock Carol" by Mark Shanahan. The cast and crew are working hard to open the show a week from this Friday.

Tickets are now on sale for all 6 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:00 PM

• December 14 (Talkback with cast following) and 21 at 2:00 PM

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Thirteen actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!

A SHERLOCK CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

Recent rehearsal photos.

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FungusAmongus Nominated for 26 BroadwayWorld Minneapolis/St. Paul Awards!

Readers of BroadwayWorld Minneapolis/ St. Paul have honored The FungusAmongus Players with 26 nominations for shows from our previous season. All four productions from last season ("The Explorers Club", "Forever Plaid", "Finishing School", and "The Book of Mark") are up for awards! Please take a moment to vote for your favorites by December 31.

Best Costume Design of a Play or Musical
Becky Hungerford THE EXPLORERS CLUB

Best Direction of a Play
Linda Metcalf FINISHING SCHOOL
Tom Nelson THE EXPLORERS CLUB

Best Ensemble
THE EXPLORERS CLUB
FOREVER PLAID
FINISHING SCHOOL

Best Lighting Design of a Play or Musical
Shannon Watts THE EXPLORERS CLUB

Best Music Direction & Orchestra Performance
Kay Wilson FOREVER PLAID

Best Musical
FOREVER PLAID

Best Performer in a Musical
Kenny Danberg FOREVER PLAID
Michael Martin FOREVER PLAID
Tom Nelson FOREVER PLAID

Best Performer in a Play
Isaac Olson THE BOOK OF MARK
Maia Carnicom THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Rick Wyman THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Sean Snow THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Jon Benson FINISHING SCHOOL
Ron Hungerford FINISHING SCHOOL

Best Play
THE EXPLORERS CLUB
FINISHING SCHOOL

Best Scenic Design of a Play or Musical
Tom Nelson, Colleen Nelson, Ron Hungerford THE EXPLORERS CLUB

Best Sound Design of a Play or Musical
Tom Nelson FINISHING SCHOOL

Best Supporting Performer in a Play or Musical
Brian Baumann THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Michael Martin THE EXPLORERS CLUB
Tait Jerde THE EXPLORERS CLUB

Favorite Local Theatre
The FungusAmongus Players

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Auditions set for “Fools”!

Auditions for Neil Simon's "Fools" directed by Linda Metcalf will be held in January. Do not miss your chance to audition for this hilarious comedy!

Auditions at the Dassel History Center

• Thursday January 8 at 6:30 PM

• Saturday January 10 at 10 AM

Auditions will be cold reads from the script and/or telling silly funny stories. Please bring your calendar of conflict for January through the performance dates in March.

A young teacher named Leon Tolchinsky arrives in the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov seeking employment as a tutor for Sophia Zubritsky. He soon discovers the entire town is cursed with chronic stupidity, rendering its inhabitants incapable of learning. If Leon cannot educate Sophia within 24 hours, he too will fall victim to the curse.

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• March 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• March 8 (Talkback with cast following) and 15 at 2:00 PM

“Fools” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

---

The Perfect Holiday Gift: FungusAmongus Apparel!

FungusAmongus has partnered with Hometown Sports & Apparel in Hutchinson to open a virtual apparel shop! Now you can order hats, t-shirts, polo's, hoodies and more all with the FungusAmongus logo and with customization options. Some sample items will be available to view in the lobby during performances of "A Sherlock Carol". Order your Fungus "swag" today and give the gift of "FungusAmongus" this Christmas!

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Next Script Reading in January

Due to the holidays we will be taking December off from script reading. Look for the date of our next script reading in January's newsletter.  

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - November 2025

"Cyrano De Bergerac" Opens Next Week!

Tickets are going fast for "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand. Adapted by Erna Kruckemeyer on the translation by Howard Thayer Kingsbury. The Saturday November 8 performance is sold out! There will be limited seating for all performances so book your tickets early!

Tickets are now on sale for all 8 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• November 6, 7, 13, 14, 15 at 7:00 PM

• November 8 (SOLD OUT), 9 (Talkback with cast following) & 16 at 2:00 PM
  

“Cyrano de Bergerac” tells the story of a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, Cyrano, who is in love with his cousin Roxane. He is too insecure about his large nose to confess his love. Instead, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls for the words, unaware they are Cyrano's. Ultimately, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness for Roxane's, the play explores themes of love, self-sacrifice, inner vs. outer beauty, and the power of language. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. 

Recent rehearsal photos.

---

Tickets on sale for “A Sherlock Carol”!

Rehearsals are in full swing and tickets are on sale for our Holiday show "A Sherlock Carol" by Mark Shanahan.

Tickets are now on sale for all 6 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:00 PM

• December 14 (Talkback with cast following) and 21 at 2:00 PM

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Fifteen actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!

A SHERLOCK CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

---

FungusAmongus Apparel Store Now OPEN!

FungusAmongus has partnered with Hometown Sports & Apparel in Hutchinson to open a virtual apparel shop! Now you can order hats, t-shirts, polo's, hoodies and more all with the FungusAmongus logo and with customization options. Order your Fungus "swag" today!

---

Auditions set for “Fools”!

Auditions for Neil Simon's "Fools" directed by Linda Metcalf will be held in January. Do not miss your chance to audition for this hilarious comedy!

Auditions at the Dassel History Center

• Thursday January 8 at 6:30 PM

• Saturday January 10 at 10 AM

Auditions will be cold reads from the script and/or telling silly funny stories. Please bring your calendar of conflict for January through the performance dates in March.

A young teacher named Leon Tolchinsky arrives in the Ukrainian village of Kulyenchikov seeking employment as a tutor for Sophia Zubritsky. He soon discovers the entire town is cursed with chronic stupidity, rendering its inhabitants incapable of learning. If Leon cannot educate Sophia within 24 hours, he too will fall victim to the curse.

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• March 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• March 8 (Talkback with cast following) and 15 at 2:00 PM

“Fools” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading with be Saturday November 22 at 10 am at the Dassel History Center. We will be reading a potential script for an upcoming season. 

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - October 2025

Tickets now on sale for "Cyrano De Bergerac"!

Tickets are now on sale for "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand. Adapted by Erna Kruckemeyer on the translation by Howard Thayer Kingsbury. There will be limited seating for all performances so book your tickets early!

Tickets are now on sale for all 8 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• November 6, 7, 13, 14, 15 at 7:00 PM

• November 8, 9 (Talkback with cast following) & 16 at 2:00 PM
  

“Cyrano de Bergerac” tells the story of a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, Cyrano, who is in love with his cousin Roxane. He is too insecure about his large nose to confess his love. Instead, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls for the words, unaware they are Cyrano's. Ultimately, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness for Roxane's, the play explores themes of love, self-sacrifice, inner vs. outer beauty, and the power of language. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. 

Swordfighting during a recent rehearsal.

---

Tickets now on sale for “A Sherlock Carol”!

Tickets are now on sale for "A Sherlock Carol" by Mark Shanahan and directed by Tom Nelson.

Tickets are now on sale for all 6 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 12, 13, 19, 20 at 7:00 PM

• December 14 (Talkback with cast following) and 21 at 2:00 PM

Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Fifteen actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages!

A SHERLOCK CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

The cast at the first read-through of “A Sherlock Carol”.

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading with be Saturday October 25 at 10 am at the Dassel History Center. We will be reading a potential script for an upcoming season. 

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Nominate FungusAmongus for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards!

Nominations are currently open (through October 31) for the 2025 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards for Minneapolis / St. Paul. Nominate your favorite FungusAmongus productions and cast/crew members for shows from our last season including:

• The Explorers Club

• Forever Plaid

• Finishing School

• The Book of Mark

Also be sure to nominate The FungusAmongus Players as your Favorite Local Theatre!

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - September 2025

Cast & Crew Announced for "Cyrano De Bergerac" & "A Sherlock Carol

Thank you to everyone who auditioned for "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "A Sherlock Carol"! Over 30 people auditioned for both shows and both directors were blown away by the talent. Below are the cast/crew lists for both shows:
"Cyrano De Bergerac"
CAST:
Brian Baumann - Ragueneau
Kacie Carlsted - 1st Actress / 1st Lady / Sister Marthe / Bertrando
Stephen Carnicom - Cyrano De Bergerac
Brandon Densmore - Christian De Neuvilette
Tim Gosswiller - Ligniere / Spanish Soldier
Charlee Harris - Pickpocket / Spanish Soldier
Becky Hungerford - 3rd Lady / Mother Margueritte
Ron Hungerford - Cardinal Richilieu / Captain Carbon De Castel- Jaloux
Tait Jerde - Guard / Cuigy / 1st Cadet
Patti Kampa - Duenna
Robert Kampa - Le Bret
Amelia Marquez - Flower Girl
Eva Marquez - 2nd Lady / 2nd Actress / Sister Claire
Shara Marquez - Roxane
Michael Martin - Comte De Guiche
Gannon Miller - Montfleury / 4th Cadet
Terry Moore - Bellerose / Spanish Soldier
Carrie Nelson - Orange Girl / 5th Cadet
Vern Nelson - Brissaille / 3rd Cadet
Tom Nelson - Marquis / Poet / Spanish Soldier
Isaac Olson - Vicomte De Valvert / 2nd Cadet
James Statz - Theater Patron / Capuchin / Spanish Soldier
CREW:
Adrienne Haataja & Becky Hungerford - Stage Managers
Ron Hungerford - Set & Scenery Master
David Metcalf - Director / Fight Choreographer
Linda Metcalf - Costumer
Colleen Nelson - Prop Master
Jim Nelson, Tom Nelson & Alex Nelson - Lights and Audio

"A Sherlock Carol"
CAST:
Nick Lostetter – Sherlock Holmes
Bob Kampa – Ebenezer Scrooge
Mike Martin – Tim Cratchit
Sean Snow – Mr. Topper / Constable Broadstreet
Brian Bauman – Ralph Fezziwig
Mila Hanson – Emma Wiggins
Christina Reed – Fannie Gardner
Patti Kampa – Mrs. Windigate
Rick Wyman – Inspector Lestrade
Brandon Densmore – Dr. Watson
Lisa Kotila – Mrs. Dilber
Terry Moore – Henry Burke / Old Joe Brackenridge
Lana Grace – Countess of Morcar
Emma Wyman – Martha Cratchit / Caroler
Adrienne Haataja – Mary Morstan / Elderly Woman
CREW:
Maia Carnicom - Stage Manager
Ron Hungerford - Set Designer
Becky Hungerford - Costumer
Tom Nelson - Director
Colleen Nelson - Prop Master
Jim Nelson, Alex Nelson - Lights and Audio

---

Tickets now on sale for "Cyrano De Bergerac"!

Tickets are now on sale for "Cyrano de Bergerac" by Edmond Rostand. Adapted by Erna Kruckemeyer on the translation by Howard Thayer Kingsbury. There will be limited seating for all performances so book your tickets early!

Tickets are now on sale for all 8 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• November 6, 7, 13, 14, 15 at 7:00 PM

• November 8, 9 (Talkback with cast following) & 16 at 2:00 PM
  

“Cyrano de Bergerac” tells the story of a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, Cyrano, who is in love with his cousin Roxane. He is too insecure about his large nose to confess his love. Instead, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls for the words, unaware they are Cyrano's. Ultimately, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness for Roxane's, the play explores themes of love, self-sacrifice, inner vs. outer beauty, and the power of language. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. 

The cast at the first read-through of “Cyrano”.

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - August 2025

Youth Theatre Camp Performance Friday August 1!

FungusAmongus in conjunction with Dassel-Cokato Community Education has been hosting the annual Youth Theatre camp this week, and tonight (Friday August 1) is their FREE public performance at 5:30PM at the Dassel Cokato Performing Arts Center.

The kids are having a blast and learning great things about theatre such as: memory skills, working on projecting their voices, learning what backstage crews and tech do during shows, and of course memorizing their lines for the big show!

Come out to the PAC and support these kids that have been working hard all week and learning the finer points of theatre!

Auditions this Month for “Cyrano de Bergerac” & “A Sherlock Carol”

The directors of our first two shows this season are excited to hold joint auditions coming up later this month!

Thursday August 14 at 6 pm and

Saturday August 16 at 10 am

at the Dassel History Center.

Please audition for one or both shows! Bring your conflict calendar. Auditions will be cold readings from the scripts. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" Callbacks*

Monday August 18 at 6 pm

at the Dassel History Center.

*Callback will include a fencing/stage combat workshop. This is mandatory for all male auditioners age 45 and under. Any others, are also welcome, but not required. Please dress in non-restrictive clothing.

For more information on both shows and a list of characters please visit our audition page:

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Join Fungus in Corn Carnival & Red Rooster Days Parades

Fungus will once again be participating in the Corn Carnival Parade and Red Rooster Days Parades. All Fungi Alumni are encouraged to attend and pass out our season bookmark! The Corn Carnival Parade will be Monday August 11 and the Red Rooster Days parade will be Saturday August 30. Wear your favorite Fungus swag or show shirt and line up with us prior to the parades. Line up information will be posted on our Facebook page prior to the parades. 

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

Our full season for 2025 - 2026 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

• Board Member - Are you passionate about community theatre and want to "make it happen" behind the scenes? Then serving on our Board of Directors may be for you! We are particularly looking for community members with marketing, fundraising, and business acumen to join our ranks.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - July 2025

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement!

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors are excited to announce 3/4 of our 2025 - 2026 season. We will announce our winter production in the coming weeks once rights are finalized. 

This fall we will present “Cyrano de Bergerac”, by Edmon Rostand. “Cyrano” tells the story of a brilliant but self-conscious poet and swordsman, Cyrano, who is in love with his cousin Roxane. He is too insecure about his large nose to confess his love. Instead, he helps the handsome but inarticulate Christian woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls for the words, unaware they are Cyrano's. Ultimately, Cyrano sacrifices his own happiness for Roxane's, the play explores themes of love, self-sacrifice, inner vs. outer beauty, and the power of language. David Metcalf will direct and auditions will be in August.

For our holiday production we will present “A Sherlock Carol” by Mark Shanahan. Moriarty is dead, to begin with. And Sherlock Holmes is a haunted man. But, when a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Holmes to investigate the death of Ebenezer Scrooge, the Great Detective must use his gifts to solve a Dickens of a Christmas mystery! Six or more actors take on the beloved characters of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens in this heartwarming and highly theatrical holiday treat for all ages! Tom Nelson will direct and auditions will also be in August. A SHERLOCK CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

And finally, we are excited to announce that our Summer 2026 production will be Disney’s Newsies with Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Jack Feldman and Book by Harvey Fierstein. NEWSIES is inspired by the true story of the 1899 newsboy strike in New York City. It’s a timeless story addressing the strength of a group against oppression. NEWSIES showcases a group of young, poor children, many of whom were runaways and orphans, just trying to sell papers to make enough money to survive. However, headlines were bad and papers weren’t selling. So the owners, Pulitzer, and Hearst, decide to raise newspaper prices to the newsies, making them sell twice as many for the same profit. This is an energetic, idealistic, musical, that will have you smiling one second and crying a minute later. NEWSIES captivates the strength that young people have when they join together and stand up against injustice. Kay Wilson will direct, audition info to follow and we will need many kids involved! NEWSIES is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Auditions for "Cyrano de Bergerac" & "A Sherlock Carol"

Thursday August 14 at 6 pm and

Saturday August 16 at 10 am

at the Dassel History Center.

Please audition for one or both shows! Bring your conflict calendar. Auditions will be cold readings from the scripts. 

"Cyrano de Bergerac" Callbacks*

Monday August 18 at 6 pm

at the Dassel History Center.

*Callback will include a fencing/stage combat workshop. This is mandatory for all male auditioners age 45 and under. Any others, are also welcome, but not required. Please dress in non-restrictive clothing.

---

Register for Summer Youth Theatre Camp by July 17

FungusAmongus in conjunction with Dassel-Cokato Community Education will be putting on the Summer Youth Theatre Camp again this summer. Signups are now live on the Community-Education website. The camp will be held this summer July 28 - July 31, with the first four days of camp at the Dassel-History Center and the final rehearsal and performance at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center.

Join us for a week-long theatre camp where young performers will immerse themselves in the exciting world of acting, guided by the talented FungusAmungus Players! This interactive workshop is designed to help students build confidence, enhance creativity, and develop essential theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Through engaging games and hands-on activities, campers will explore stage movement, blocking notation, and script scoring, while also diving into character development, scene creation, dialogue delivery, body language, and storytelling techniques. Led by experienced actors, participants will gain valuable insight into the art of performance, learning to bring stories to life.

Rehearsals will take place Monday through Thursday at the Dassel History Center, preparing students for their final dress rehearsal on Friday at the Performing Arts Center. That evening, campers will take the stage for a FREE showcase performance, celebrating their hard work with family, friends, and fellow theatre enthusiasts.

The registration fee includes a camp t-shirt. Sign up by July 17 to guarantee your shirt!

---

2025 Student Scholarship Awarded

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors are proud to announce that the recipient of our 2025 student scholarship is Jackie Luhman. A 2025 graduate of Dassel Cokato High School, Jackie has worked tech on a number of FungusAmongus productions the last two years and helped considerably with a number of productions, thank you Jackie!

The $500 dollar scholarship is open each year to graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in post-secondary education, who have been involved in Fungus productions. All money collected from concessions during Fungus productions is put into a separate fund specifically set aside to award these scholarships. 

---

Farewell to “The Book of Mark”

Thank you to all that attended the performances of "The Book of Mark". Around $2,000 along with various non-perishable food items were collected and will be donated to the Meeker County and Cokato Food Shelf. Thank you for supporting this powerful production and your local food shelves!

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading with be Sunday July 13 at 4 pm at the Dassel History Center. We will be reading the Mystery/Thriller "The Ghost Train". All are welcome to attend. 

---

FungusAmongus at AACT Fest 2025!

A contingent of Fungi attended AACT Fest 2025 in Des Moines IA June 25 - 28 to enjoy the 12 shows from across the country and participate in workshops and celebrate Artistic Director David Metcalf receiving his national AACT award as noted below. 

Artistic Director David Metcalf was awarded the Distinguished Merit Award by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) at AACT Fest 2025. AACT presents this national award to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theatre. Congratulations David!

Also of note is that it has been officially announced that Minnesota will host the Region V AACT Fest and National AACT Fest in 2027! 

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Join Fungus in Corn Carnival & Red Rooster Days Parades

Fungus will once again be participating in the Corn Carnival Parade and Red Rooster Days Parades. All Fungi Alumni are encouraged to attend and pass out our season bookmark! The Corn Carnival Parade will be Monday August 11 and the Red Rooster Days parade will be Saturday August 30. More information to follow, so watch our social media pages and next months newsletter.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - June 2025

"The Book of Mark" Opens this Month!

Our next production in June will be "The Book of Mark" Directed and Performed by Isaac Olson.

The Book of Mark is a dramatic one-man staging of the biblical Book of Mark. The Book of Mark tells the story of Jesus’s ministry, from His baptism to His death to His resurrection. Compared to the other gospels, Mark’s account of Jesus’s life is the most straightforward as a narrative and focuses most on the acts, miracles, and deeds of Christ. Originally performed as a stage production by acclaimed stage actor Alec McCowen, Mark has since been staged by many actors across the globe, reminding audiences of the historically momentous wonder and transformative redemptive power of the story of Jesus Christ.

Performances

June 26, 27 & 28 at 7:00 pm and

June 29 at 2:00 pm

at the Dassel History Center.

There will be no tickets but a freewill donation will be taken. All proceeds from this production will be donated to the Meeker County and Cokato Food Shelves. A talkback will be held following the Jun 29 performance.

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading will be held Saturday June 14 at 2pm at the Dassel History Center. We plan to read a version of “Cyrano De Bergerac” that we are considering for next season. All interested parties are encouraged to attend.

---

FungusAmongus at AACT Fest 2025!

Members of FungusAmongus will be at AACT Fest 2025 coming up later this month in Des Moines IA to view the 12 shows from across the country and participate in workshops and celebrate Artistic Director David Metcalf receiving his national AACT award as noted below. Watch our social media page for blog posts throughout the festival, and if you wish to attend as well registration for full festival packages and show specific sessions are now open.

At AACTFest 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa, FungusAmongus Artistic Director David Metcalf will be awarded the Distinguished Merit Award by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). The award will be presented at an awards ceremony on Friday, June 27. AACT presents this national award to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theatre.

---

Summer Youth Theatre Camp Registration Open

FungusAmongus in conjunction with Dassel-Cokato Community Education will be putting on the Summer Youth Theatre Camp again this summer. Signups are now live on the Community-Education website. The camp will be held this summer July 28 - July 31, with the first four days of camp at the Dassel-History Center and the final rehearsal and performance at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center.

Join us for a week-long theatre camp where young performers will immerse themselves in the exciting world of acting, guided by the talented FungusAmungus Players! This interactive workshop is designed to help students build confidence, enhance creativity, and develop essential theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Through engaging games and hands-on activities, campers will explore stage movement, blocking notation, and script scoring, while also diving into character development, scene creation, dialogue delivery, body language, and storytelling techniques. Led by experienced actors, participants will gain valuable insight into the art of performance, learning to bring stories to life.

Rehearsals will take place Monday through Thursday at the Dassel History Center, preparing students for their final dress rehearsal on Friday at the Performing Arts Center. That evening, campers will take the stage for a FREE showcase performance, celebrating their hard work with family, friends, and fellow theatre enthusiasts.

The registration fee includes a camp t-shirt. Sign up by July 17 to guarantee your shirt!

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement Soon!

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors are working hard to solidify the 2025-2026 season. We will be announcing next season during performances of "The Book of Mark" in June. Thank you all who participated in the actor interest survey and our script readings. These have been invaluable to help us decide on our seasons! 

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - May 2025

David Metcalf to be Awarded National Community Theatre Award

At AACTFest 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa, FungusAmongus Artistic Director David Metcalf will be awarded the Distinguished Merit Award by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). The award will be presented at an awards ceremony on Friday, June 27. AACT presents this national award to individuals and organizations in recognition of contributions made to promote and develop the highest standards for community theatre.

David has been active in the Minnesota theatre community both as a teacher and director to high school students and as a prolific community theatre director across the state for over 50 years. He has enriched and taught 100's of students and given them the passion of theatre many of whom continue the theatre tradition in their own communities as adults. He has had at least six students who have made theatre their professional career. Since 2017 David has been the Artistic Director of the FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato being a newly independent organization has had its challenges, but with David's leadership there has never been a question of the quality of the productions that Fungus presents. Through his direct involvement with each production or by mentoring new directors to take on the challenge of directing, David has been there to lend a guiding hand and allow the theatre in his community to flourish.

David received his B.A. in Theatre, English, Education at Augsburg College. Now retired after 34 years of teaching at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School, he also coached competitive speech teams and one-act plays to numerous State level successes. David studied stage combat and fight choreography under B.H. Barry. He has led workshops on stage combat and worked with several theatres, helping choreograph combat scenes.

David is a prolific director. Under David's guidance, FungusAmongus Players has sent a show to the Region V festival in 2023, 2019, 2017, 2015, 2013 and 2011. In 2017 ("The Voice of the Prairie") and 2015 ("The Romancers") those shows represented Region V at the national AACTFest. He has directed shows for: Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School, Dassel-Cokato High School, Dassel-Cokato Community Theatre, FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato, Theatre in the Round, Buffalo Community Theatre, Litchfield Community Theatre, Homeward Bound Theatre Company (outreach), Wright County Arts Association (Buffalo), Nedora Summer Theatre (Nederland, Colorado), Troupe Theatre (St. Cloud), The Village Players (Dassel) and Unicorn Community Theatre (Howard Lake).
 
This is the first time anyone from Minnesota has been recognized with this award.  Next time you see David, congratulate him on this distinguished achievement.

---

"The Book of Mark" Coming in June!

Our next production in June will be "The Book of Mark" Directed and Performed by Isaac Olson.

The Book of Mark is a dramatic one-man staging of the biblical Book of Mark. The Book of Mark tells the story of Jesus’s ministry, from His baptism to His death to His resurrection. Compared to the other gospels, Mark’s account of Jesus’s life is the most straightforward as a narrative and focuses most on the acts, miracles, and deeds of Christ. Originally performed as a stage production by acclaimed stage actor Alec McCowen, Mark has since been staged by many actors across the globe, reminding audiences of the historically momentous wonder and transformative redemptive power of the story of Jesus Christ.

Performances

June 26, 27 & 28 at 7:00 pm and

June 29 at 2:00 pm

at the Dassel History Center.

There will be no tickets but a freewill donation will be taken. All proceeds from this production will be donated to the Meeker County and Cokato Food Shelves.

---

Summer Youth Theatre Camp Registration Open

FungusAmongus in conjunction with Dassel-Cokato Community Education will be putting on the Summer Youth Theatre Camp again this summer. Signups are now live on the Community-Education website. The camp will be held this summer July 28 - July 31, with the first four days of camp at the Dassel-History Center and the final rehearsal and performance at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center.

Join us for a week-long theatre camp where young performers will immerse themselves in the exciting world of acting, guided by the talented FungusAmungus Players! This interactive workshop is designed to help students build confidence, enhance creativity, and develop essential theatre skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Through engaging games and hands-on activities, campers will explore stage movement, blocking notation, and script scoring, while also diving into character development, scene creation, dialogue delivery, body language, and storytelling techniques. Led by experienced actors, participants will gain valuable insight into the art of performance, learning to bring stories to life.

Rehearsals will take place Monday through Thursday at the Dassel History Center, preparing students for their final dress rehearsal on Friday at the Performing Arts Center. That evening, campers will take the stage for a FREE showcase performance, celebrating their hard work with family, friends, and fellow theatre enthusiasts.

The registration fee includes a camp t-shirt. Sign up by July 17 to guarantee your shirt!

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading will be held Sunday May 18 at 4pm at the Dassel History Center. We plan to read and listen to a potential musical for future seasons, all are welcome to attend!

---

2025 - 2026 Season Announcement Soon!

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors are working hard to solidify the 2025-2026 season. The plan is to be able to announce next season during performances of "The Book of Mark" in June. Thank you all who participated in the actor interest survey and our script readings. These have been invaluable to help us decide on our seasons! 

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

---

Future Fungus News - March / April 2025

Summer 2025 Announcement

Due to renovation projects at the High School and Performing Arts Center this summer, we have made the difficult decision to postpone Annie to July of 2026. While we know this will be disappointing to many (including us) we want to ensure folks have the best experience as possible participating in and attending our shows.

However this summer Fungus will still be be busy:

Once again we will be partnering with Community Education for our Summer Youth Theatre camp, and that will be July 28 - Aug 1, with the first four days of camp being held at the Dassel History Center and the last day and public performance being held at the Performing Arts Center. Registration will be coming in the Summer Community Education brochure so keep an eye out!

Also this summer, in June, we will be presenting a one man show entitled 'The Book of Mark". With Isaac Olson leading the production:

The Book of Mark is a dramatic one-man staging of the biblical Book of Mark. The Book of Mark tells the story of Jesus’s ministry, from His baptism to His death to His resurrection. Compared to the other gospels, Mark’s account of Jesus’s life is the most straightforward as a narrative and focuses most on the acts, miracles, and deeds of Christ. Originally performed as a stage production by acclaimed stage actor Alec McCowen, Mark has since been staged by many actors across the globe, reminding audiences of the historically momentous wonder and transformative redemptive power of the story of Jesus Christ.

Performances will be June 26 - 29 at the Dassel History Center, with performances at 7pm Thursday - Friday and a Sunday Matinee offered on June 29 at 2pm.

There will be no tickets but a freewill donation will be taken. All proceeds from this production will be donated to the Meeker County and Cokato Food Shelves. 

Also we will be announcing our 2025 - 2026 season later this summer, and a special thank you to everyone who has read scripts with the board to help work towards deciding on future seasons of Fungus.

---

2025 Student Scholarship Application Live

Our 2025 student scholarship application is still open and we are accepting applications.

Started during the 2023 - 2024 season, the funds that have been raised during our intermissions from freewill donations for treats go into a fund to support a Student Scholarship which may be awarded annually based on applicants. It is open to graduating seniors and/or students already attending a post secondary education that have participated in FungusAmongus productions. 

If you or a student you know would be a good candidate for this scholarship please follow the link below and complete an application, all applications must be postmarked or received via email no later than April 11th 2025.

---

MACT*Fest 2025 Results!

FungusAmongus was honored to be named First Alternate at MACT*Fest 2025 for our production of “Finishing School”! Other awards received included Outstanding Achievement in performance for Jon Benson and Outstanding Achievement in Directing for Linda Metcalf.

A big thank you to the MACT*Fest committee, the host theatre: our good friends at County Seat Theatre, and all the volunteers that make a festival like this happen!

Congratulations to Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts and their production of “26 Pebbles” and Absolute Theatre and their production of “Forever Plaid” for taking Best of Festival and advancing to the Region V AACTFest in April.

Thanks everyone for a great festival and hope to see you all again in 2027! Below are some pictures from our performance at MACT*Fest as well as awards being received. 

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Actor Interest / Availability Form Coming Soon

As the board looks to finalize the 2025 - 2026 season an email with an attached form will be sent our to actors/actresses who have previously performed with Fungus and actors/actresses that attended our General Audition last year. This form will indicate some of the shows we are considering for next and future seasons, as well as availability for this upcoming season. If you receive this email please fill it out so the board can make an more informed decision as to what shows should be a part of our seasons. 

---

Next Script Reading Scheduled

Our next script reading will be held Sunday April 13 at 4pm at the Dassel History Center. We have had great attendance and a great time with our recent script readings, all are welcome to attend!

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - February 2025

"Finishing School" opens this month!

Tickets are now on sale for "Finishing School" by Elaine Liner. This is a revival of the touching comedy that was performed in 2018, it has been cut for our entry into MACT*Fest 2025.

Public Performances will be held at the Dassel History Center February 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7pm and 16 and 23 at 2pm. A talkback with the cast and crew will be held following the February 16 performance.

CAST
Alfred.....Jon Benson
Wizzer......Ron Hungerford
Minnie......Becky Hungerford
Shirley.....Carolyn Holje
Announcement Voice....Elisabeth Nelson

This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals—shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging—are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond.

Finishing School is presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

Some pictures from a recent rehearsal.

---

2025 Student Scholarship Application Live

Our 2025 student scholarship application is live! 

Started during the 2023 - 2024 season the funds that have are raised during our intermissions from freewill donations for treats goes into a fund to support a Student Scholarship which may be awarded annually based on applicants. It is open to graduating seniors and or students already attending a post secondary education that have participated in FungusAmongus productions. 

If you or a student you know would be a good candidate for this scholarship please follow the link below and complete an application, all applications must be postmarked or received via email no later than April 11th 2025.

---

MACT*Fest 2025 tickets on sale!

MACT*Fest 2025 will be held at The Depot Theatre in Duluth, and 9 shows will be presented at the festival. There will also be workshops and social events to network with fellow theatre lovers from across the state.
Performances will be March 7 & 8 and awards will be Sunday morning March 9.

Tickets are now on sale so make plans now to see excellent theatre from across the state, including Fungus's production of "Finishing School".

---

2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - January 2025

Happy New Year from Fungus!

"Finishing School" is up next

Happy 2025 from your Friends at FungusAmongus! As we move into the winter months we are preparing for our February production of "Finishing School" by Elaine Liner which will also be our MACT*Fest 2025 entry. 

Public Performances will be held at the Dassel History Center February 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 7pm and 16 and 23 at 2pm. Tickets will go on sale later this month.

Finishing School is presented through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing.

---

Farewell to “Forever Plaid”

Thank you to all of our audiences for coming out and seeing "Forever Plaid". The cast and crew loved seeing folks singing along to all the timeless hits that were performed. Never forget the proud, the pure, the plaid! 

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MACT*Fest 2025 to be held in Duluth

March 7 - 9

MACT*Fest 2025 will be held at The Depot Theatre in Duluth, and 10 shows will be presented at the festival. 
Performances will be March 7 & 8 and awards will be Sunday morning March 9.

Tickets are now on sale so make plans now to see excellent theatre from across the state, including Fungus’s production of “Finishing School”.

---

Script Reading Scheduled for January 18

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors will be hosting a script reading on Saturday January 18, at 10 AM at the Dassel History Center. The public is invited to attend and participate. The plan is to read two scripts. Help us decide on shows for future seasons!

---

2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - December 2024

"Forever Plaid" Opens Friday!

"Forever Plaid" by Stuart Ross opens this Friday, December 6. The cast have been working hard learning the incredible music this show is packed with. Make "Forever Plaid" part of your holiday plans!

Tickets are now on sale for all 6 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• December 8 (Talkback with cast following) & 15 at 2:00 PM

CAST

Francis: Gannon Miller

 Jinx: Kenny Danberg

 Smudge: Michael Martin

 Sparky: Tom Nelson

Announcer: James Statz

CREW

Director: Randy Wilson

Music Director / Piano Player: Kay Wilson

Piano Player: Lynn Hoff

Drums: Marshall Carlsted

Bass: Travis Bruns

Chief Set Builder: Ron Hungerford

Sound Design: Jim Nelson

Light Design: Jackie Luhman

Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins....

Forever Plaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

The cast works with Director Randy Wilson at a recent rehearsal. 

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MACT*Fest 2025 to be held in Duluth

March 7 - 9

MACT*Fest 2025 will be held at The Depot Theatre in Duluth.
Performances will be March 7 & 8 and awards March 9.

Tickets are now on sale so make plans now to see excellent theatre from across the state, including Fungus’s production of “Finishing School”.

---

2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - November 2024

Tickets on sale for "Forever Plaid" now!

Tickets for "Forever Plaid" by Stuart Ross are now on sale. The cast have been working hard learning the incredible music this show is packed with. Make "Forever Plaid" part of your holiday plans this December.

Tickets are now on sale for all 6 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• December 8 (Talkback with cast following) & 15 at 2:00 PM

CAST

Francis: Gannon Miller

 Jinx: Kenny Danberg

 Smudge: Michael Martin

 Sparky: Tom Nelson

Announcer: James Statz

CREW

Director: Randy Wilson

Music Director / Piano Player: Kay Wilson

Piano Player: Lynn Hoff

Drums: Marshall Carlsted

Bass: Travis Bruns

Chief Set Builder: Ron Hungerford

Sound Design: Jim Nelson

Light Design: Jackie Luhman

Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins....

Forever Plaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Farewell to "The Explorers Club"!

Farewell to "The Explorers Club" and thank you to all of our amazing audiences that came and laughed from London all the way to Phahatlabong! This truly was a remarkable production and hearing our audiences laugh was especially satisfying. 

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It’s Give to the MACT Time!

It's time for MACT's annual fundraising drive, "Give to the MACT".  The first $760 in donations will be matched by funds provided by current and former MACT Board Members.  This campaign ends Thursday, November 21st.  After that any unused matching dollars go away.
 
This year, MACT's Board has designated the funds raised by our Give to the MACT campaign to help offset some of the costs associated with bringing a show to MACT*Fest '25.
 
It costs theatres a considerable amount of money to participate in a festival.  There are the normal costs, like royalties, scripts, sets, costumes and props, associated with putting on a show.  But for festivals, there are additional costs like registrations fees, travel costs, hotels and meals.  Gifts from people like you, along with the matching dollars, will help cover some of the costs of presenting a show at MACT*Fest '25.
 
Remember, donations made between now and November 21st (up to the first $760) will be matched, so your gift will have double the impact for MACT*Fest presenting theatres.
 
Please consider making a donation to Give to the MACT now, before the matching dollars expire!

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MACT*Fest 2025 to be held in Duluth

March 7 - 9

MACT*Fest 2025 will be held at The Depot Theatre in Duluth.
Performances will be March 7 & 8 and awards March 9.

More information to follow including registration info, but make plans now to see excellent theatre from across the state, including Fungus's production of "Finishing School".

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Script Reading Scheduled for November 23

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors will be hosting a script reading on Saturday November 23, at 10:00 AM at the Dassel History Center. The public is invited to attend and participate. Help us decide on shows for future seasons!

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2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

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So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - October 2024

"The Explorers Club" opens next week!

The "The Explorers Club" by Nell Benjamin opens next week at the Dassel History Center. The cast and crew are putting the finishing touches on this comedy that will leave you in stitches. Be sure to get your tickets early as this one is sure to sell out!

Tickets are now on sale for all 7 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• October 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7:00 PM

• October 13 (Talkback with cast following) & 20 at 2:00 PM

London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

The cast of "The Explorers Club" work on some scenes during recent rehearsals. 

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"Forever Plaid" auditions this month

Auditions are this month for our holiday show "Forever Plaid" by Stuart Ross, Directed by Randy Wilson

Auditions at the Dassel History Center

• October 12 at 9:00 AM

• October 14 at 6:30 PM

4 men are needed for the production, all singing roles. Please prepare a piece of music to showcase your vocal range and a piano accompaniment. 

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• December 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:00 PM

• December 8 (Talkback with cast following) & 15 at 2:00 PM

Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins....

FOREVER PLAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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Script Reading Scheduled for October 26th

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors will be hosting a script reading on Saturday October 26, at 12:00 PM at the Dassel Covenant Church. The public is invited to attend and participate. Help us decide on shows for future seasons!

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2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced! Visit our current season page for information on all four shows that we will produce this season.

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - September 2024

Cast List for "The Explorers Club" + Tickets on Sale Now!

The director would like to thank all who came out and auditioned for the show, this was a very competitive audition and not everyone was able to receive a part in the show. The cast list is as follows:

LUCIUS FRETWAY - Sean Snow

PHYLLIDA SPOTTEHUME - Maia Carnicom

HARRY PERCY - Rick Wyman

LUIGI - Tait Jerde

PROFESSOR COPE - Michael Martin

PROFESSOR SLOANE - Ron Hungerford

PROFESSOR WALLING - Brian Bauman

SIR BERNARD HUMPHRIES - Isaac Olson

BEEBE - Harry Lantto

Tickets are now on sale for all 7 performances!

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• October 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at 7:00 PM

• October 13 (Talkback with cast following) & 20 at 2:00 PM

London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.

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2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

Our full season for 2024 - 2025 has now been announced!

This October we will present, “The Explorers Club” by Nell Benjamin:  London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship. Auditions will be held August 22 and 24 here at the history center with performances in Mid-October. Tom Nelson will direct. THE EXPLORERS CLUB is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

For our holiday show we will present, “Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross. Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins.... Performances will be in December. Randy Wilson will direct. FOREVER PLAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

For our winter production and our 2025 AACT Entry we will be reviving “Finishing School” by Elaine Liner. This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals—shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging—are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. Performances will be in February. Linda Metcalf will direct. FINISHING SCHOOL is presented through special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois

For summer 2025 we will produce "Annie" at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center.
Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including "Tomorrow."
"Annie" will be presented by the FungusAmongus Players July 18 - 20 & 25 - 27 2025 at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center. Please stay tuned our website and social media channels for information regarding auditions.
ANNIE is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

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FungusAmongus presented "Death Knocks" at Fast*Fest 2024

The FungusAmongus Players presented at Fast*Fest 2024 held in Cloquet MN on August 17. "Death Knocks" by Woody Allen was presented to many nice comments following the performance. Both David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford reprised their roles from when this one act was performed during our evening of short plays in March of 2023.

15 shows were presented in one day, which ranged from light hearted comedies, to serious dramas. County Seat Theatre in Cloquet were excellent hosts and MACT put on another great event! The next MACT event will be the bi-annual MACTFest which will be held in Duluth in March of 2025. 

David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford perform "Death Knocks" August 2024.

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FungusAmongus Participate in Corn Carnival and Red Rooster Parades

Thanks to everyone that came out and walked with us and handed out bookmarks during the Cokato Corn Carnival and Red Rooster Days parades this year. It was great to see so many smiling faces and get our new season bookmark handed out! If you did not get a bookmark we will have extras (while they last) at all performances this season at the box office.

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So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - August 2024

2024 - 2025 Season Announced!

During our opening night of "Much Ado About Nothing" we announced our 2024 - 2025 season:

This October we will present, “The Explorers Club” by Nell Benjamin:  London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship. Auditions will be held August 22 and 24 here at the history center with performances in Mid-October. Tom Nelson will direct. THE EXPLORERS CLUB is presented through special arrangement with Dramatist Play Service.

For our holiday show we will present, “Forever Plaid” by Stuart Ross. Once upon a time, there were four guys (Sparky, Smudge, Jinx and Frankie) who discovered that they shared a love for music and then got together to become their idols – The Four Freshman, The Hi-Lo's and The Crew Cuts. Rehearsing in the basement of Smudge's family's plumbing supply company, they became "Forever Plaid". On the way to their first big gig, the "Plaids" are broadsided by a school bus and killed instantly. It is at the moment when their careers and lives end that the story of Forever Plaid begins.... Performances will be in December. Randy Wilson will direct. FOREVER PLAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

For our winter production and our 2025 AACT Entry we will be reviving “Finishing School” by Elaine Liner. This comedy about life’s second act finds older gents Al and Wizzer meeting on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals—shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging—are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond. Performances will be in February. Linda Metcalf will direct. FINISHING SCHOOL is presented through special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois

For summer 2025 we will produce a musical at the DC Performing Arts Center. We are still waiting to announce this as rights are being secured but please keep a close eye on our social media pages and monthly newsletter for all information pertaining to what is sure to be another fun filled theatre summer! Performances will be in July 2025.

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Inaugural Student Scholarships Awarded

Caroline Cronk and Mya Lynk receive their scholarships from Board member Kevin Wilson 

The FungusAmognus Board of Directors were happy to award two $500 student scholarships at the final performance of "Much Ado About Nothing". Caroline Cronk and Mya Lynk have both been active participants in past Fungus shows and showed great academic achievements. Congratulations Caroline and Mya!

Started during the 2023 - 2024 season the funds that are raised during our intermissions from freewill donations for treats go into a fund to support a Student Scholarship which may be awarded annually based on applicants. It is open to graduating seniors and or students already attending a post secondary education that have participated in FungusAmongus productions.  Applications for the 2025 scholarship will open on January 1, 2025 and be due in April of 2025.

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Auditions for "The Explorers Club" this Month!

Auditions for The Explorers Club by Nell Benjamin will be held at the Dassel History Center at 6:30 PM Thursday, August 22 and 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 24

Auditions will be cold readings from the script. Please bring your schedules for known conflicts through the performance dates.

Performances at the Dassel History Center

• October 11,12, 17, 18, 19 at 7:00 PM

• October 13 & 20 at 2:00 PM

London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: their acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful, and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship.

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Farewell to “Much Ado About Nothing”!

The curtain call at one of the performances. Photo by Stacey Neuhaus.

The curtain has closed on "Much Ado About Nothing" following 7 successful performances, four outdoors and three indoors! A special thank you to the cast and crew for all their hard work to bring Shakespeare to rural audiences, to the various venues that hosted the production, and to the audiences who attended and generously gave toward the freewill donation. 

FungusAmongus to Present at FastFest 2024

The FungusAmongus Players will be bringing a show to Fast*Fest 2024 held in Cloquet MN on August 17. "Death Knocks" by Woody Allen will be presented to "liven" things up. Both David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford will be reprising their roles from when this one act was performed during our evening of short plays in March of 2023. This along with 14 other shows from across MN will be presented. More information below regarding FastFest from our friends at the Minnesota Association of Community Theaters:

How does seeing 15 shows in one day sound to you? If that sounds exciting, you don’t want to miss Fast*Fest on August 16 & 17 in Cloquet.  Registration is now open for our biennial festival of 20-minute (max) plays.

Join us Friday evening, August 15, from 7 – 9 pm for a welcome open house at the Encore Performing Arts center. This is a chance for the presenting theatres to view the stage and facility and gather with other festival participants. Beverages (wine & sodas) will be available to purchase from the theatre.

Then come back at 9 am, Saturday morning, August 17, for the first performance session featuring shows from Penny Pinchin’ Productions, County Seat Theater Company, Ole Olson Onstage, Classics Lost ‘N’ Found Theatre Company and Thorn Productions.

At 1:30 pm, Saturday afternoon will be performance session 2. Mindless Mirth Productions, NKB Productions, Rhubarb Jam, Zenith City Players and Marshall Area Stage Company will be presenting shows in this session.

New this festival is a dinner at the theatre between the afternoon and evening performance sessions. The dinner is included in full packages only. It cannot be purchased a la carte. The menu (subject to change) will include pulled pork sandwiches, a veggie/pasta salad, chips, other fixin’s, cookies and water.

The performances wind up at 6:30 that evening with performance session 3. This session will include shows from Seat of Your Pants Players, Open Heart Theatre, Pargeter Players, Applause Community Theatre and FungusAmongus Players. Some shows in this session may contain language or situations that may not be suitable for all ages.

After the final performance Saturday night, we will again gather at the theatre for light snacks and socializing. Beverages (wine and sodas) will be available for purchase.

A full package is only $50 and includes the Friday and Saturday night socials, all three performance sessions and the Saturday evening dinner.

Tickets for individual performance sessions are available for $20 per performance session. (The Saturday evening dinner is NOT available for a la carte purchase – it is only available as part of the full package.)

David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford rehearsing "Death Knocks" March 2023.

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FungusAmongus to Participate in Corn Carnival and Red Rooster Parades

Calling all Fungus alumni! FungusAmongus will be marching in the Cokato Corn Carnival Parade on Monday, August 12 at 6PM and at the Dassel Red Rooster Days Grand Parade Saturday, August 31 at 2PM. All volunteers are welcome to join us as we hand out our new season bookmarks and candy. Wear a past production t-shirt! Message us via social media or email if interested in participating. 

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So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows!

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - July 2024

"Much Ado About Nothing" is this Month!

Our Summer production of William Shakespeare’s comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" opens this month! Just a reminder that all performances are FREE! We will take a free will donation following all performances. Bring your lawn chairs for all outdoor performances and prepare to laugh and enjoy an afternoon or evening of comedy.

Performances:

Friday, July 19 @ 6PM - Dassel History Center*
Saturday, July 20 @ 6PM - Jomas Winery (Darwin)
Sunday, July 21 @ 2PM - Litchfield Opera House (Litchfield)*
Thursday, July 25 @ 6PM - Masonic Park (Hutchinson)
Friday, July 26 @ 6PM - Peterson Park (Cokato)
Saturday, July 27 @ 6PM - Crow River Winery (Hutchinson)
Sunday, July 28 @ 2PM - Dassel History Center*
* Indicates indoor performance 

A comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Set in Messina, the play begins as Don Pedro's army returns after a victory.

Some of the cast rehearsing recently in the great outdoors outside of the Dassel History Center.

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Summer Youth Theatre Camp is this Month!

In partnership with The FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato, Community Education will be holding a Summer Youth Theatre Camp July 22 - 26. Students will showcase the skills they gain in a FREE public performance on Friday July 26 at 5:30 PM at the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center. Don't miss your chance to sign up your student for what will be an unforgettable experience!

This week-long theatre camp will give students the opportunity to develop their theatre and acting skills in a fun and interactive environment. Through games and activities, these young actors will explore ways to express their creativity and spontaneity as well as build their confidence. Besides covering theatre basics (like stage movement, blocking annotation and scoring a script) students will explore physicality and character expression, scene creation and interaction, improving dialogue and using body language as well as narrative structures and story arcs. Then campers will take the tools they learned all week in rehearsals to present a FREE final showcase performance for friends, family and fellow campers that they have created, written, and developed throughout the camp. Please indicate a t-shirt size at registration.

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FungusAmongus to Present at FastFest 2024

The FungusAmongus Players will be bringing a show to Fast*Fest 2024 held in Cloquet MN on August 17. "Death Knocks" by Woody Allen will be presented to "liven" things up. Both David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford will be reprising their roles from when this one act was performed during our evening of short plays in March of 2023. This along with 14 other shows from across MN will be presented. More information below regarding FastFest from our friends at the Minnesota Association of Community Theaters:

How does seeing 15 shows in one day sound to you? If that sounds exciting, you don’t want to miss Fast*Fest on August 16 & 17 in Cloquet.  Registration is now open for our biennial festival of 20-minute (max) plays.

Join us Friday evening, August 15, from 7 – 9 pm for a welcome open house at the Encore Performing Arts center. This is a chance for the presenting theatres to view the stage and facility and gather with other festival participants. Beverages (wine & sodas) will be available to purchase from the theatre.

Then come back at 9 am, Saturday morning, August 17, for the first performance session featuring shows from Penny Pinchin’ Productions, County Seat Theater Company, Ole Olson Onstage, Classics Lost ‘N’ Found Theatre Company and Thorn Productions.

At 1:30 pm, Saturday afternoon will be performance session 2. Mindless Mirth Productions, NKB Productions, Rhubarb Jam, Zenith City Players and Marshall Area Stage Company will be presenting shows in this session.

New this festival is a dinner at the theatre between the afternoon and evening performance sessions. The dinner is included in full packages only. It cannot be purchased a la carte. The menu (subject to change) will include pulled pork sandwiches, a vegie/pasta salad, chips, other fixin’s, cookies and water.

The performances wind up at 6:30 that evening with performance session 3. This session will include shows from Seat of Your Pants Players, Open Heart Theatre, Pargeter Players, Applause Community Theatre and FungusAmongus Players. Some shows in this session may contain language or situations that may not be suitable for all ages.

After the final performance Saturday night, we will again gather at the theatre for light snacks and socializing. Beverages (wine and sodas) will be available for purchase.

A full package is only $50 and includes the Friday and Saturday night socials, all three performance sessions and the Saturday evening dinner.

Tickets for individual performance sessions are available for $20 per performance session. (The Saturday evening dinner is NOT available for a la carte purchase – it is only available as part of the full package.)

David Metcalf and Ron Hungerford rehearsing "Death Knocks" March 2023.

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2024 - 2025 Season to be announced at "Much Ado About Nothing"!

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors are pleased to announce that our 2024 - 2025 season has been selected and will be announced on opening night of "Much Ado About Nothing". If you are unable to attend that first performance keep your eyes focused on social media channels as we will be dropping hints as we get closer to the big announcement!

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FungusAmongus to Participate in Corn Carnival and Red Rooster Parades

Calling all Fungus alumni! FungusAmongus will be marching in the Cokato Corn Carnival Parade on Monday, August 12 at 6PM and at the Dassel Red Rooster Days Grand Parade Saturday, August 31 at 2PM. All volunteers are welcome to join us as we hand out our new season bookmarks and candy. Wear a past production t-shirt! Message us via social media or email if interested in participating. 

---

So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows! We are still in need of sound technicians for "Much Ado About Nothing" this summer.

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.

Future Fungus News - June 2024

Cast Announcement for "Much Ado About Nothing"!

Thank you once again to everyone who auditioned for “Much Ado About Nothing”! Director Isaac Olson is pleased to announce the cast:

Kacie Carlsted as Margaret

Maia Carnicom as Beatrice

Stephen Carnicom as Don Pedro, Second Watchman

Christopher DeVaan as Benedick

Adrienne Haataja as Dogberry

Ron Hungerford as Leonato

Tait Jerde as Borachio

Michael Martin as Don John

Gannon Miller as Claudio, First Watchman

Mary Northenscold as Hero

Isaac Olson as Friar Balthazar Francis, Conrade

James Statz as Antonio, Verges

Shannon Watts as Ursula, Sexton

Performances:

Friday, July 19 @ 6PM - Dassel History Center
Saturday, July 20 @ 6PM - Jomas Winery (Darwin)
Sunday, July 21 @ 2PM - Litchfield Opera House (Litchfield)
Thursday, July 25 @ 6PM - Masonic Park (Hutchinson)
Friday, July 26 @ 6PM - Peterson Park (Cokato)
Saturday, July 27 @ 6PM - Crow River Winery (Hutchinson)
Sunday, July 28 @ 2PM - Dassel History Center

A comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The primary plot of Much Ado About Nothing turns on the courtship and scandal involving young Hero and her suitor, Claudio, but the witty war of words between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice often takes center stage. Set in Messina, the play begins as Don Pedro's army returns after a victory.

The cast assembled for their first read through of "Much Ado About Nothing"!

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Sign up Your Student for Summer Youth Theatre Camp!

In partnership with The FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato, Community Education will be holding a Summer Youth Theatre Camp July 22 - 26.

This week-long theatre camp will give students the opportunity to develop their theatre and acting skills in a fun and interactive environment. Through games and activities, these young actors will explore ways to express their creativity and spontaneity as well as build their confidence. Besides covering theatre basics (like stage movement, blocking annotation and scoring a script) students will explore physicality and character expression, scene creation and interaction, improving dialogue and using body language as well as narrative structures and story arcs. Then campers will take the tools they learned all week in rehearsals to present a FREE final showcase performance for friends, family and fellow campers that they have created, written, and developed throughout the camp. Please indicate a t-shirt size at registration.

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Fungus Movie Night June 5

The FungusAmongus Players board of directors will be hosting a movie night at the Dassel History Center on Wednesday June 5 starting at 6:30 PM where we will be watching recordings of 3 short plays we are considering for a future season. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide feedback on the short plays.

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Thanks to General Audition Participants!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our General Audition sessions. The auditions along with the information provided on show preference and schedule availability will be very helpful as the board of directors narrow down the shows that will be a part of next season and beyond. The 2024 - 2025 season will be announced during the run of "Much Ado About Nothing" later this summer.

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So many ways to have fun with FungusAmongus!

You don't need to be on stage to have fun with FungusAmongus. For example, we're always looking for: 

• AV Club members - learn to run sound or light for our shows! We will need sound technicians for "Much Ado About Nothing" this summer.

• Stage Managing / Crew Members. Do you want to help behind the scenes with the magic that goes on during the show? Help manage the stage and with set during our productions!

• Treat wranglers. Could you bake some yummy bars for us to serve at intermission? Could you serve those treats and coffee at our shows?

• Stud sensors. Can you drive a nail, or paint a wall, or perhaps work some interior design magic? Our set-building crew is looking for you.
  

Get started by contacting us through our website or social media channels.