About Shade Tree Players

Shade Tree Players was founded in 1970 by Sister Barbara Ann Gehrki of the University of Mary as the Priory Community Center Children’s Theatre. The group presented one outdoor touring production each summer. In 1991, the organization merged with Dakota Stage Ltd. under its current name and has grown to include as many as nine full-scale summer children’s theater shows annually. Shade Tree Players provides opportunities for children of the Bismarck-Mandan area, ages seven to eighteen, to develop and grow their theatrical talents. The program’s mission is to provide as many children who are interested a chance to participate in the performing arts in front of their family, friends, and community. Performing with others fosters teamwork and communication, promotes confidence and motivation, and instills professionalism, responsibility, and commitment. These skills benefit the participants in their personal and professional lives for years to come.