MACT

Future Fungus News - August 2026

2026 - 2027 Season Announced!

At opening night of "Newsies" the Board of Directors was excited to announce our full 2026 - 2027 season! This season includes comedy, unexpected holiday cheer, culinary delights of a sinister notion, and our return to the outdoors with Shakespeare. For a breakdown of the whole season watch the video below or click this link for a synopsis of each of the four shows: https://www.fungusamongusplayers.org/20262027-season


Auditions for “Flavio Betrayed: A Commedia” this Week!

Auditions for our fall production of "Flavio Betrayed: A Commedia" will be this week August 6 and August 8 at the Dassel History Center.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE
Flavio Betrayed is a high-spirited comedy, filled with disguise, deceit, insults, romance, friendship, stinky cheese, and outrageous hats. Told in the traditional Commedia style through an undeniably modern lens, this romantic romp follows the delightfully convoluted story of our hero Flavio, whose best friend is trying to steal the hand of his beloved Isabella, while her father attempts to marry her off to another suitor who is considerably past his prime. Penned by local playwright Scott Ford, this fast-paced comedy has something for everyone – highbrow humor, lowbrow humor, and everything in between. In the author’s own words, “Watching this play will make you feel smarter and dumber at the same time.”

The director is looking to assemble an ensemble of actors with strong comedic chops who are committed to making huge choices, take on a highly stylized & physical approach to storytelling, and aren’t afraid to sweat for a laugh. Experience with Commedia dell’arte, and/or improvisation is a plus.

For more information on auditioning please follow the link below!


Fast*Fest 2026 coming in August!

The FungusAmongus Players will be participating in the Minnesota Association of Community Theatre's annual short play festival Fast*Fest in August! 

The show that FungusAmongus will be presenting is called "In the Attic" by Stephen Massicottee

"In the Attic" is a beautiful short one act play, about 15-20 minutes in length. Written by, Stephen Massicotte, It is about, Little O (Ophelia) and Boy (Hamlet). It combines banter, budding romance, and heartfelt moments between the two. The events are set long before Hamlet leaves for college. This one act portrays the joys before the tragedy of Shakespeares masterpiece "Hamlet".

Cast / Crew:

Little O: JennyGrace Nelson

H/Boy: Matthew Miller

Directors: Levi Nelson / David Metcalf

"In the Attic" is produced with special permission from the author. 


Below is information from MACT and information on registering to attend the one day festival which is a must see for any theatre lover!

FAST*FEST 2026 WILL BE HELD AUGUST 21 (FRIDAY WELCOME SOCIAL) AND AUGUST 22 (PERFORMANCES) AT THEATRE IN THE ROUND (245 CEDAR AVENUE) IN MINNEAPOLIS.

We are thrilled to announce that we will have 14 shows performing in the festival which will be held conveniently in downtown Minneapolis. This should be a very fun, entertaining and educational festival.

Full packages for the entire festival are only $35 with early bird pricing which ends AUGUST 6. Visit the link below to see great theatre from across the state, in the round at Theatre in the Round Players!

Pictures from a recent rehearsal of “in the Attic”


Join Fungus for Corn Carnival and Red Rooster Days Parades

Fungus will once again be participating in the Corn Carnival 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 10, and the Red Rooster Days parade will be Saturday September 5. 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. 


2026 Student Scholarship Recipient: Tori Willett

Since our 2023 - 2024 season FungusAmongus has taken the money from your generous donations during intermissions and set that money aside to be used for Student Scholarships. Our 2026 FungusAmongus Scholarship recipient has served on the tech crews of multiple FungusAmongus projects going back to The Secret Garden in 2023 and the last two summer youth theatre camps. She has proven her skill and dedication behind the scenes not only with Fungus, but also in many high school theatre productions and other school events. She is respected by her directors, peers, and collaborators as a capable leader with a strong work ethic and passion for her craft. She was also voted as the MVP techie by her high school peers on several occasions. She is also the sound designer for “Newsies”. The FungusAmongus Players are pleased and proud to award this scholarship to techie-extraordinaire Tori Willett.

Congratulations to Tori, and thank you to our audiences for their generous donations during our intermissions and the generosity of our bakers who donate the baked goods that are enjoyed during each production. 


Farewell to "Newsies"!

Thank you to our amazing audiences for attending our 6 performances of "Newsies"! The cast and crew of over 60 people worked hard this summer to bring you a large scale musical! Thank you also to the Dassel-Cokato High School and Community Education, and to the Dassel History Center for allowing us to rehearse there the first few weeks of the rehearsal period. 

Summer musicals are expensive, and they require an immense amount of time, effort, and coordination work to execute well. If you appreciate these works and would like to see more of them in the future, please volunteer with Fungus!


Monthly Script Readings to Return in September

Our monthly script readings will return in September. Please keep an eye on our monthly newsletter and our Facebook/Instagram page for more information. The public is always invited to attend and participate and help us decide on shows for future seasons!


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 the 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 2026

"Newsies" Opens this month! + Special activity before the show!

"Newsies" opens this month! Once again FungusAmongus is proud to offer affordable tiered ticket prices so that the whole family can enjoy the show! Adults $20, Students $10, and Children 12 and under $5.

Before each performance and during intermission the Dassel-Area Historical Society will have an activity for children to make their own bookmarks and learn about the history of Newspapers in the lobby. This activity will give information about the History Center's current exhibit on newspapers

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.

“Newsies” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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

Order your tickets now by clicking the box office link below, the lobby will open 1 hour prior to all performances for ticket sales.

Photos from recent rehearsals of "Newsies".


Summer Youth Theatre Mini Camp a great success!

Community Education in partnership with FungusAmongus held our third annual youth theater camp last week. The camp looked a little different this year. We chose to offer a shorter, two-day experience that gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of theatre through interactive workshops in acting, stage basics, tech, costumes, set/prop design, and music. Campers learned skills used to create their own skits, explored a variety of sound and lighting equipment, and even built prop signs that will be featured in the upcoming production of "Newsies".

At the end of camp, every camper received a youth ticket voucher to "Newsies". Photos and quotes from our time at camp will be featured in a special slideshow before the show and during intermission. We hope to see you at a performance!

Pictures from some of the camp sessions.


Fast*Fest 2026 coming in August!

The FungusAmongus Players will be participating in the Minnesota Association of Community Theatre's annual short play festival Fast*Fest in August! Below is information from MACT and information on registering to attend the one day festival which is a must see for any theatre lover!

FAST*FEST 2026 WILL BE HELD AUGUST 21 (FRIDAY WELCOME SOCIAL) AND AUGUST 22 (PERFORMANCES) AT THEATRE IN THE ROUND (245 CEDAR AVENUE) IN MINNEAPOLIS.

We are thrilled to announce that we will have 15 shows performing in the festival which will be held conveniently in downtown Minneapolis. This should be a very fun, entertaining and educational festival.

Full packages for the entire festival are only $35 with early bird pricing. Visit the link below to see great theatre from across the state, in the round at Theatre in the Round Players!


Auditions Set for Fast*Fest 2026 Show: "In the Attic"

"In the Attic"
By Stephen Massicotte
Auditions July 7th, 2-4 p.m. at the Dassel History Center.

"In the Attic" is a beautiful short one act play, about 15-20 minutes in length. Written by, Stephen Massicotte, It is about, Little O (Ophelia) and Boy (Hamlet).
It combines banter, budding romance, and heartfelt moments between the two. The events are set long before Hamlet leaves for college. This one act portrays the joys before the tragedy of Shakespeares masterpiece "Hamlet".

Those auditioning will be asked to do multiple cold reads, by yourself and with other actors. (Time will be given to look through the lines.) You may be asked to act out a few things as well. Ages 16+ for those auditioning. 

Character List:
Little O (Ophelia): Fiery but sensitive 

Boy ( Hamlet): Playful but hurting

"In the Attic" will be performed at Theatre in Round Players Theater in Minneapolis as FungusAmongus' entry for Fast*Fest 2026. And will be directed by Levi Nelson with assistance of David Metcalf. 

"In the Attic" is produced with special permission from the author. 


Join Fungus for Corn Carnival and 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 10, and the Red Rooster Days parade will be Saturday September 5. 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. 


2026 - 2027 Season Announcement During "Newsies"!

The FungusAmongus Board of Directors is excited to announce our 2026 - 2027 during "Newsies" this summer. As we approach "Newsies" be sure to check out our social media for hints and clues as to our next season!


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 the 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 - June 2026

“Newsies” Tickets Now on Sale!

Tickets are now on sale for our 2026 Summer Musical "Newsies"! Once again FungusAmongus is proud to offer affordable tiered ticket prices so that the whole family can enjoy the show! Adults $20, Students $10, and Children 12 and under $5.

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.

“Newsies” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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


Congratulations to the cast of "Newsies"!

Auditions were: May 28 & 30 at Dassel History Center

Performances: July 17, 18, 24 & 25 @ 7:00 pm

July 19 & 26 @ 2:00 pm

At the Dassel-Cokato High School Performing Arts Center

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.

Director Kay Wilson is thrilled to announce the

Cast of "Newsies"

Jack Kelly William Cronk
Katherine Plumber Hailey Vines
Davey Gannon Miller
Les Emory Carnicom

NEWSIES GROUP 1

Crutchie Mya Lynk
Race JennyGrace Nelson
Romeo Levi Nelson
Bertie Caroline Cronk
Specs Seth Roberts
Henry Matthew Miller
Finch Ruby Gosswiller
Elma Cassidy Chellin
Tommy Boy Noah Pererva
Buttons/Darcy Maia Densmore
Splasher Robert Bunker
Spot Conlon Robert Bunker
Springs Autumn Bayerl
JoJo Rachel Sauter
Cager Stella Gottschalk
Dimples Emily Darwin
Babs Betty Bohnsack
Mush Isaac Wilson

Manhattan Isaac Densmore
Knuckles Wesley Danielson
Jules Juliana Schmitt

BROOKLYN NEWSIES GROUP

Booker/Goon/Bill Micah Schmitt
Snap/Photogarpher/Goon Elliot Stuber
Laces Jillian Luhman

Medda Larkin Maia Sothis
Pulitzer Brandon Densmore
Hannah/Jacobi/Nun Beth Cronk
Seitz/Nun Laura Stuber
Bunsen Jesse Bunker
Darcy Maia Densmore
Bill Micah Schmitt
Wiesel Devin Fuchs
Morris Charles Harris
Oscar Tait Jerde
Snyder Jesse Bunker
Mayor/Nunzio/Stage Man. Ron Hungerford
Roosevelt/Guard/Police Tom Nelson
Bowery Beauty/Nun Zoey Harpole
Bowery Beauty/Nun/Florence Tina Gottschalk

LIttle NEWSIES

Lenny Paxton Carnicom
Buddy Alex Nelson
Patch Hugo Bohnert
Spats Leo Bohnert


Summer Youth Theatre Camp This Month! Register Today!

Take a peek behind the curtain at this two-day theatre mini-camp!

Students will broaden their knowledge of essential theatre skills through a rotation of interactive classes led by local experts. Topics will include dance choreography, character development, set design, and more! Students will learn firsthand what it takes to bring a production to life. Camp activities will be featured in a slideshow and displayed this summer during FungusAmongus’ production of Newsies, giving participants the chance to see their work showcased in a real community theatre performance.

 The dates of the camp will be June 23 and June 25. Registration will remain open until the week of the camp and the price per student is $30.


Fast*Fest 2026 coming in August!

The FungusAmongus Players will be participating in the Minnesota Association of Community Theatre's annual short play festival Fast*Fest in August! Below is information from MACT and information on registering to attend the one day festival which is a must see for any theatre lover!

FAST*FEST 2026 WILL BE HELD AUGUST 21 (FRIDAY WELCOME SOCIAL) AND AUGUST 22 (PERFORMANCES) AT THEATRE IN THE ROUND (245 CEDAR AVENUE) IN MINNEAPOLIS.

We are thrilled to announce that we will allow up to 18 shows in this festival.  Our 2024 FAST*Fest at County Seat Theater in Cloquet had a record 15 shows. We are hoping to break that record with this festival to be held conveniently in downtown Minneapolis. This should be a very fun, entertaining and educational festival.

This is a unique opportunity for your theatre to try out performing “in the round”. We will be utilizing the arena stage at Theatre in the Round, so your theatre can tryout a different layout than the typical proscenium stage.


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 the 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.