Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: PEMBINA GORGE FOUNDATION
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: Frost Fire Summer Theatre
Mailing Address: PO BOX 888
City: WALHALLA
State: ND
Postal Code: 58282-0888
Main Phone: 7015493600
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.frostfirepark.org
Employer ID Number: 81-4438550
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/12/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Frost Fire 2027 Summer Theatre Season
Project Description:

Frost Fire Summer Theatre is a long‑standing annual arts initiative that brings high‑quality musical theatre to the rural communities of northeastern North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and southern Manitoba. For more than 40 years, the program has operated as a professional summer stock theatre, offering a full‑scale musical production each July and serving as a cultural anchor for the Pembina Gorge region. Rehearsals take place throughout June, culminating in a series of performances that attract local residents, regional visitors, and tourists seeking a unique arts experience in a rural setting.
Each season functions as a recurring project with consistent goals: to provide accessible, family‑friendly musical theatre; to offer meaningful training and performance opportunities for emerging artists; and to strengthen the region’s cultural and economic vitality. The production engages a mix of professional performers, early‑career artists, apprentices, and community members, creating a collaborative environment that supports artistic growth and mentorship.
In addition to the mainstage musical, Frost Fire Summer Theatre incorporates educational and outreach components that expand its impact. Youth participate through the Encore Art Camp, which introduces students to theatre, music, and visual arts. The Frost Fire Invasion tour brings musical performances directly to long‑term care facilities and disability service programs, ensuring that individuals with mobility or transportation barriers can experience live theatre.
The annual project is supported by the Pembina Gorge Foundation and delivered in partnership with Frost Fire Park, regional venues, and community organizations. Each season is designed to be both artistically ambitious and deeply community‑centered, contributing to local tourism, strengthening regional identity, and ensuring that high‑quality arts experiences remain accessible in a rural setting. Frost Fire Summer Theatre continues to serve as a cornerstone of cultural life in the region, renewing its impact year after year.

Total Project Budget: 140,000-estimate based on 2026 budget

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): pending: Arts Midwest, proceeds from 2026 season, additional grant applications yet to be determined,

Project Duration: project duration will be from June 1 2027 to July 31 2027
Geographical Area Served: North Dakota, Northwestern Minnesota, Souht-Central Canada
Age Group To Be Served: 18-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.):
Contact First Name: Helen
Contact Last Name: Hutton
Contact Title: Board Member/Grant Writer
Contact Phone: 701-741-1979
Contact Email: helenchutton@live.ocm