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Bringing Theatre to 5,300+ Students Across North Dakota

  • Writer: shelbyrseeley
    shelbyrseeley
  • May 21
  • 2 min read

This winter, I had the honor of serving as guest director for Miss Nelson Is Missing: The Musical at Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT).


The production started in the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, then  traveled to Harvey and Watford City. Along the way, the cast and crew at FMCT brought live theatre to over 5,300 students through 28 performances, spanning 750 miles and 3 cities.


Director’s Note:

Since its publication in 1977, the book Miss Nelson Is Missing! has remained a beloved classic, cherished for its timeless humor, distinctive artwork, and universal themes. Generations of children have grown up with this story, and its continued presence in classrooms speaks to its enduring appeal.

Over the years, the tale has inspired sequels and adaptations, including Miss Nelson is Missing: The Musical, first produced in 2001 and still widely performed nearly 25 years later by student theatre clubs and professional houses alike.

Few children’s stories achieve the kind of longevity and cultural impact that Miss Nelson Is Missing! has. Its message remains as relevant today as ever: kindness matters. Through the humorous contrast between the warmhearted Miss Nelson and the formidable Miss Viola Swamp, the play reminds us all of the importance of respect, appreciation, and the consequences of taking people for granted. At a time when the world could use a little more kindness, this story serves as a playful yet meaningful reminder to value those who support and care for us.

Thank you to Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre for spreading this message to students young and old, and for supporting and caring for me throughout this fun and exciting endeavor. What an honor and a privilege to work with such a talented group, and to share it with you.


Thank You:

A special thank-you to the incredible folks at the Harvey Arts Alliance and the Long X Arts Foundation, whose passion and dedication to the arts make a lasting difference in their communities. Your support helped FMCT bring this story to life for so many young audiences.

To Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre (FMCT) and Artistic Director Judy Lewis, thank you for inviting me onto this impactful project and making me feel so welcome so far from home. 

To the entire cast and crew, the educators and parents, and every young theatre-goer who laughed, clapped, and connected with this story—thank you! And remember, listen to your teachers!




Production Team:

Director: Shelby R. Seeley

Music Director/Choreographer: Liz Wilhelmi

Costume Designer: Gina Bar-El

Set & Props Designer: Anna Kann

Lighting Designer: Judy Lewis

Technical Director/Q Lab Operator: Rick Lewis

Sound Board Operator: Keith Schweigert

Light Board Operator: Josh Tappe

Production Manager: Katie LinkPhotos by Perry Rust.

 
 
 

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