SMSU Theater presents the classic comedy ‘Tartuffe’

SMSU Theater’s spring production is “Tartuffe” by Molière, translated by Richard Wilbur. Performances are April 15 through 18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2 p.m. in the SMSU Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets are $10 and will be available only at the door. Seating is first-come, first-served. Admission is free for SMSU employees and students with valid ID. Free and convenient parking is available in lot B-1 behind the Fine Arts Building.

In this classic comedy, Tartuffe pretends to be a man of pious virtue, but he’s really a con artist scheming to seduce Orgon’s wife, marry his daughter, and take his property. Orgon is completely fooled, and the more his family tries to convince him of Tartuffe’s true character, the more Orgon digs in his heels and refuses to believe. What will it take to change Orgon’s mind before it’s too late?

The cast and production team includes the following students and faculty:

Cast:

• Desiree Athey, a sophomore entertainment and theater arts major and creative writing minor from Madison, as Flipote.

• Abby Brault, a freshman Teaching English as a Second Language major and Spanish minor from Alexandria, as Elmire.

• Blaine Braun, a freshman music education major and entertainment and theater arts-acting/directing minor from Slayton, as Damis.

• Peder Early, a sophomore entertainment and theater arts major from Inver Grove Heights, as Tartuffe.

• Lilly Guggisberg, a sophomore psychology and entertainment and theater arts double major and music minor from Marshall, as Madame Pernelle.

• JJ Ostenson, a sophomore secondary history education major with minors in political science and entertainment and theater arts-acting/directing, from Edgemont, S.D., as Valère.

• Amelia Reid, a senior environmental science major from Eden Valley, as Dorine.

• Caleb Ruppert, a senior entertainment and theater arts major from Marshall, as Orgon.

• Julia Sterner, a junior music-vocal performance major from Cottonwood, as Mariane.

• Noah Stoll, a freshman exercise science major from Champlin, as Laurent.

• Roy Tupa, a freshman computer science major and entertainment and theater arts minor from Brownton, as the Police Officer.

• Isaac Wagner, a senior history major from Maple Lake, as Cléante.

• David Wendt, a junior music education major from Sioux Falls, S.D., as Monsieur Loyal.

Production team:

• Assistant Professor of Theater Dr. Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall is the scenic and lighting co-designer, sound co-designer, and technical director. 

• Blake Bah, a freshman studio arts major and marketing minor from Huron, S.D., is the assistant stage manager.

• Laura Bradley, a junior history and entertainment and theater arts double major from Brooklyn Park, is the makeup designer, dramaturg, and house manager. 

• Kayla Browen, a junior music education major and entertainment and theater arts-design/technical theater minor from Worthington, is the stage manager.

• Jaiden Fredrickson, a freshman psychology and justice administration double major and music performance minor from Wadena, is the props designer.

• Olivia Houseman, a junior entertainment and theater arts major from Marshall, is the costume designer.

• Priscilla Muehr, a junior entertainment and theater arts major from Luverne, is the scenic and lighting co-designer.

• Professor of Theater Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, S.D., is the director and producer.

• Phanisara Lili Seesongkram, a junior art major with a studio arts minor from Worthington, is the stage management backup. 

• Michael Sieling, a junior entertainment and theater arts major from Hanley Falls, is the sound co-designer.

• Professor of Theater Sheila Tabaka of Marshall is the costume shop manager.

Tartuffe is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.concordtheatricals.com

SMSU to host 5th annual M4L Day of Giving on April 16

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) will host its 5th annual M4L (Mustangs 4 Life) Day of Giving on Thursday, April 16. M4L Day is a 24-hour online fundraising event designed to unite alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends in support of the university. 

M4L Day is a campus-wide effort encouraging donors to give to areas of SMSU that matter most to them — from academic programs and scholarships to athletics and student support initiatives. Supporters can contribute to one or more of 19 separate funds, helping to directly impact current and future students. 

The event continues to grow each year. After raising more than $91,000 in 2025, SMSU has set an ambitious goal of $125,000 for 2026. 

“M4L Day reflects the strength and pride of the Mustang family. When we come together to support current students, we show what it truly means to be Mustangs for Life,” said Nathan Polfliet, associate vice president for Advancement. “Every gift, regardless of size, supports student success and strengthens the future of SMSU.” 

How it works 

M4L Day is a fully online giving event running from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on April 16, allowing donors to participate from anywhere. 

Throughout the day, donors can amplify their impact through a variety of challenges and matching opportunities. The day kicks off at midnight with a bonus awarded to the first gift and continues with dollar-for-dollar matches supporting areas like the Mustang Market, Southwest Fund, Agriculture, and more. 

Additional challenges reward participation across the Mustang community–including bonuses unlocked when donors give from 25 different states and from 45 graduating class years. Special incentives also recognize first-time donors, top-performing departments, and athletic participation milestones. 

Campus celebration  

In addition to the online campaign, the campus community is invited to attend an in-person M4L Day Celebration at noon in the SMSU Student Center. 

The event will feature: 

• Light refreshments and networking opportunities  

• Live updates on fundraising progress  

• A large-scale rock-paper-scissors challenge, where participation helps increase a donation to the fund of the winner’s choice  

The celebration is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members 

To learn more or make a gift, visit: www.M4LDay.com 

Early giving is available, and all contributions made in advance will count toward the April 16 totals.