3-Bluestem Amphitheater Technical Information Packet.pdf

Bluestem Center for the Arts Technical Information Packet

Revised 08/27/2026

Trollwood Performing Arts School is a program of Fargo Public Schools, which manages the venue.

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Table of Contents

1.0 Overview

2.0 Contact

3.0 Directions/Travel/Accommodations, etc

3.1 Lodging

3.2 Dining

3.3 Local Resources

4.0 Seating

5.0 Stage

5.1 Vehicle Space and Parking

6.0 Rigging

6.1 Catwalks and Opera Bridges

6.2 Point Rigging

6.3 Pin Rail Rigging

7.0 Lighting

7.1 Dimming and Control

7.2 Circuits and Data

7.3 Positions

7.4 Power sources

8.0 House PA

8.1 Mix Position

8.2 Assisted Listening System

8.3 Under stage space

9.0 Policies

1.0 Overview

Nestled along the Red River of the North in Moorhead, MN, Bluestem Center for the Arts is a first-class arts venue complete with outdoor stages, a 2,500-3,000 seat amphitheater, and a unique indoor educational center that serves as both a performance venue and rental facility. The grounds of the Center include beautiful river views, grassy meadows, woods and wildlife.

Bluestem Center for the Arts, home of Trollwood Performing Arts School, is a testament to our region’s commitment to the arts. The Center opened in 2009 and was built with the generous support of the entire community. The venue is also an exciting collaboration between Fargo Public Schools and the City of Moorhead. Bluestem Center for the Arts is programmed and managed by Trollwood Performing Arts School, a program of Fargo Public Schools, who leases the facility from the City of Moorhead.

Bluestem Center for the Arts hosts many programs that inspire a love for the arts in people of all ages. The facility is used for school arts curriculum and activities, public performances, exhibitions, community festivals, corporate retreats, conferences, and other private rental opportunities. Since opening, thousands of patrons have enjoyed a broad range of programming including theatre, arts educational opportunities, concerts, dance, music, and special events. Bluestem has hosted such high quality performers as Robert Plant,, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt, O.A.R, and The Fray.

2.0 Contact

Address: 801 50th Avenue SW Moorhead, MN 56560 Main Phone: 218-477-6500

BLUESTEM CONTACTS:

Kathy Anderson | Executive Director | andersk1@fargo.k12.nd.us

701.729.5583 (cell)

Cedar Remmen | Technical Theatre Coordinator | remmenc@fargo.k12.nd.us

701.219.3149 (cell)

3.0 Directions/Travel/Accommodations, etc.

The closet airport is Fargo International Airport/Hector Field (FAR). Service is provided by United, Delta/Northwest, Frontier and Allegiant Airlines. Rental Cars are available from most national companies.

Driving Directions from FAR Airport:

Exit the Airport at 19th Ave and turn right (West) Go Less than 1 mile to I-29 South I-29 South 3.7 miles to exit 63A-B and follow signs to I-94 East toward Minneapolis This will take you into Minnesota I-94 East 3.6 miles to exit 1A, US 75 Turn Right at the top of the ramp onto US-75 South Go 1.9 miles and turn right on 50th Ave South, which does not have a traffic light. It is the second right turn lane after the traffic light at 40th Avenue.

After approximately 1 mile, 50th Avenue ends at the entrance to the Park. The amphitheatre is to the north of the parking lot (right), the main building is straight ahead.

The service road to the amphitheatre is on your immediate right.

Driving Directions from the East or West:

I-94 to Exit 1A, US-75.

South on US-75 Go 1.9 miles and turn right on 50th Ave South, which does not have a traffic light. It is the second right turn lane after the traffic light at 40th Avenue.

After approximately 1 mile, 50th Avenue ends at the entrance to the Park. The amphitheatre is to the north of the parking lot (right), the main building is straight ahead.

The service road to the amphitheatre is on your immediate right.

Driving Directions from the North or South:

I-29 to I-94 East (Toward Minneapolis) I-94 East 3.6 miles to exit A1, US 75 Turn Right at the top of the ramp onto US-75 South https://mail.google.com/mail/?view=cm&fs=1&tf=1&to=andersk1@fargo.k12.nd.us mailto:remmenc@fargo.k12.nd.us

Go 1.9 miles and turn right on 50th Ave South, which does not have a traffic light. It is the second right turn lane after the traffic light at 40th Avenue.

After approximately 1 mile, 50th Avenue ends at the entrance to the Park. The amphitheatre is to the north of the parking lot (right), the main building is straight ahead.

The service road to the amphitheatre is on your immediate right.

3.1 Lodging

Clubhouse Hotel & Suites 4400 15th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 282-5777

Courtyard by Marriott - Moorhead 1080 28th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 284-1000

Delta by Marriott 1635 42nd St S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 277-9000

Hilton Garden Inn 4351 17th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 499-6000

Home2 Suites by Hilton 1652 44th St S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 492-4502

Radisson Blu 201 5th St N Fargo, ND 58102

(701) 232-7363

3.2 Dining

Hen House Bar & Restaurant Address: 935 37th Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560 (3.0 miles away) Phone: (218) 359-0744 Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:00am-1:00am (2:00am on Fri/Sat)

Frank’s Lounge Address: 2640 52nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104 (5.3 miles away) Phone: (701) 356-9356 Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:00am –2:00am

Sol Ave Kitchen Address: 1408 1st Ave S, Moorhead, MN 56560 (6.0 miles away) Phone: (218) 284-7653 Hours: Monday – Tuesday 4:00pm-9:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday 12:00pm-9:00pm, Sundays Closed

Rosewild Address: 215 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102 (6.5 miles away) Phone: (701) 532-2150 Hours: Monday – Sunday 7:00am-10:00pm

Fryn’ Pan Address: 310 Main Ave #170, Fargo, ND 58103 (6.0 miles away) Phone: (701)293-9952 Hours: Monday – Sunday Open 24hrs

Pizza Patrol (takeout/delivery only pizza) Address: 104 4th St S, Moorhead, MN 56560 (5.4 miles away) Phone: (701)241-9000 Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00am-4:00am

3.3 Local Resources

Grocery Store:

Hornbacher’s Azool 950 40th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 359-4000 Open 24 hours

Hornbacher’s 101 11th St S Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 236-6333 Open 24 hours

Pharmacy:

Walgreens 900 Main Ave Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 236-0252 Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:00am – 10:00pm

Health food stores:

Natural Grocers 4517 13th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 281-2000 Hours: Monday – Sunday 8:27am-8:36pm

Swanson Vitamins Store 4501 15th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 293-9842 Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am-6:00pm, Saturday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm

Tochi Products and Specialty Foods 1111 2nd Ave N Fargo, ND 58102

(701) 232-7700 Hours: Monday – Friday 11:00am-5:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-2:00pm, Sunday Closed

Hospital:

Sanford Hospital 5225 23rd Ave S Fargo, ND 58104

(701) 417-2000 -about 20 minutes away Go Back to 8th Street (Rt 75), turn left, enter I-94 West and continue to Veterans Boulevard exit 347

UrgentMED 2829 University Dr S #101 Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 232-9000

Hardware Store:

Menards 3000 27th Ave S Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 287-1381 Hours: Monday - Saturday 6:30am-10:00pm, Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm

Moorhead Ace Hardware 20 6th St S Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 236-6905 Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am-7:00pm, Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 10:30am – 5:00pm

Home Depot 4700 17th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 282-2078 Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm

Lowes 5001 13th Ave SW Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 433-2160 Hours: Monday – Saturday 6:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-8:00pm

Music Stores:

Eckroth Music 1620 32nd Ave S Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 476-3408 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am-5:00pm

Flatland Guitar and Lutherie, LLC.

1450 S 25th St (@25th Street Market) Fargo, ND 58103

(701) 205-3627 Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm

Schmitt Music 4101 13th Ave SW Fargo, ND 58103 (701)281-1828

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm, Friday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm

4.0 Seating

Bluestem Center of the Arts has three areas of seating, Reserved Seats, General Admission- Bench and Lawn:

• 1076 Fixed Reserved Seats

• 28 Reserved ADA Seats

• 917 (Bench/ GA) Seats on the stone general admission benches at 18" wide per seat space. Of those 917, 55 are in the 3 rows between the light booth and the sound mix position, some of which are partially obstructed by the personnel at the sound mix position which may include pop-up tenting.

• In the 120° seating cone (‘theatre’), there is room for 356 patrons in the side lawn seating areas.

• If you open all the way to 180° (‘music’), that adds an additional 570 spaces.

Total Capacity for ‘Theatre’: 2467 Total Capacity for ‘Music’: 3037

5.0 Stage

The Stage is a platform in open space, not a proscenium, thrust or other indoor theatre stage. Four large arches on 23’ centers (US-DS) reach over the stage and support a roof as well as rigging, catwalks and opera bridges. There is a flexible under stage area 10’ below the trapped stage floor which is used for dressing rooms, green room, orchestra pit and most other ‘backstage’ uses.

Stage Space

• During the months of May, June, and July the Bluestem Center for the Arts is used for the Trollwood Performing Arts School Mainstage Musical production. Depending on the date, the stage will be occupied by a set either complete or in the construction phase.

• The loading dock will always be kept accessible, but there may be obstructions for space as equipment is being unloaded such as walls.

• The venue is not responsible for providing any masking material over set walls or constructions. Any sourced masking material must be approved by the venue representative before being put up to insure no damage to the Trollwood production.

Behind the stage there is a 3600 sf paved outdoor work/ catering area at the same level as the under stage. This area is not in view to the majority of the audience. Staircases in the upstage left and upstage right corners lead to the stage. Other entrances to the stage may be seasonally installed from the under stage area to the stage level. The stage level is also accessible via an ADA ramp from the seating area upstage right. Truck access leads to the upstage left corner of the stage, with the stage at loading dock height to the access road.

There is also truck access to the work area and under stage but with no loading dock.

Generally, no forklifts are used, however the venue can provide one ½ ton stacking motor for upstage use.

Stage height above front row: 42” Stage width: 88’0” not including stone lip Stage depth at sides of stage: 37’0” not including stone lip Stage depth at Center Line: 52’0” not including stone lip Stage Edge to back row of Reserved Seats: 70’ Stage Edge to back row of General Admission Benches: 108’

Stage Surface: The stage consists of layers of plywood on 2x4 sleepers resting on neoprene isolation pads. The top surface is Advantech Plywood. Screwing, drilling or bolting into the floor must be approved by the production manager prior to any event. An additional charge may be incurred.

The Maximum ‘Point’ Load of the floor (such as a platform leg) is 400 pounds.

The perimeter faces of the stage are stone and nothing can be screwed, bolted, nailed, glued, taped or otherwise attached to the stone. See Footlight note below for options to mount equipment on the face of the stage.

5.1 Vehicle Space and Parking

There is a loading dock path on the up stage left corner of the stage deck, trucks longer than 30’ must back in starting at the opening of the access road at the North East corner of the far North parking lot.

There are two 50 amp shore power locations on the North side of the East concession building. Extensions can be provided within 100’ of the outlet locations. Another two 50 amp locations are possible, upon request.

Trailers backing into the theatre loading dock may need to let the air out of the suspension to lower the ride height as much as possible in order to clear a support bar above the loading dock road. Trailers meeting the 13’ 6” legal height requirement will fit.

All vehicles must be directed into the backstage area by a venue representative. If drivers arrive before a representative is on site, they must park and wait in the parking lot to await instructions.

6.0 Rigging

6.1 Catwalks and Opera Bridges

Three fixed catwalks are suspended from the roof steel. On stage left and stage right, Catwalks run the full depth of the roof, with the catwalk platform 23’6” above the stage surface. A downstage catwalk connects the side catwalks, with that catwalk platform 28’6” above the stage floor height. The upstage side of this catwalk is 11’0” downstage of the curved front of the stage at center. All catwalks have multiple horizontal pipes that can be used as lighting positions on both sides. All lighting and data circuits are mounted to these catwalks. Access to the catwalks is provided by a narrow staircase behind the upstage left arch. A 400 amp 3ø company switch is located in the upstage right corner for motors, winches, moving lights, dimmers, etc. Another 400 amp 3ø company switch is accessed upstage left but below the stage deck. Optionally, access to other company switches upon request, but feeder lengths may become challenging.

Three Opera Bridges are suspended between the side catwalks over the stage. The Opera Bridges are 82’0” long and 3’0” wide with horizontal pipe on both sides plus 12 moving light mounting positions under the removable floor grating. The bottom of the Opera Bridges are 28’0” above the stage floor. The upstage-downstage location of these bridges is determined seasonally.

6.2 Point Rigging

The four arches over the stage are on 23’0” centers and support a grid of riggable steel, which in turn supports a roof. ‘Beams’ are W 12x87 I-Beams and run upstage-downstage on 10’ centers, splitting center (there is not a beam on Center Line). ‘Purlins’ are W 6x19 I- Beams and run stage left-stage right on 5’9” centers (3 purlins between each arch) in the center bay between the Beams, the Purlins are W 6x12.

Notes:

• All rigging must be discussed with and approved by the venue manager or their designee prior to load-in.

• Six of the beams support the Opera Bridges, and therefore have a lower Rigging Capacity.

• Because the Roof is curved, the Beams are not parallel/perpendicular to the stage floor and the Purlins are not parallel to the floor stage left-stage right. The center height from stage deck is 40’, and 34’ on the far stage right and left sides.

• Ten 5” diameter pipe ‘Struts’ run between the arches which may obstruct rigging.

• In the bay between Arch 2+3, there are diagonal 1” diameter braces which may impact rigging points.

• Tubing which span the arches in select locations can not be used as rigging locations.

Loads:

Assuming there is one Opera Bridge in each bay between the arches with approximately 100 lighting units each, the working loads are:

• Total Load: 200,000 pounds

• Total Load on a Single Beam Between Arches:

• Empty Beam (Orange) 8000 pounds

• Opera Bridge Beam (Yellow) 5500 pounds

• Point Load on a Beam: 5,000 pounds

• Point Load on a Center Line Purlin (Green): 5000 pounds

• Point Load on a Regular Purlin (Blue): 1600 pounds

6.3 Pin Rail Rigging

Above the SL and SR Catwalks, there are MC 12x31 C-Beams which can be used for horizontal loads such as a head block (two C-Beams on each side). The Maximum Horizontal load between each Arch for pin rail rigging is 1600 pounds.

7.0 Lighting

Lighting will need to be sourced if tour is not carrying lighting production.

7.1 Dimming and Control

There are 3 dimmer locations: Two ETC Sensor GFCI 96-racks in the Dimmer Room in the East Concessions building (Stage Left); One ETC Sensor 96-rack in the Amplifier Room in the West Concessions Building (Stage Right) and One ETC Sensor 96-rack in the Light Booth (48 dimmer slots in this rack are permanently assigned to architectural & houselights). However, these racks are not yet filled with dimmers. There are 96 dimmer trays (two 2.4 Kw ETC GFCI Sensor dimmers per tray) that can be moved between the racks. The GFCI dimmers are very sensitive and wiring deficiencies such as reversed hot/neutral and loose wires in a connector will cause the dimmers to trip. Ballasts, such as on Fluorescents also tend to make the dimmers trip off. Consult Technical Theatre Coordinator for further information.

The control console is unavailable for concert use. There are ETC Net2 Ethernet connection locations for consoles in the light booth, under stage, and the sound mix position (which can be run to a tech table).

7.2 Circuits and Data

336 @ 2.4Kw circuits are permanently installed in the amphitheatre, terminating in 56 socapex connectors. The distribution of these circuits is described below. There are not currently enough dimmer trays to serve all circuits.

In addition to dimming circuits, there are several edison ‘relay’ switched circuits that can be controlled via DMX as non-dim power for work lights, scroller power, etc. The locations of these switched circuits are detailed below

Cat 5 Ethernet Taps are also installed throughout, the locations are detailed below.

7.3 Positions

Light Booth Roof The roof of the light booth is similar to a balcony rail. The mounting pipes are 18’-0” and 20’-0” above the stage floor, 90’ downstage of the DS edge of the stage. The pipes are 24’ wide. Four followspots can be mounted in this position (space for four 6’ diameter circles and four 30 amp 208 volt 1ø outlets). This position has 12 dimming circuits, one Ethernet tap and one switched relay circuit.

• Up to four followspots on Light Booth Roof: This is a very shallow angle, equivalent to a Balcony Rail in a Proscenium Theatre; four 20 amp circuits are available in this location; a 200 amp 3ø company switch can also be accessed.

Stage Left Catwalk Pipes at 26’ and 24’ above the stage floor, 42’ stage left of centerline. The catwalk is 77’ long and runs from 10’ upstage of the rearline of the stage to 13’ downstage of the lip of the stage at centerline. 20 @ 6-circuit socapex connections (120 circuits) are mounted on this catwalk, 16 of which (96 circuits) are typically dedicated to circuit needs on the Opera Bridges. This position also contains 2 Ethernet data points and 4 switched relay circuits.

This position is accessed via a narrow staircase at the upstage end of the catwalk.

(SEE PHOTO IN RIGGING SECTION)

Stage Right Catwalk Pipes at 26’ and 24’ above the stage floor, 42’ stage right of centerline. The catwalk is 77’ long and runs from 10’ upstage of the rearline of the stage to 13’ downstage of the lip of the stage at centerline. 4 @ 6-circuit socapex connections (24 circuits) are mounted on this catwalk. This position also contains 2 Ethernet data points and 4 switched relay circuits.

There is a 400a 3Ø company switch at the upstage end of the catwalk. This location is accessed by crossing over from the Stage Left Catwalk via the Downstage Catwalk or one of the Opera Bridges.

(SEE PHOTO IN RIGGING SECTION)

Downstage Catwalk Pipes at 30’, 32’, and 34’ above the stage floor, 10’ downstage of the lip of the stage at centerline. An additional pipe is outrigged from the downstage side of the catwalk. It is 28’ above the stage floor and 15’ downstage of the lip of the stage at centerline. It contains 8 @ 6-circuit socapex connections, for a total of 48 circuits, as well as 1 Ethernet tap and 4 switched circuits. This location is accessed via the Stage Left Catwalk.

(SEE PHOTO IN RIGGING SECTION)

Opera Bridges There are three Opera Bridges hung from the roof steel that run the width of the stage between the Stage Left and Stage Right Catwalks. The upstage-downstage position of these is determined seasonally, typically centered between the arches, as shown above and below. The downstage side of the bridges has pipes at 30’, 32’, and 34’ above the stage floor. The upstage side has pipes at 30, 32’ and 34’ above the stage floor. On both sides, the Hi (+34’) pipe is only 50’ wide. There are also several locations under the floor grating typically used for mounting moving lights. Details available upon request. Dimming Circuits, Data, and Switched circuits are run to the Opera Bridges from the Stage Left Catwalk. These positions are accessed via the Stage Left and Stage Right catwalks.

Side Struts On each side of the stage, there is a sidelight position mounted to the struts that connect the arches. These are 18’ above the stage floor and 69’ stage left and stage right of center line. Ladders or Truss can be hung from these 5” pipes—such equipment is not currently in stock. Each side contains 4 @ 6-circuit socapex connections (24 circuits), 2 Ethernet Taps and 2 switched relay circuits. However, these positions are not easily accessed—a boom arm lift or shallow extension ladder must be used from one of the paved surfaces below. Use of these positions must be arranged in advance and an additional fee to acquire and use a boom lift will be required.

(SEE PHOTO IN RIGGING SECTION)

Footlights/Under stage/Deck Circuits There are 8 @ 6-circuit socapex connections (24 circuits), 3 Ethernet Taps, and 4 switched relay circuits in the under stage area that can serve deck units and footlights.

To mount footlights, there are embedded plates in the concrete just downstage of the lip of the stage to which goal posts are installed. 4 cable pass-thru boxes allow circuiting to run to the footlights from the under stage circuits. These plates and pass-thru conduits also serve audio needs such as front fill speakers.

7.4 Power sources

There are four 400amp 3Ø company switches that may be used for stage power:

• Under stage Upstage Left. (also serves Air Conditioning Spot Cooler)

• On the SR catwalk, all the way upstage where feeders are rigged to the deck below.

• Two in the Stage Left (East) Dimmer Room. These require a minimum of 125’ of feeder cable to access, and would need to be sourced externally.

8.0 House PA

The sound system is seasonally installed. Loudspeaker arrays have pre-rigged locations and cable runs are made thru 12” dia tubes that run between the under stage, mix position, amp room and base of the 2nd Arch SR.

Production PA will need to be sourced if tour is not carrying audio production.

8.1 Mix Position

The mix position is on center line in rows W and X at the rear of the Reserved seating section 70’ from the front of the stage. There is seating behind the mix position, and operators should remain seated during performances. Tents will be provided if needed.

• During June and July the center mix position will be occupied with a desk and audio equipment used by Trollwood Performing Arts School. This equipment must remain in the mix position. Additional production FOH positions must work behind this desk, or use the alternate options beside the mix position. There must also be a public walkway of no less than 4’ behind the FOH equipment. Stanchions may be placed behind this position as long as the walkway remains open and 4’ wide. There will be a public walking behind the FOH position which may require cable ramps to protect patrons from tripping.

8.2 Assisted Listening System

Trollwood Performing Arts School is equipped with an Assisted Listening System which must be integrated into the system for every performance. An output from the main mixer will need to be provided.

8.3 Under stage space

• The under stage is the scene shop for Trollwood Performing Arts School, so there will be limited space available.

• Dressing rooms: Space is limited, but one dressing room space is available in the under stage area. It may be dressed with pipe and drape and furniture sets, not included with rental. Hospitality supplies vary per advance and are provided by the promoter. Private showers are available in the under stage dressing bathrooms.

• A catering space will be provided outside directly behind the under stage entrances.

• Production offices may be provided in the central area of the under stage space outside of the dressing rooms.

9.0 Policies

1. There will be no smoking permitted on the stage, in the backstage area, or in the under stage area. There will be designated smoking areas near the stage. All crew and concert personnel must use these designated areas.

2. In instances where the fire alarm may sound all persons will be evacuated and the fire department summoned. The resumption of the performance will wait until the fire personnel give the all clear.

3. Wind restrictions. Due to the location of the amphitheater, wind speeds are frequently high and constant. The Trollwood Performing Arts School staff reserves the right to make decisions on any equipment in the air in high wind situations in order to keep everyone safe.

a. The use of a man lift is restricted if there is a constant wind speed of 20 mph.

This may cause a need in altering rigging positions.

b. Lighting and audio positions may be required to be dropped to the deck, or lifted to a safe parallel trim position with the opera bridges if there is a constant wind exceeding 35 mph.

c. Summer winds are typically in the 8-20 mph range, which may impact the tour’s ability to hang scrims, backdrops, and/or video walls.

4. All cable crossing walking paths must be covered by a cable ramp. Bluestem only has enough cable ramp to cover pathways crossed by shore power extensions.