SMSU Theatre presents the classic comedy Tartuffe

Published Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Tartuffe by Molière, translated by Richard Wilbur

SMSU Theatre’s spring production is Tartuffe by Molière, translated by Richard Wilbur. Performances are April 15 through 18 at 7:30 pm and April 19 at 2 pm 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 Theatre Arts major and Creative Writing minor from Madison, MN as Flipote.
Abby Brault, a freshman Teaching English as a Second Language major and Spanish minor from Alexandria, MN as Elmire.
Blaine Braun, a freshman Music Education major and Entertainment and Theatre Arts-Acting/Directing minor from Slayton, MN as Damis.
Peder Early, a sophomore Entertainment and Theatre Arts major from Inver Grove Heights, MN as Tartuffe.
Lilly Guggisberg, a sophomore Psychology and Entertainment and Theatre Arts double major and Music minor from Marshall, MN as Madame Pernelle.
JJ Ostenson, a sophomore Secondary History Education major with minors in Political Science and Entertainment and Theatre Arts-Acting/Directing, from Edgemont, SD as Valè
Amelia Reid, a senior Environmental Science major from Eden Valley, MN as Dorine.
Caleb Ruppert, a senior Entertainment and Theatre Arts major from Marshall, MN as Orgon.
Julia Sterner, a junior Music-Vocal Performance major from Cottonwood, MN as Mariane.
Noah Stoll, a freshman Exercise Science major from Champlin, MN. as Laurent.
Roy Tupa, a freshman Computer Science major and Entertainment and Theatre Arts minor from Brownton, MN as the Police Officer.
Isaac Wagner, a senior History major from Maple Lake, MN as Clé
David Wendt, a junior Music Education major from Sioux Falls, SD as Monsieur Loyal.

Production Team:

Assistant Professor of Theatre Dr. Tetta M. Askeland of Marshall, MN 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, SD, is the assistant stage manager.
Laura Bradley, a junior History and Entertainment and Theatre Arts double major from Brooklyn Park, MN, is the makeup designer, dramaturg, and house manager.
Kayla Browen, a junior Music Education major and Entertainment and Theatre Arts-Design/Technical Theatre minor from Worthington, MN, is the stage manager.
Jaiden Fredrickson, a freshman Psychology and Justice Administration double major and Music Performance minor from Wadena, MN, is the props designer.
Olivia Houseman, a junior Entertainment and Theatre Arts major from Marshall, MN, is the costume designer.
Priscilla Muehr, a junior Entertainment and Theatre Arts major from Luverne, MN, is the scenic and lighting co-designer.
Professor of Theatre Nadine Purvis Schmidt of Estelline, SD is the director and producer.
Phanisara Lili Seesongkram, a Junior Art major with a Studio Arts minor from Worthington, MN, is the stage management backup.
Michael Sieling, a junior Entertainment and Theatre Arts major from Hanley Falls, MN, is the sound co-designer.
Professor of Theatre Sheila Tabaka of Marshall, MN is the costume shop manager.