Emerging Prairie is proud to announce that Scott Brusven will be joining our team as Director of Partnerships and Events. He’s been a staple part of the 1 Million Cups Fargo and TEDxFargo teams, with an extensive background working at The Stage at Island Park and Eco Chic.

“Scott will bring experience, passion, and a strong connection to the arts to help us continue to make an impact in our region,” said Greg Tehven, Executive Director of Emerging Prairie.

Brusven certainly does have a strong connection to the arts – he’s played eight major roles on stage, and directed, choreographed, designed, and/or produced over 60 shows in the last 8 years. But the Fergus Falls, MN native says what he is most proud of is his family: his wife, Carrie, and their wonderful two sons.

Here, he shares his most memorable roles on stage, favorite places to travel, and what he looks forward to as a new team member of Emerging Prairie. Welcome, Scott!

Scott Brusven: Father, Director, Singer, Scrooge.

1. What was the most memorable role you played on stage, and why?

As a stage actor, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to play a vast number of  iconic characters. My favorite character role was Scrooge in the FMCT musical Scrooge. The opportunity to play this highly memorable character forced me to fully commit each and every choice into the role. From my big toe to the tip of my nose, all needed to play a miser. With 17 songs and dances, it was by the far the most committed acting role I have ever encountered and had the biggest rewards.

2.What was the most memorable production to direct, and why?

This is like trying to name a favorite child! I would have to say that The Wizard of Oz is my most memorable. I have directed the show four times, but the last one I did at FMCT, two Christmases ago, was one of my all time favorites. From the amazing cast to the visual explosion of creativity, it was soul-filled every moment of the show.

3. Does this mean we’ll soon be releasing Emerging Prairie: The Musical?

If you know me – life is a musical. I feel a little bit badly for the folks at Emerging Prairie, because they may not know this about me. I will randomly burst out in the song that is running through my head…it may be based on something someone just said… or it may come out while I am walking through the Den. So – Emerging Prairie: The Musical – it is definitely out there on the table.

4. Where is the coolest place you’ve ever traveled and why?

I have been fortunate to travel abroad many times. In my travels, two places stand out. The Australia outback may be the most amazing place in the world to see the night sky. If you think we have a lot of stars in the northern hemisphere, I implore you to see the southern one!

My second favorite place in the world is the backyard garden of Troudel and Walter (family friends) in Heilbronn, Germany. It is a secret garden of sorts, vast greens and florals, hidden pools (with resident turtles) and a vine grown trellis. While it is a beautiful escape, it is the conversation, food, and laughs that make it feel like home.

5. What is one thing you’re looking forward to with your new role on the Emerging Prairie team?

I am looking forward to joining a vibrant team, with big ideas, focused on community growth and deep networking relationships. Fargo is busting at the seams with forward progress and impact, and I am excited to bring my background and skills to a team on the cutting edge of connectivity, centered around my biggest passion – community.

Photos courtesy of Scott Brusven.