Update Aug 16

While the initial $20k estimate was to cover just the bulk water intrusion damage, as anybody who has done improvement and renovation projects knows, the more you dig, the more you find. We continue to assess the total impact and find damaged equipment, supplies, tools, props, and nonstructural building components that will need to be addressed.  Early and rough estimates indicate this could double the total cost of the damage to be around $40k.

We are committed to rebuilding better than ever. Any continued support will go directly to the recovery efforts and we will be sharing updates along the way so that everyone in the community can see what an amazing impact a collective effort can accomplish.

Update Aug 15

Original Post

Friends, we need your help.

On Tuesday, August 13th, a devastating rainstorm hit Bismarck, leaving Dakota Stage Ltd. in a state of despair. A river of water gushed through our front and back doors, flooding the basement and covering nearly everything in several inches of water. The damage is heart-wrenching.

While we are grateful the deluge spared our ballroom and part of the greenroom, the rest of the theater is a disaster zone. The office, bathrooms, storage room, and hallways are completely in ruins. Water ran down the aisles of our beloved auditorium, pooling under the stage and causing untold damage. The force of the water even stripped paint off the stage floor. Carpets, sheetrock, and much of our backstage and downstairs areas must be ripped out and replaced. The paint room and the wood room were under several inches of standing water. To top it all off, we now face a severe mold and pest issue that demands professional deep cleaning. This damage’s impact is extremely physical and deeply emotional for all of us at Dakota Stage.

The estimated cost to repair and restore Dakota Stage is at least a staggering $20,000. With insurance unable to cover a cent, DSL has no choice but to turn to you, our loyal community, for help.

We’re asking for your support to help us recover. Every dollar counts, and your donation will go directly toward getting Dakota Stage back on its feet. Without your help, we might not be able to continue paying our dedicated staff or keep the doors open for the arts community we’ve been proud to serve.

Please donate today and share this post to help us spread the word. Together, we can restore Dakota Stage to its former glory and ensure we remain a vibrant part of Bismarck’s arts scene.

Thank you for standing by us in this critical time. Your support means the world to us and Dakota Stage needs you now more than ever.