Introduction and Directions

Nine performers will be strategically placed along walking paths in Story Mill Park, performing scenes, singing songs, and creating plein air paintings related to water. Guides will lead audience members to six performance locations in small groups of 10-12 people. Texts and scenes from authors and composers resonate as we walk through nature, contemplating the importance of water to our wellbeing and relationships.

The events start near the main Story Mill Park parking lot just off north Rouse.

Walking the Water Way presentations

A River Runs through It (Norman Maclean). Performed by Andrew Rathgeber

The Creek (Katharine Smyth). Performed by Keegan Grady

HeartStones and Six Crosses. Written and performed by Marc Beaudin

A compilation of river-inspired violin songs. Performed by Luke Minton

Water Is Life: A Poem For the Standing Rock (Demian DinéYazhi). Performed by Bayleigh Bird Hat Stewart

At the Nexus of Currents. Poem and painting by Aaron Schuerr

Sticks and Stones (Kobi Wells). Performed by Danielle Sather and Hunter Hash

The River and I Sing for the Waters (Bill Staines; Betsy Rose). Singing and guitar by Edis Kittrell

Thank you to MSU’s College of Letters and Science for their generous support

Guiding the Groups, our “Virgils”

Gretchen Minton

Sharon Beehler

Lauren Chavez

Lynelle Schuerr

Water: basic element of life

• An estimated 2.2 billion people need access to safely managed drinking water

• 884 million people are currently without basic drinking water services.

• An estimated 4.2 billion people need access to safely managed sanitation.

• An estimated 3 billion people need access to basic handwashing facilities.

About Our Performers

Andrew Rathgeber:
Actor, director, fight choreographer

Keegan Grady:
Keegan has appeared in every MIST production since our beginning. Keegan begins an MA in Environmental Humanities at the University of Utah this fall.

Marc Beaudin:
Marc’s recent book about birds, Life List: Poems, is a runner-up for the Montana Book of the Year award. Marc has more information and poetry at https://crowvoice.com.

Luke Minton
13-year-old Luke Minton has played violin since he was three and a half years old.

Bayleigh Bird Hat Stewart:
Bayleigh is a student at Montana State University.

Aaron Schuerr:
Plein Air painter. Aaron’s webpage and his work is at www.aaronschuerr.com.

Danielle Sather:
Danielle is co-Artistic Director for Bozeman Actors Theatre.

Hunter Hash:
Hunter is co-Artistic Director for Bozeman Actors Theatre.

Edis Kittrell:
Edis is a musician and educator. Edis’ work can be found at her webpage at www.edismusic.com.

Sophia Sisler
Sophia is a photographer and videographer. Sophia made display posters, as well as the companion webpage for this production.