New Artistic Director Named At Fort Peck Summer Theatre

Shelby Art-Koljonen has been named the new artistic director for the Fort Peck Summer Theatre, replacing longtime head Andy Meyers.

According to a press release from the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council: “Shelby brings her talent, vision and creative energy to the role starting September 2 and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team.”

Art-Koljonen has enjoyed a diversified theater career, taking on roles as a director, performer, stage manager, marketing assistant and production manager. She began her theater career at a young age - performing in community theater from the age of 9 and diving into directing full community musicals by age 15.

She graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Fresno, as a dean’s medalist with a bachelor of arts degree in acting and she has been lucky enough to work in the theater industry nearly every day since.

After graduating college, Art-Koljonen worked with Missoula Children’s Theater, where she adored touring and also working in the home office in Missoula.

She then ventured to Boston where she got married (to a FPST alum) and worked as a stage manager, director and production manager at Brandeis University. She now resides in Washington, DC, and is looking forward to being in Montana for Summer 2026!

Meyers introduced Art-Koljonen to the Summer Theatre in 2018. Since that first introduction, she has been involved with FPST, wearing hats as a director, stage manager, performer, props designer and camp teacher. Some of her favorite productions include Dames At Sea, Forever Plaid, Bridges of Madison County, Wait Until Dark, Bonnie & Clyde and Cinderella.

For more about upcoming camps and main stage productions, visit fortpecktheatre.org.