John Ford-Dunker: Presidential Scholar Nominee

By Jennifer Storm
Contributing Writer

Sporting a cap bearing the inscription “I love the Farg” and flashing his characteristic bright smile, John Ford-Dunker is a frequent among the art corners of the FM area. One may find him serenading the midnight crowd at Teaberry, strolling across Trollwood’s mainstage, or simply improvising in the deserted practice rooms of Fargo South’s music wing. Wherever he is, however, his vibrant and energetic personality is not easy to miss. Among his many accomplishments in music and theatre, senior John Ford-Dunker will be acknowledged as a YoungARTS week Silver award winner during In the Studio, a Celebration of YoungARTS Gold and Silver Winners. The program, sponsored by the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, will be held in New York City on April 17.

This fall, Ford-Dunker applied for the youngARTS program which seeks to acknowledge talented artists in nine art categories including dance, film/video, instrumental music, jazz, voice photography, theater, visual arts and creative writing. From a pool of over 4,000 aspiring artists,
142 students were chosen to attend the conference held in Miami, Florida. Ford-Dunker was one of 21 other theatre finalists. “By going and getting the call, I felt humbled, I was proud I got picked but I knew I was going to present myself before these kids who are so good, and I was so humbled by that and how blessed I’ve been this year,” said Ford-Dunker. As the only finalist from North Dakota, Ford-Dunker represented the state amid students from across the country. Many of the students had attended recognized art schools or done professional stage work.

“Most of the kids were very accomplished and they were significantly farther along in the kind of work they were doing. Some kids had been working actors for six years; some had been on Broadway already,” said Ford-Dunker.

Bearing his go-getter attitude, Ford-Dunker arrived at the conference excited to learn from the instruction of coaches and feed off the skills of others. More than an opportunity to exercise his theatrical finesse, the conference allowed him a chance to recognize the value of his roots.

“I don’t know if I went into the situation feeling small, and I totally did feel small because they were just all so accomplished but everyone thought it was awesome I was from Fargo and it was really encouraging. I’m a homeschooled kid form Fargo, by the end of the week I had really
embraced that,” said Ford-Dunker.

The conference featured intensive workshops in addition to work with professionals. The week was also an opportunity for students to gain recognition; organizers were constantly evaluating students, from their performances to their deportment. At the end of the conference, 56 were selected as Presidential Scholar Nominees, Ford-Dunker among them. “We all knew that it was a competition, but everyone was so incredible, no one was pretentious, everyone just loved each other and supported each other,” said Ford-Dunker.

Each year, up to 20 Scholars in the Arts comprise the 141 Presidential Scholars. Selected with the criteria of academic accomplishments, artistic achievement, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in school and community activities, these students are
recognized for their ambitious high school careers. In addition to his Presidential Scholar nomination, Ford-Dunker received a scholarship of $5,000 with the Silver Award recognition. Accolades aside, however, the week was an opportunity of artistic progression and
visionary growth.

“I’ve always hungered in so many situations for the experience I got in Miami; I met kids as crazy and passionate as I am and I fed off of them in such a different way,” said Ford-Dunker Raised in Cooperstown, N.D., Ford-Dunker spent his childhood “just running around in the wilderness being a little boy.” He took his first role in a production of the “Wiz of the West.” After moving to Fargo, he performed FMCT productions, participated in three Gooseberry Park shows, and this summer is anticipating his third season at Trollwood Performing Arts School. Throughout the years, acting coaches, voice coaches and music teachers alike have watched Ford-Dunker develop as a performer. “He’s gone from driving the character, to presenting the character, to finally beginning to participate in the character. He’s become much more interesting in his acting as he’s begun to let go of his emotions and let the character flow through him,” said acting coach Martin Jonanson.

The prospect of illustrating life entices Ford-Dunker to the stage. “Visual arts are real people telling how people are; how they work and feel in the real world. They are pictures of real life,” said Ford-Dunker. Although his work has centered mainly on musical theatre, his passion for
theatre encompasses all manifestations of the stage. From straight plays to musicals, Ford-Dunker enjoys the variety theatre has to offer. “For the longest time I feel like I would have said musicals [were my favorite] because I just love to sing so much but this is a tricky question because with musicals, when it all comes down to it, have that fantastical fantasy world thing about them . . .but with a straight play, no music, no microphones, and just there in the moment that’s way more real. I think I’m more attracted to the reality of that,” said Ford-Dunker

After auditioning for several schools and theatre programs across the country, Ford-Dunker will be attending Steven’s Point University. While pursuing a performing career is a possibility, he is leaving all options open. Ford-Dunker hopes the intimate program will foster continued growth in his theatre and performing career.

“John is one of the most joyous people I’ve ever worked with. He’s so easy to teach; he just has no fear and goes after it. I hope he continues to share his talents with others” said voice coach Michael Skyles.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)