ABERDEEN, S.D. — Aberdeen community members, professional filmmakers and Northern State University students, faculty and staff have an opportunity to step in front of the camera for the next South Dakota Film Project production.
Actor auditions and crew mentor roles are now open for “Quorum,” a new short film being produced through NSU’s BFA in Art, Digital Media specialization in Filmmaking, Broadcasting and Interactive Media Production program (FBI). Set in present-day Aberdeen, the film follows three middle-aged lodge members racing against the clock to seat a fourth member before midnight — or risk losing their hundred-year-old chapter.
Interested actors are invited to schedule an audition by emailing Jason Knowles, assistant professor of art and digital media, at jason.knowles@northern.edu. Tentative production dates are the evenings of Sept. 20 and 21, with possible pickup filming on a weekend in October pending cast and crew availability.
“Quorum” is the second production of the South Dakota Film Project, an experiential learning initiative that brings together NSU students and members of the Aberdeen community to create original films in real-world production environments.
The project builds on the success of the inaugural production, “3AM at the Painted Door,” which recently earned four international film festival awards and additional semifinalist, finalist, quarterfinalist and official selection honors.
The film earned Best Cinematography in Short and Best Editing in Short at the 2026 Hong Kong Indie Film Festival; Best Cinematography and Best Ensemble Acting in Short at the 2026 Rotterdam Independent Film Festival; finalist and quarterfinalist recognition at the 2026 Anatolia International Film Festival; and semifinalist recognition at the 2026 Verona International Short Film Festival. It was also named an official selection at the StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards Film Festival.
The awards recognize the work of NSU students, faculty, alumni and community members who collaborated on the production. Student crew members Maggie Kruger, Jensen Eckart, Cade Trenhaile and Guy Clothier received recognition for cinematography, while the ensemble cast included both community and student actors. Knowles received recognition for Best Editing.
“These awards and laurels are accomplishments students can list on their resumes when looking for careers in the media field,” Knowles said. “Experiential learning is the core of what our FBI emphasis is about. The South Dakota Film Project is an extension of classroom practice — allowing students to repeat what they have practiced on a slightly larger scale in real-world filmmaking environments.”
“3AM at the Painted Door” was based on a podcast episode of “Spooked,” with author Tiyi Schippers granting Knowles and the FBI program permission to adapt her Roadhouse Saloon story into a screenplay and short film.
The production brought together NSU students, alumni and Aberdeen community members. NSU alumnus Matt Klundt served as director of photography, while Knowles directed the cast. Kruger led sound acquisition and on-set recording, and former student Guy Clothier assisted with set design, including a 24-foot wall mural created for the film's Mellette location.
Knowles said the growing project provides valuable opportunities for students to learn from professionals and community artists while giving local filmmakers and actors a chance to collaborate on productions that can reach audiences beyond Aberdeen.
“We are growing a very strong filmmaking community here in Aberdeen — one that is now internationally recognized and award-winning,” Knowles said. “If you are a professional filmmaker that would like to volunteer to help crew, please come join us.”
Those interested in participating in “Quorum” can schedule an audition or interview by contacting Knowles at jason.knowles@northern.edu.