When Peter Froehlingsdorf moved to Duluth to attend college, he found not only a home but also his career path in teaching, directing, and occasionally acting. In each role, he brings his unique talents to the school district and to stages throughout the city.
Peter was born and raised in Virginia, Minnesota. He was involved in school theater programs from seventh grade through high school graduation. He later attended the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He continued his studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth, focusing on Science Education.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, he was hired by ISD 709 as a fifth-grade teacher at Ordean Middle School. When school staff discovered he had been directing theater on the Iron Range for a local high school, they asked him to take on their drama program as well.
He taught at Ordean and directed theater there from 1994 to 2000. In 2000, he was awarded a Fulbright Teacher Scholarship and relocated to Helsinki, Finland, where he taught at the International School of Vantaa, working with students in grades 1 through 9 for two years.
Upon returning to Duluth, he went back to Ordean, this time teaching sixth grade. In 2010, he returned to Finland and taught independently for another two years.
“Oddly enough, when I returned to Duluth in 2012, Ordean had a position open once again! I stepped back into grade 6, where I have been ever since. I am now completing my 32nd year of teaching for the Duluth Public Schools,” he said.
“I have immensely enjoyed teaching for over 30 years!” he noted. “Being a teacher is more than a job; it’s a calling. As teachers, we encourage, lead, teach, and guide, hopefully leaving a lasting mark on our students’ lives. Being able to develop lasting relationships with students while helping them become the best version of themselves is a pretty awesome and big responsibility.”
On the Home Front
Peter’s husband, Ari Eilola, is originally from Finland and now works as a Procurement Specialist for St. Louis County. Peter said, “I have been with Ari for 22 years. We met in Helsinki, Finland, when I was teaching on the Fulbright Teacher exchange.”
“When we are not at home with our two doodles, Mimmu and Humphrey, we are most likely in some warmer destination. We absolutely love to travel (Ari does most of the planning!). More recently, we have been hitting the concert scene! Ari surprised me with tickets to see Lady Gaga and ‘Cabaret’ in NYC this fall!”
Peter added, “Besides theater, I love to bake, make stained glass, garden, and be outside, when it’s warm, of course!”
Another Opening, Another Show
Peter has directed over 70 shows in various area venues, featuring children, teenagers, and adults.
“There are so many ‘favorite’ shows I have had the privilege to direct. One that immediately comes to mind is ‘Eastland’ that I directed at Renegade Theater back in 2015.”
“Eastland” is based on the true story of the Eastland ship that capsized in the Chicago River in 1915. Many of the 2,500 passengers were trapped below deck as the ship filled with water, resulting in the deaths of 844 people.
“I really loved the challenge of putting this huge ship on such a small stage. I also love true historic theater, so this musical spoke to me on so many levels,” Peter noted.
Others of Peter’s favorites include “Les Misérables,” “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” and “The Burnt Part Boys.”
Peter shared, “I have had the opportunity to act myself, playing some pretty awesome roles over the years. Captain von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ was a big honor. I had the opportunity to work alongside some pretty incredible actors. It was also special because I was on stage with students at my school, which made it really fun. They were able to see me on the other side of the stage. That was pretty fun for them, too!”
“I also really enjoyed playing the role of Clifford Bradshaw in ‘Cabaret.’ I got to work with some of my favorite people on and off the stage! The production was pretty magical,” he stated.
A Show Filled with Doubt
Peter is currently directing “Doubt” with Boat Club Productions, a powerful play about a confrontation between a nun and a priest whom she accuses of having an inappropriate relationship with a boy in their parish.
“Although a rather short play, it is packed with huge meaning and powerful context, and therefore it is really a mystery, one that may never be solved,” noted Froehlingsdorf. “The meaning and significance will be different for each audience member.”
Peter’s husband, Ari, is playing the role of Father Flynn.
“Ari was a professional actor in Finland for many years and knows his craft. It was nice to have a project to work on together. I think it gave both of us a better understanding of our shared passion for the theater,” said Peter.
“I am pretty proud of him, actually. What most people don’t realize is that English is his third language, and to put yourself on stage in front of an audience is always a risk. I can’t imagine performing a show in a language other than my mother tongue!”
Peter added, “Most people know my work through musical theater. It has really been nice to dig into a piece of theater where I did not have to think about music or choreography, just the text.”
“I would be remiss not to say how grateful I am to Jason Vincent and the Boat Club Production team for making theater for the community, by the community! Jason believes in providing opportunities for all local artists and compensating them fairly for their craft. I am so incredibly lucky to be able to tell stories on this stage!” Peter concluded.
Information About “Doubt, A Parable”
By John Patrick Shanley
DATES
June 13-22, 2025
June 13-14 7:30 pm | June 15 2:00 pm
June 19-21 7:30 pm | June 22 2:00 pm
LOCATION
Spirit of the North Theatre, Fitger’s Complex – 3rd Floor
TICKETS
Box Office: (218) 623-7065
Online Tickets
“What do you do when you’re not sure?” So asks Father Flynn, the progressive and beloved priest at the St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx, in his sermon. It’s 1964, and things are changing, to the chagrin of rigid Principal Sister Aloysius. However, when an unconscionable accusation is leveled against the Father, Sister Aloysius realizes that the only way to get justice is to create it herself.
As for the truth of the matter? As Father Flynn says, “‘Doubt’ can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty.” In stunning prose, John Patrick Shanley delves into the murky shadows of moral certainty, his characters always balancing on the thin line between truth and consequences. “Doubt: A Parable” is an exquisite, potent drama that will raise questions and answer none, leaving the audience to grapple with the discomfort of their uncertainties. (Material from Boat Club Productions)
