Classes & Programs
Teen ProgramsWinona Arts Camp 2020
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 6th annual integrated arts summer camp. Once again students will get to rank their class choice of visual and performing arts they want to explore, having the opportunity to be immersed in four subjects a day. From percussion and creative journaling to learning how to apply special effects stage make-up and ballet basics, there are plenty of options to satisfy the artist in everyone. Back by popular demand, there will be an all camp talent show on Friday morning and families are invited to attend a lively showcase at 3 pm on Friday afternoon. Once you have registered online or in-person, please fill out the class choice form.
Dates: TBD, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $189 (Early Bird Special), $209 (after May 1), Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2020 include: Special Effects Stage Make-up, Adventures in Acting, Recycled Art, Word Art, Exploring the Masters, Meet the Piano, Tap it Out, Ballet Basics, Intro to Contemporary Dance, Dance around the World Just Weave It, Percussion Jam, Songwriting, Sing Out, and Adventures in Acting. Class choice form.
From Page to Stage
From majestic far-away places to the steps of a Broadway theatre, the written word will be used to ignite your creativity and imagination as you sculpt, act, dance, paint, sing, draw, and drum. Will you be inspired by Hobbits, Oz, an orphanage, or wardrobes? Friends and family will be invited on the last day for a visual and performing arts showcase. Students will be asked to bring a bagged lunch, snack and water bottle each day.
Dates: June 26 – June 30 (Monday- Friday)
Time: 9:00am- 3:00pm
Age: 2nd – 4th & 5th – 8th grade
Price: $175 (Early Bird Special) $199 (after May 1) includes camp t-shirt
NEW! Teen and Adult Tap II
Tap dance for teens and adults with experience looking for an additional challenge. Classes will include expanded tap terminology, combinations, and technical concepts.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, Aug. 29- Nov. 14
Time: 8-9:15 p.m.
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: J. Dienger
Price: $108 (12 classes)
Fall Registration Open Soon!
Tap Camp
Join us for an exciting week of rhythm! TAP CAMP will include classes in tap technique, repertory, improvisation, body percussion, music theory and concepts for the tap dancer, tap history, and tap in films. TAP CAMP will hold new challenges for beginning, intermediate, and advanced tappers.
Dancers should bring a water bottle and snack each day. An informal demonstration for family and friends will be held on Friday, Aug. 14th at 5:30 pm followed by a potluck pizza party! Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time!
Dates: August 10-14, 2020
Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm (ages 5+, no experience- 2 years experience) (Dancers will also be invited to perform on Friday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 pm.
Tap II-V: 1:30 - 5:30 pm (Intermediate & advanced Tap Dancers ages 11+ or MCA Tap levels II-V. Tappers will participate in a placement class on day one.)
Fee: Tap for Kids and Tap I: $85 (Early Bird Special), $99 (after May 1)
Tap II-V: $165 (Early Bird Special), $189 (after May 1)
*Fees include camp t-shirt.
Dance Conditioning
This pilates and yoga combination class focuses on yoga postures and pilates strengthening to offer the perfect conditioning class. All levels are welcome; no experience necessary. Certified instructor.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Aug. 29- Oct. 31 (no class Sept. 5)
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Age: Ages 14 & up
Instructor: A. Honecker- Sherman
Price: $63 (9 classes)
Open Ballet
Experience the artistry of ballet while gaining flexibility, placement, strength, and fluidity in this ballet technique and conditioning class. All levels are welcome, no experience necessary.
Students will just need a little space, a chair or railing to use as a ballet barre, and a device enabled with Wi-Fi. We will be using Zoom and will enable cameras so if students wish to be able to interact with the instructor and other students, otherwise students can choose to not share their image. We recommend students wear dance apparel and shoes if they have them and have a water bottle near by to set them up for success.
Day/Dates: TBD
Age: Ages 14 & up
Location: Online via Zoom
Instructor: A. Honecker-Sherman
Summer Dance Intensive
Experience the nurturing and intimate atmosphere of the 17th annual Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Summer Dance Intensive If you are an intermediate or advanced dancer between the ages of 11 and 22, who is ready for your dance technique to soar to new heights, then this is the intensive for you! You will spend 7 to 9 hours of your day studying dance in technique classes and rehearsals under the direction of seasoned, professional instructors. Auditions are required for acceptance.
Summer Camp Dates: July 5-25, 2020 Daily
Age: 11-22
Auditions: La Crosse, WI– Jan.25, 2020, 9:30am-11:30am at La Crosse Dance Centre, 2716 Commerce St., La Crosse, WI 54603
Cedar Rapids, IA– Feb. 8, 2020, 10am-Noon at Pointe School of Dance, 225 Northland Court NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Winona, MN– March, 29, 2020, 11:30-1:30 at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts, 1164 W. 10th St., Winona, MN 5598
Video Auditions also accepted
Junior Training Program for Dancers (formally known as Mini-Summer Dance Intensive)
Are you ready to dance your day away? Here is your chance! Each day dancers will warm up in a ballet class, build foot and ankle strength in pre-pointe, dabble in different theory classes such as dance history, composition (choreography), and theatre, rounding out their dance experience with a “genre of the day” class, including jazz, modern, musical theatre and hip hop. Each day will end with a rehearsal for a final showcase that will be in our Academy Theatre for friends and family.
No auditions are required, but it is recommended that dancers have at least 3 years of training.
Dates: June 15-26, M-F
Time: 9am-4pm, Performance- June 26, 6:30pm
Age: 9 years- High School (at least 3 years of ballet training)
Fee: $329 (Early Bird) $375 (after May 1). Fee includes over 60 hours of instruction and camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
*Intermediate & Advanced Dancers 11 years-22 years please visit our website for details about our audition based 3-week Summer Dance Intensive with a boarding option, July 5-25, 2020.
Jazz Combos
Jazz combos help students learn the art of jazz in a small ensemble setting. The Jazz Combo session will provide basic instruction in jazz-related rhythm, tone, style, concept, listening skills, and improvisation. The ultimate goal of these ensembles is to give interested students the opportunity to study and perform jazz ensemble literature. The combos will pay at a variety community performances, TBA All musicians and instruments are welcome, but space is limited.
Day/Time: Tues. 6:30-7:30pm, Wed. 6:15-7:15pm, Wed. 7:15-8:15pm
Age: Grades 6-12
Instructor: D. Gudmastad
Combo practice times are flexible and dependent on the needs of the members. Contact director with questions.
Click here to see MCA Jazz Combos in Action.
This program is currently on-hold due to COVID-19, but we hope to offer it in the future once again.
Rock and Blues Guitar Techniques
This class is geared for students who have a little bit of guitar experience and want to explore the fundamentals of Rock guitar. This class shows you five power chords, blues scales, lead guitar solo techniques and so much more. We’ll also learn some vintage rock guitar songs that musicians have traditionally used to hone their chops with. Open to both electric and acoustic guitarists.We’ll have fun learning how to jam!
Dates: Thursdays, July 20 thru August 24.
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm
Age: 5th grade to adult
Instructor: Kerry Klungtvedt
Fee: $59
Beginning Rock Guitar Class
Learning rock guitar can be lots of fun and very challenging. This class shows you the fundamentals of guitar as well as some basic rock techniques. Geared for the absolute beginner, seasoned players are also welcome to join in and get a fresh perspective on the instrument. We’ll present the fundamentals of strumming, chord vocabulary, rhythm, tone, and other elements of rock music. Open to both electric and acoustic players.
Dates: Thursdays, July 13 thru August 17.
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Age: 5th grade to adult
Instructor: Kerry Klungtvedt Fee: $59
NEW! Stage Combat Basics
An introduction to the fine art of [not] beating people up on stage! These workshops will cover the basics of stage combat: safety, partnering, and commitment to the scene, using unarmed and knife techniques. (All equipment will be provided and safe for stage.) Come dressed to move, bring a water bottle, and get ready to throw some fake punches!
Ages: High School to adult
Dates: Monday and Tuesday, April 10th and 11th
Times: 6:30-8pm
Instructor: Mike Speck
Fee: $39
Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Cinderella,” a rock and roll version of the classic tale set in the 1950's. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. All cast members are required to participate in the audition process on April 20 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals Monday- Friday, 4-8:15 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 25, at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Day/Dates: Suspended, due to COVID-19 Outbreak
Times: TBA (depends on role assigned, see time frames above)
Instructor(s): Professional Actors/Directors from Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre
Cast Member Price: $69
Ticket cost: $6 Adults & $5 Students (Tickets-on sale during MCA business hours April 20-25 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)