Programs & Classes
Youth ProgramsThe Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is a full service arts conservatory that provides quality arts education in music, theatre, dance and visual art. Information about inspiring, nurturing and non-competitive programs specifically designed for children aged 6 and up are listed below.
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
All Art Classes
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
Learn to Draw from Perspective
Explore art from a new perspective! Learn how to draw ONE and TWO point perspective! Want to learn how to design or draw your bedroom? Maybe draw a beautiful city view? Take this opportunity to enhance your drawing experience and learn how to create your own perspective drawing.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, March 11-April 1
Times & Ages: 4:30-5:30 (4-8th grade)
5:30-6:30pm (Ages 14+)
Fee: $29
Instructor: Grace Gillis, guided by MCA Faculty. Grace is an Education Major with an Art minor who is combining her love of education and the arts. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge and skills with the community.
Create a Comic Workshop
This workshop is in celebration of Free Comic Book Day (always the first Saturday in May). During the workshop, young artists will celebrate the art of comic books and learn how to create their very own comic. Drawing comics is a great way to promote literacy skills and an opportunity for kids to flex their creative muscles.
Date: Saturday, May 2
Time/Age: 9–10 a.m., grades K–2
10:15–11:45 a.m., grades 3–5
Noon–1:30 p.m., grades 6+
Cost: $15
Instructor: B. Haupt
Winona 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.
Virtual Arts for All Houston County Residents
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts is excited to announce NEW virtual programming for both youth and adults in collaboration with Caledonia Public Library and Mainspring in June. Due to COVID-19, this collaborative group had to cancel in-person creative classes previously scheduled for spring and summer 2020. However, thanks to the dedication of funders and partners, we are excited to bring virtual creative and cultural classes to you at home! All of these events are FREE to Houston County residents, but registration is required.
This project is made possible with money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the people of Minnesota for Library Legacy activities.
With beautiful bluffs, owls, and barn quilts, what's not to love about Houston County? Now is your chance to create mini-pictures of your favorite spots and features of your home. You will learn how to play with color, blending, and design during this one-of-a-kind class.
Pre-packaged materials for this class will be provided for free, thanks to our funders. Once registered, you will receive an email with details for curbside pick-up or delivery. Each registered participant will also receive access to a series of short adult mindful stretching and chair yoga videos created by Mainspring to enjoy at home.
Do you love to paint, draw, & sculpt? Youth ages 5-10 are invited to flex their creativity muscles while creating and connecting with others virtually. Each week you will explore new artistic materials and concepts. This session will focus on explorations with oil pastels and drawing techniques. Each participant will receive their very own home art kit including oil pastels, an artist pencil, special paper and more.
Pre-packed materials for this class will be provided for free, thanks to our funders. Once registered, you will receive an email with details for curbside pick-up or delivery. Registrants also receive a series of short downloadable youth yoga classes and Houston County Activity Book created by Mainspring.
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.)
Junie B. Jones Jr., The Musical
Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends -— and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.
Auditions: Postponed due to COVID-19. Register for a 30 minute audition time slot. Students should prepare a 1 min. or less song from a Broadway musical (please bring sheet music) and be prepared to learn a short choreographic sequence. Ages 8+ will also be asked to read from a script provided.
Ages: Youth ages 6-18 are invited to audition
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will be dependent on size of role and age, typically rehearsals will take place between 6:30-8:30 pm during the week, weekend rehearsals possible. No absences between July 22- Aug. 2.
MCA Faculty: Directed by: Catherine Deysach, Musical Directed by: Lisa Douglas, Costumes by: Ruby Oian
Cast Member Price: $70 (there is no fee to audition, those cast pay a fee that covers instruction and costumes)
Performances: Postponed due to COVID-19, MN Conservatory for the Arts, Academy Theatre inside the Valencia Arts Center.
Ticket cost: $10 Adults & $5 Students & Seniors
Seussical KIDS
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is thrilled to be partnering with Winona Area Public Schools Community Education to offer a brand new arts experience to youth in grades 1-4 right on-site at Jefferson Elementary School beginning March 16th.
Kids in Grades 1-4 are invited to step into the spotlight as they perform in Seussical KIDS, a fantastical musical featuring all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Under the direction of teaching artists from the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA), students will meet twice a week and have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be in a show, from casting to learning music and choreography. On Wednesday, April 29 (time TBA), friends and family are invited to cheer on their actors and actresses in a showcase. Each student registered is guaranteed a role, but all students will participate in an audition.
Each rehearsal will begin with a quick snack included in the class fee. The program is open to all area youth in grades 1-4 regardless of school of attendance.
Suessical KIDS Theatre Production Details:
- Instructors: Ahnika Lexvold (Director), Kayla Jannsen (Musical Director) & Jamie Schwaba (Managing Director)
- Cost: $110
- When: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
- Where: Jefferson Elementary (1268 W 5th St, Winona, MN 55987)
- Class Begins: Monday, March 16
- Class Ends/ Performance for Friends & Family: Wednesday, April 28
- No class dates: March 30, April 13
- How to Register: All registrations will run through Winona Area Public School Community Education. Register Online or call 507-494-0900 for more information.
Main reACTion
Main reACTion is a new improvisational theatre troupe made of Winona Area youth ages 9-15 who are creative quick-thinkers. This activity begun in Summer 2019 as part of Artists on Main Street, a partnership between Winona Main Street, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, and Springboard for the Arts with support from the Bush Foundation.
2019-20 School year Main reACTion
Main reACtion performs a 2-3 times a month. Come get your laugh on at a community performance. Public performances listed on our event page and on our Facebook page.
Summer 2020 Main reACTion Auditions
Do you love to perform and are you ready to take your improv skills to the next level? If so, Main reACTion is for you! MCA is seeking 10-15 creative quick-thinkers to form the Main reACTion improv troupe Summer 2020. Main reACTion's summer troupe will perform at 2-3 locations/events per month and have 1-2 monthly rehearsals. Actors can be excused for a limited number of performances during the performance season due to excused vacations or conflicts.
Date & Time: Postponed due to COVID-19
Age: 9-15 years
Peanut Butter & Jelly Players
Children's imaginations will soar as they recreate storybook tales through dramatizations, music and dance. Each week your child will have fun using theatrical exercises. sing-a-longs and movement games as they prepare for a small performance on the last day of class where they will show off their newly-honed skills.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, May 16-July 13
Times: 9:45-10:15 am
Ages: 4-6 years
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $45
2020 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 15-26, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
Young Dancer Intensive– June 22-26, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 5-25, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Winona Arts Camp 2020- August 3-7, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp- August, 10-14, Monday- Friday, 9:00-11:00 am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
Tap Camp- Aug. 10-14, 11:30 am-1:30 pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 1:30-5:30pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 5+ .
All of these camps will take place at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Please check back soon for more details on these camps, 2020 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
All Dance Classes
Art | Dance | Music | Theatre | Family Programs
Below are all of the age based dance classes that do not require placement by instructor. Dancers who have 1-2 years of experience in a style of dance should contact our office 507-453-5500 and we are happy to help place you in the right class or suggest the right level(s) to trial.
Ballet I
Beginning classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work.
Day/Dates: Mondays, May 11-June 8 (No class May 25)
Time: 4:45-5:45 pm
Age: 7+ (by May 1)
Price: $40
Instructor: R. Ryan
Beginning Hip Hop
Get ready to move to the beat in this fun introduction into the world of hip hop dance with music and moves just right for your age.
Day/Dates: Thursday, May 14-June 11
Time: 5:45–6:30 p.m.
Ages: 6–9 years
Cost: $45
Instructor: A. Kline
Boys in Motion Ages 5-6
Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! This class is specifically designed for young boys ages 5-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.
Day/Dates: Fridays, May 15- June 12
Time: 4:30-5:00 p.m.
Age: 5-6 years (Jan. 1)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Contemporary Dance I
This is a beginning study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 13-June 10
Time: 4-4:45 p.m.
Age: 7+, by 5/1/20
Cost: $45
Instructor: J. Dienger
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Day/Dates: Mondays, May 11-June 8 (No class May 25)
Time: 4-4:45 p.m.
Age: 5 years & up
Price: $36
Instructor: A. Honecker-Sherman
National Tap Dance Day workshops
Each class will include tap technique, warm-ups, and rehearsals to learn a choreographed piece to be performed at MCA’s National Tap Dance Day (NTDD) celebration in the Academy Theatre on Sunday, May 31, at 3 p.m. Each year tap celebrations are held in honor of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s birthday. Don’t miss this exciting performance opportunity! Fee includes a NEW MCA Tapper Shirt
Dates: Classes May 2- May 30, Rehearsal and performance Sunday, May 31.
Days, times and levels: See Below
Tap for Kids- Tuesdays, 5-5:45pm and Saturdays, 9-9:45am p.m. $108 (ages 5+) , J. Meinke (no class on May 5)
Tap I- Mondays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. & Fridays, 5:45-6:45pm $120 (ages 8 years and up ), J. Baechle
Tap II-Tuesdays, 5:45-6:45pm & Saturdays, 9:45-10:45am $120, J. Meinke
Tap III, IV & V- Tuesdays, 4-5:15pm Technique Class, J. Dienger
Saturdays, 10:45am-12:15pm- Rep Class, C. Martin
Just Technique $83, Technique and Rep Class $154
Adult Tap- See Adult Fitness Section
*Please don't let the lack of tap shoes be a barrier, we have a tap shoes that can be borrowed in most sizes, just ask our office. New to MCA? No problem, please contact our office so we may help you choose the right level for you.
Hip Hop I
This is an introduction to movement influenced by hip hop music from across the globe including breaking, popping, locking, and standard hip hop tricks and jumps.
Day/Dates: Thursday, May 14-June 11
Time: 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Age: 10 and older
Cost: $50
Instructor: A. Kline
Boys Dance Sampler (Newly Restructured Class)
This high energy class is just for boys and will enhance their strength, flexibility and athletic skills. This class will use traditional exercises and games to explore classical and contemporary dance disciplines such as hip hop, ballet, modern, and jazz. All experience levels welcome.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 13- June 10
Age: 7-12
Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m.
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Contemporary Dance II
This is an advanced beginner study of contemporary dance, an expressive dance genre that combines elements of modern, jazz, and classical ballet. In addition to exploring dance technique, dancers will also focus on initiation of movement and emotional intent behind each combination.*
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 13-June 10
Time: 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Age: NA
Cost: $50
Instructor: J. Dienger
2020 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 15-26, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
Young Dancer Intensive– June 22-26, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 5-25, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Winona Arts Camp 2020- August 3-7, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp- August, 10-14, Monday- Friday, 9:00-11:00 am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
Tap Camp- Aug. 10-14, 11:30 am-1:30 pm (beg- 2 years tap experience), 1:30-5:30pm (Int. & Adv. tap experience and 11+), Monday- Friday, ages 5+ .
All of these camps will take place at the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts home, The Valencia Arts Center. Please check back soon for more details on these camps, 2020 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
MCA Classes in collaboration with Winona YMCA
Adventures in Ballet: Frozen
Your Little one is invited on a magical journey that will tickle their imaginations as they fall in love with ballet during the class perfect for "Frozen" and dance enthusiasts.
Day/ Date: Wednesdays, Jan. 15- Feb. 26th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Kline
Adventures in Ballet: The Little Mermaid
Young dancers will fill with joy as they use their imaginations and bodies to dive under the water; point their mermaid tail, and jam with their underwater friends.
Day/Date: Wednesdays, March 18- April 29th (7 weeks)
Ages: 3-5 years
Time: 5:30-6 pm
Instructor: A. Kline
Click Here to see full descriptions of YMCA Programs and how to register
Dance Repertory Company
In addition to dance classes, an exciting part of learning experience for MCA students is performance opportunities. Students may audition for MCA's pre-professional performing ensemble, the Dance Repertory Company (DRC), or MCA's junior performing troupe, Dance Repertory Company II. DRC produces two production annually. Biannually DRC presents a full-length production of the traditional holiday classic The Nutcracker.
Important Upcoming DRC & DRC II Dates
DRC II: Animals on Parade: Performances: Friday, Dec. 6- Sunday, Dec. 8.
DRC Annual Spring Dance Concert: Change in Color Auditions: Jan. 18, Performances April 11-13 at the Page Theatre on the Saint Mary's University Campus
Next MCA Nutcracker will be in 2020. Auditions will be Aug. 29, 2020.
For more information about auditioning for DRC, ordering tickets or past productions click here.
Private Lessons
MCA offers private lessons for all ages and abilities! Our experienced teaching artists prepare students for a lifetime enjoyment of music.
Private lessons are offered year-round. Instruction available in flute, clarinet, oboe, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, violin, cello, guitar, bass. piano, percussion, and voice. Students will be expected to purchase method books the instructor feels best address the student’s needs. Students have the opportunity to perform during MCA’s annual fall, winter and summer concerts and other performance opportunities based upon instructor recommendations. Some instruments such as the violin, guitar and piano are better suited for young students, if you have a young child who is interested in learning an instrument please contact us at 507-453-5500 for more information or by filling out a registration form indicating an instrument of interest. Many instruments are also being offered online during the COVID-19 Outbreak.
- 4, 30 minute lessons- $76
- 8, 30 minute lessons- $144
- 12, 30 minute lessons- $204
45 minute and 1 hour lessons may be arranged for more advanced students.
Lesson dates and times: Arranged between MCA instructor and student/family.
NEW! Piano Discoveries I
Your child can begin his or her journey to a lifelong love of piano by joining us for this low–key, but engaging introductory group piano class. Students will have fun as they learn new songs and play games that will unlock musical skills such as notation, listening skills, proper posture, and hand placement. Basic reading ability and access to a keyboard or piano for practice is recommended for optimal success (Free use of pianos at MCA possible subject to availability).
Day/Dates: Session I: Mondays, Jan. 13–March 2
Session II: March 16- May 11 (no class April 13)
Level/Time: 5–6 p.m.
Ages: 6–9 years
Cost: $155 (including textbook material)
Instructor: L. Douglas
Class is limited to 6 participants
NEW! Drummin' Your Summer Away
Use your hands and feet to feel the beat! Come explore the world of drumming and percussion in a fun and relaxed way. From hand drumming to percussion toys this class will give you a chance to experiment with music in a new way.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, June 9-July 28 (8 weeks)
Time/Age:
5-6 p.m., 6-9 years
6-7 p.m., 10-13 years
Cost: $80
Instructor: Kayla Jannsen
Junie B. Jones Jr., The Musical
Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends -— and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting.
Auditions: Postponed due to COVID-19. Register for a 30 minute audition time slot. Students should prepare a 1 min. or less song from a Broadway musical (please bring sheet music) and be prepared to learn a short choreographic sequence. Ages 8+ will also be asked to read from a script provided.
Ages: Youth ages 6-18 are invited to audition
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will be dependent on size of role and age, typically rehearsals will take place between 6:30-8:30 pm during the week, weekend rehearsals possible. No absences between July 22- Aug. 2.
MCA Faculty: Directed by: Catherine Deysach, Musical Directed by: Lisa Douglas, Costumes by: Ruby Oian
Cast Member Price: $70 (there is no fee to audition, those cast pay a fee that covers instruction and costumes)
Performances: Postponed due to COVID-19, MN Conservatory for the Arts, Academy Theatre inside the Valencia Arts Center.
Ticket cost: $10 Adults & $5 Students & Seniors
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
Dates: Winter Semester: Jan. 7- March 18 (No class March 10 or 11)
Age: Grades 6-12
Instructor: D. Gudmastad
Price: $109 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.
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.)
LOCATION & CONTACT
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
E-Mail: mca@smumn.edu
HOURS
All in-person MCA programs and performances are cancelled through May 8, 2020 in a response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Phone calls and emails will be responded to during this time.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
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