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
Doodle Club
Each week students will have a chance to unwind from their day as they explore using shapes, lines and patterns to create new doodle designs. Come create and even relax the mind with us.
Students will just need a device enabled with Wi-Fi, white 8 1/2 x 11 typing paper, pencil, eraser and fine line felt tip black pen. Additionally, colored pencils or markers can be used to enhance creations, but are not required.
Main reACTion Improv Troupe
Ready to take your improv skills to the next level? If so, Main reACTion is for you! The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is again seeking creative quick-thinkers (ages 8-18) to join the Main reACTion Improv Troupe for the spring session which runs from January - May. Main reACTion’s school-year troupe rehearses twice monthly and will perform at a few local venues in Winona.
Those auditioning should bring a short story, poem, or other spoken word script to read in an exciting way. There will also be provided, two or three options for readings. Those auditioning should also bring a calendar with any vacation, known school year activities or end of summer activities on it to note conflicts on the audition form. Troupe members will be selected based on their ability to think on their feet, make quick decisions, stage presence, ability to work with others, and variety of ideas. There is no fee to audition, but troupe members will be asked to pay $60 to participate for January - May 2023, which covers all instruction for monthly rehearsals and a T-shirt.
Main ReACTion was established in June 2019 as an activity that was 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. Thanks to the interest and success of the troupe will continue to provide a creative outlet to area youth and entertain community members of all ages.
Auditions: Saturday, January 7th 12:00-1:00pm in the Recital Hall at MCA’s home, the Valencia Arts Center (1164 W. 10th Street, Winona, MN)
Age: 8-18 years
Cost: $60
Prairie Fire Children's Theatre presents Snow White! Cancelled
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre will be back for the fifth visit to Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Area students ages 7-18 are invited to join the cast of “Snow White.” The show promises to be fun for old and young alike, and continues Prairie Fire’s tradition of retelling the classics with a twist. Snow White is saved by the Prince, but not with a kiss! There is a great deal of music, including production numbers featuring The Townspeople and a lot of movement highlighted by the Queen’s Spellbinders and the Forest Creatures. Any student registered will be cast in this week-long production. No prior theatre experience is required. All cast members are required to participate in the audition process on April 24, 2023 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals April 24-28, 2022 Monday- Friday, 4-8:30 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 28th, 2022 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 29th, 2022 at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at the Valéncia Arts Center.
Professional actors/ directors from Prairie Fire Children's Theatre will play The Huntsman and Wicked Queen but the rest of the cast will be filled in by Winona area students. Rolls filled by area youth include: Snow White, The Prince, The Seven Dwarfs, The Mirror, The Ravens, The Spellbinders, The Forest Creatures and the Townspeople.
The community will be invited to the performances on April 28 at 7:00pm and April 29 at 2pm. Tickets are $8 for Adults and $5 for students (Tickets-on sale during MCA business hours April 24-28 and 1 hour prior to each performance at the door. Cash or check only.)
All rehearsals and performances will follow MCA's COVID Code of Conduct.
Day/Dates: Monday-Saturday, April 24-29, 2023
Times: TBA (depends on role assigned, see time frames above)
Instructor(s): Professional Actors/Directors from Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre
Cast Member Price: $75 (All students who register will be cast, need-based scholarships available)
Ticket cost: $8 Adults & $5 Students (Tickets-on sale during MCA business hours April 24-28 and 1 hour prior to performances at the door. Cash or check only.)
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 IA
A beginning level of classical ballet technique for ages 7 and up. Students will be introduced to foundational ballet vocabulary through basic barre and center work.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 10-June 14
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Age: 7 and up
Fee: $72
Instructor: Jess Dienger
New to Ballet? We know that finding dancewear can be hard in our area, but please don't worry. Thanks to donations we are happy to offer families gentled used dancewear to families in need. Please contact our office to inquire at: mca@smumn.edu.
Ballet IB
A beginning level of classical ballet technique for ages 8 and up. Students will continue to build a strong technical foundation as they advance their knowledge of ballet vocabulary through barre and center work. Placement is at the discretion of the instructor.
Day/Dates: Thursdays, May 11-June 15
Times: 4:30-5:45pm
Ages: 8 and up
Fee: $90
Instructor: Jess Dienger
Ballet II
A fast beginning level of classical ballet technique for ages 9 and up. Students will meet twice a week to increase their consistency of training, strength and endurance. Classes will focus on the continuation of expanding vocabulary through more challenging barre and center work. Placement is at the discretion of the instructor.
Days/Dates: May 9-June 15
Times: Tuesdays, 4:45-6:15 pm with Tammy Schmidt
Thursdays, 4:30-5:45 pm with Jess Dienger
Age: 9 and up
Fees: $98
Instructors: Tammy Schmidt & Jess Dienger
Tap I
A beginning level of rhythm tap for ages 7 and up. Students will engage in rhythm games and tap exercises to build a strong technical foundation.
Day/Dates: Tuesdays, May 9-June 13
Time: 4:30-5:15pm
Age: 7 and up
Fee: $66
Instructor: Jess Dienger
Tap shoes available in most sizes available through our free tap shoe lending program.
Tap II
A fast beginning level of rhythm tap technique for ages 9 and up. Students will engage in exercises to increase articulation of sounds, promote musicality and expand tap vocabulary. Placement is at the discretion of the instructor.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 10-June 14
Time: 4:10-4:55pm
Age: 9 and up
Fee: $72
Instructor: Jess Dienger
Tap shoes available in most sizes available through our free tap shoe lending program.
Contemporary I - A beginning level of contemporary dance for ages 7 and up. Contemporary is an expressive dance genre that combines elements of classical ballet, modern, and jazz. Classes will focus on body and spatial awareness, intentional movement and self-expression.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, May 10-June 14
Time: 5:00-5:45 pm
Age: 7 and up
Fee: $66
Instructor: Jess Dienger
Hip Hop I/II
Hip Hop I – A beginning level of hip hop dance for ages 7 and up. Students will engage in movement games and high-energy exercises while learning basic technique vocabulary throughout this fun, aerobic class.
Hip Hop II – A fast beginning level of hip hop dance for ages 9 and up. Students will expand upon basic technique vocabulary, increase endurance and flexibility, and be introduced to several subgenres of the dance form, such as popping, locking and breaking. Placement is at the discretion of the instructor.
Day/Dates: Mondays, January 9 – March 13 (No Class January 16)
Time: 6:15-7:00pm
Age: 7 and up
Fee: $99
Instructor: Jess Dienger
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. Virtual and in-person lessons are available.
- 4, 30 minute lessons- $80
- 8, 30 minute lessons- $160
- 12, 30 minute lessons- $240
45 minute and 1 hour lessons may be arranged for more advanced students.
Lesson dates and times: Arranged between MCA instructor and student/family.
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
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday- 9:00am-3:00pm and 3:45-8:00pm
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday- Closed
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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