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
Nature in Color
Explore the beauty and mystery of nature and watercolor paints at the same time. Nature will inspire as you learn new painting techniques, how to mix colors, and have fun expressing yourself through this vibrant medium.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Sept. 23-Oct. 14
Times: 4:30-5:30 pm
Ages: 1st-3rd grade
Instructor(s): B. Haupt
Cost: $59 includes all supplies
NEW! Selfie Inspired
Follow the footsteps of famous artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Frida Kahio and learn the tricks and techniques of a variety of self-portrait styles. You don't want to miss this opportunity to admire that beautiful face in the mirror and play with exciting materials.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Oct. 28-Nov. 18
Times: 4:30-5:30 pm, 1st-3rd grade
5:30-6:30 pm, grades 4+
Instructor(s): B. Haupt
Cost: $59
Reflections Visual Arts Workshop
Come join MN PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Reflections Arts chair, Lori Ortega in an art class that will utilize the 2019-20 Reflections them, "Look Within." Express yourself through art! This hands-on, creative class, where each student will create their own art work.
2-Day Homeschool Workshop in celebration of Arts Education Week:
Day/Dates: Tuesday & Thurs, Sept. 10 & 12
Times & Ages: 10-11:30am, Grades K-8
Learn more about MCA's Homeschool Arts Enrichment Program.
Weekend Workshops:
Day/Dates: Saturday, Nov. 9
Times & Ages: 11-12:30 pm, grades K-2
1 pm- 2:30 pm, grades 3-6
Instructor(s): Lori Ortega
Price: Free, but registration required
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
NEW! 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, Aug. 31- Nov. 16
Times: :45-10-15 am
Ages: 4-6 years
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $96
NEW! Organized Chaos
Whether you are a seasoned actor or just ready to give the stage a try, this class is for you. Spontaneity and creativity are only two of the skills that will be honed as you laugh out loud exploring the world of improvisational theatre. Students will have the opportunity to perform a variety of improv games during an open house on the last day of class as well as during Minnesota Marine Art Museum's Second Saturday on Nov. 2.
Day/Dates: Aug. 29- Nov. 14 and Nov. 2nd performance
Times: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Ages: 7-13
Instructor(s): C. Deysach
Cost: $116
Main reACTion
Main reACTion is a new improvisational theatre troupe made of Winona Area youth. 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.
The public is invited to eight weekly 1-hour performances by Main ReACTion lead by MCA Theatre Instructor, Catherine Deysach on Tuesdays from June 11th- August 6th, 6:30-7:30pm at different locations on Third Street between Main Street & Layfette Street. Stroll downtown on Third Street and you will be sure to find the young actors and actresses wearing brightly colored shirts accompanied by a sign identifying the group. Locations will also be announced on the MCA Facebook page on the day of performances.
2019-20 School year 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 for the 2019-2020 school year. Main reACTion's school year troupe will perform at 1-2 locations/events per month.
Date & Time: Sunday Aug. 11, 6-8pm<
Age: 9-15 years
Cinderella
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre is back! Students ages 7-18 will be cast in the original musical production of “Cinderellas,” 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: Monday-Saturday, April 20- 25
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.)
Homeschoolers Act-it-Out
Specially designed for Homeschoolers in the Winona Area, this class will encourage students to work as an ensemble as they build stage presence and off-the-cuff creativity. Students will enjoy exploring the world of theatre and improvisation, while experiencing the additional benefits of developing communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. On the last day of class, friends and family will be invited to an open house where students will present a variety of scenes & improvisation games. Exciting new material will challenge returning students. Learn more about MCA's Homeschool Arts Enrichment Program.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Sept. 9- Oct. 28
Times & Ages: 10-11am- Ages 7-9
11am- 12pm- Ages 10-14
Instructor(s): C. Schmidt
Price: $52 (8 classes)
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 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.
2019 Summer Camp Overview
Junior Training Program for Dancers- June 17- 28, 9am-4pm, Monday- Friday, ages 9+ (with approx. 3 years dance experience/ MCA Ballet Level II) Q & A about our Junior Training Program.
NEW! Young Dancer Intensive– June 24-28, Monday-Friday, 1-4 pm, ages 6-9 years
17th Annual Boarding Summer Dance Intensive (SDI)- July 7-27, ages 11-22, acceptance by in-person or video audition required. Q & A about our SDI.
Tap Camp- July 29-Aug. 2, 1pm-5pm (Int./Adv. dancers), 3pm-5pm (beg-2 years tap experience), Monday- Friday, ages 6+ .
Winona Arts Camp 2019- August 5-9, Monday- Friday, 9am-3:30pm, 1st-8th grade
NEW! Island Style- August, 12-16 Monday- Friday, 9:30-11:30am, ages 3-5 years & K-1st grade
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, 2019 National Tap Dance Day Celebration workshops, stay strong classes, summer private lessons, spring dance classes, and Arts Camps at the YMCA by MCA staff.
Winona Arts Camp 2019
Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 5th 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 puppet creation and creative journaling to learning chords on a guitar, 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: August 5-9, M-F
Time: 9:00 am- 3:30 pm
Age: 1st - 8th grade
Price: $199, Fee includes camp t-shirt. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.
Class choices for 2019 include: Creative Journaling, Puppet Making, Stain Glass Techniques, Just Weave it, Guitar Star, Recorder Karate, The Monologue Challenge, Acting Up, Musical Theatre Dance, Dance Me a Story, Dance Around the World, and Intro to Hip Hop. Short class descriptions can be found on the class choice form.
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. 2nd at 5:00 pm followed by a potluck pizza party! Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme, come on dancers, it's TAP CAMP time!
Dates: July 29-Aug.2, M-F
Time & Ages: Tap for Kids and Tap I: 3:00-5:00 pm (ages 6+, no experience- 2 years experience)
Tap II-V: 1:00 - 5:00 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: $99
Tap II-V: $189
*Fees include camp t-shirt.
Ballet I
Beginning classical ballet basics, including the introduction of barre work.
Day/Dates: Mondays, Aug. 26-Nov. 11 (No class Sept. 2)
Time: 4:30-5:30 pm
Age: 7 years+ (by 8/1/19)
Price: $109
Instructor: R. Ryan-Dahlgren
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: Tuesdays, Aug. 27- Nov.12
Time: 6-6:45 pm
Age: 6-9 years
Price: $108
Instructor: J. Dienger
Modern I
If your young one enjoys jumping, falling, spinning, rolling and going upside down than this is the venue for them! In this dynamic and expressive class we will lay the foundation to learn various modern dance techniques while also exploring basic movement principles and concepts through improvisation.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Sept. 7-Nov. 16
Time: 12:15-1 pm
Age: 7+ years, by 8/1/19
Price: $99
Instructor: J. Dienger
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, Aug. 30-Nov. 15 (No class Sept. 20)
Time: 5-5:30 pm
Age: 5-6 years (by 8/1/19)
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Irish I
Introduction to Irish Dance technique. Students will learn basic jig and reel steps, along with ceili dances.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Aug. 28-Nov. 13
Time: 5-5:45 pm
Age: 5 years & up
Price: $108
Instructor: A. Pelowski
Tap Kids
An introduction to the fundamentals of tap dance for students ages 5-7. Students will engage in rhythm games and tap exercises through this fun, rhythm filled class. Tap shoes in most sizes are available for loan at no fee.
Day/Dates: Saturdays, Aug. 31-Nov. 16 (No class Oct. 19)
Time: 9-9:45 am
Age: Ages 5-7 years (by 8/1/19)
Price: $119
Instructor: J. Meinke
Jazz I
Beginning level of traditional jazz dance.
Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Aug. 28- Nov. 13
Time: 4-4:45 pm
Age: 8 years & up (by 8/1/19)
Price: $108
Instructor: J. Dienger
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: Thursdays, Aug. 29- Nov. 14 (No class Sept. 19 or Oct. 31)
Age: 7-12
Time: 6:15-7:00 pm
Fee: $18
Instructor: J. Dienger
Try it out for free during our Fall Open House on Saturday, Aug. 24, 11:15-11:45 am
(pre-registration on-line or in-person recommended)
MCA Classes in collaboration with Winona YMCA
Fall Dance Classes at YMCA
Wednesdays, Sept. 11–Oct.23
Ballet Adventures: Pride Rock 5:30–6 pm, ages 3–5 years
My Grown-up & Me 6:15–6:45 pm, ages 18 mo.–3 years with a grown-up
Wednesdays, Nov. 6–Dec. 18
Ballet: Nutcracker 5:30–6 pm, ages 3–5 years
My Grown-up & Me 6:15–6:45 pm, ages 18 mo.–3 years with a grown-up
Instructor: J. Dienger
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 Winter Show Case Auditions: Sept. 7th, 2019 at MCA, beginning- intermediate dancers 5-13 years-old invited to audition for ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and hip hop pieces. Performances: Friday, Dec. 6- Sunday, Dec. 8.
DRC Annual Spring Dance Concert Performances: April 11-13 at the Page Theatre on the Saint Mary's University Campus
Next MCA Nutcracker will be in 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.
- 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.
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: Fall Semester: Sept. 3- Nov. 13
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 “Cinderellas,” 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: Monday-Saturday, April 20- 25
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.)
College Music Audition Workshop
High School Juniors and Seniors who are preparing for college instrumental or vocal auditions or those interested in learning more about the process won’t want to miss this opportunity. This workshop will cover topics including how to choose repertoire, audition requirements, and distance and on-site auditions. The final portion of the class will be mock-auditions which will allow a handful of students the opportunity
to perform an audition piece and receive feedback.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
Time: Tuesdays, 1-2 pm 11am-12:30 pm
Ages: High School Juniors & Seniors
Fee: $20 to perform, $5 to observe
Instructor: Lindsy O'Shea (an accompanist and additional MCA Faculty may join on performing participants musical interests).
LOCATION
Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts
1164 West Howard (10th) Street
Winona, MN 55987
Phone: 507-453-5500
Fax: 507-453-5507
OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Wednesday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday
10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Building and Galleria open during programming
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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