The Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (Saint Mary’s) received a $4,350 Cycle 1 Community Grant from the Winona Community Foundation in 2022. This grant supported their 10-week summer youth theatre experience and performance. Funding removed participant fees and will allowed the organization to hire a production coordinator.
The goal was to help students develop their knowledge of the artistic and professional sides of theatre, confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork abilities. The cast of 21 young actors aged 7-15 engaged in 60.5 hours of rehearsals over ten weeks and received technical training in acting, musical theatre dance, and vocal performance. Production co-directors praised the cast’s growth in training areas and parents commented on their children’s growth as well. In the surveys, parents and actors also highlighted the quality of education and praised the co-directors’ energy and expertise.
The benefits of participating in a theatrical production go beyond simply putting on a show. According to co-director Brittany Clipsham, “Learning about acting is not only a great hobby but the skills you learn can be transferred to so many other aspects of life. As a co-director, I saw kids develop their reading and comprehension skills, become better public speakers, and learn emotional intelligence skills like supporting peers with stage fright and confidence in themselves. It was so fun watching them improvise blocking and help with each other on stage when accidents happen like a prop rolling away on the wrong direction. It was such a fun experience and I hope to be a part of it again in the future!” Similarly, co-director Megan Peterson found it “really rewarding to watch the kids step out of their comfort zones, especially with dancing. Even the ones who weren’t really confident or looking forward to it gave the choreography their all and tried their best and made the uncomfortable or confusing fun.”
The production also provided an opportunity for children like Walker and Elsa to shine. As their mother, Becky Woodworth, put it, “What an amazing opportunity for youth in Winona! We are a small community, but have many talented and motivated little individuals, and how amazing they get this experience. My oldest is not into sports like many of his peers, so I was so thankful there was a theatre (and a musical even!) production for him to be involved in. My daughter also came out of her shell by participating and performing, which she has gotten more into. As my two performers say, ‘Wow! We loved it! We can’t wait for the next one!!'”
The performance weekend took on a celebratory air as our actors played to full houses for each show. In the course of rehearsals, the actors became a close-knit and supportive group and learned about the spectrum of human difference through discussions about pronouns. MCA made small alterations to the script, including substituting gender-neutral language throughout certain scenes.
An important part of the Winona Community Foundation’s mission is realized though awarding community grants to meet the ever-changing needs of the community through a competitive process. Funding for this program comes from generous people, like you, who invest in the Foundation either via direct contributions or by holding a charitable fund at the Foundation. It also comes from endowed funds established decades ago. These various sources of funding are vital as the community grant program has become an essential asset for local Winona area nonprofits.
To learn more about the Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (Saint Mary’s), please visit mca.smumn.edu.
