In this class, students will explore using shapes, lines and patterns to create fantastic artwork all while relaxing the mind with doodling. And did you know that there are a multitude of special techniques that can be applied using colored pencils? Creating highlights, shading, blending, shapes, and more. All supplies will be provided.   Day/ Dates: Wednesdays, February 15- March 8 (Adult class, age 18+) 2:00-3:30pm Wednesdays, February 15-March 8 (Youth class, age 8+) 4:00-5:15pm Ages: Instructor: Lisa Douglas Fee: $54 ..read more

Have you ever wanted to learn to be artistic with oil pastels? In this four week session, you will learn how to play with color, blending, and design during this one-of-a-kind class. Art supplies include a set of oil pastels, art paper, drawing pencil, paint pen, and more. In the end, we hope you will come away with a new passion and continue your creative journey with oil pastels. Dates/Time: Wednesdays, January 11-February 1, 2:00-3:30pm Adult class Wednesdays, January 11-February 1, 4:00-5:15pm Youth class Ages: 18+ Instructor: Lisa Douglas Location: Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts ..read more

Ages 9 – high school July 16-29, M-F 9am – 5pm, Showcase at Saint Mary’s University’s Page Theatre, July 29th at 6:30pm 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; and round 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 in preparation for a final showcase for family members. Dress rehears ..read more

We are excited to announce that we will be holding auditions on Saturday, January 14, 2023, for Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts Dance Repertory Company’s spring production. Dancers aged 13 and up are invited to audition. Dancers should come dressed ready to dance and arrive early enough to fill out an audition form. Dancers will want to allow for enough time to warm-up. The schedule for this season’s DRC auditions includes: 10-10:45 am Intermediate Level Ballet Barre Warmup for all dancers auditioning 11 am-12 pm Ballet Repertory (dancers on pointe, please bring your shoes!) 12:15-1 p ..read more

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is excited to announce that we will be offering an 20th annual Summer Dance Intensive, July 9-July 29, 2023.  The 2023 Intensive will be in-person. We are so excited to be able to to offer a wonderful well-rounded and personal experience for intermediate and advanced dancers ages 11-25. Auditions will be at 3 locations.   La Crosse Dance Centre 2716 Commerce St. La Crosse, WI 54603 Saturday, January 22, 2023 1:00am – 3:00pm The Pointe Academy of Ballet and Contemporary Dance 6151 Thorton Ave.- Suite 100 Des Moines, IA 50321 Saturday, March 4 ..read more

Thank you so much to everyone who came to auditions on Saturday. We are so pleased to announce the Spring 2023 cast. If you have been cast please do not forget to initial that you accept the role on the print out on the entry way window at MCA or on the call board at SMU or let us know at mca@smumn.edu if for some reason you cannot commit to the role(s) you have been cast. We look forward to seeing everyone (cast member & parents of those 18 and under) on Wednesday, January 18, from 6:30-7:30pm in the Academy Theatre at the mandatory meeting. Rehearsal schedules, contact sheets and more wi ..read more

As we head into the cold months of the year, we look at ways to stay warm, engaged and active. We are happy to announce that we are again having our open house and Free-4-All! We hope you will join us on Saturday, January 7, 9:00am-3:00pm for this fun and free event. Saturday, January 7, 2023 Free-4-All Dance Schedule: 9am: Beginning Ballet for 6-10 years old (60 minute classes) 10:00am: My Grown Up and Me for 18 months-3 years old and Pre-Ballet for 4 year olds (30 minute classes) 11:00am: Beginning Contemporary for 6-10 years old and Pre-Ballet for 5 year olds (30 minute classes) 12:00pm: B ..read more

Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre will be back for the fifth consecutive year at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. Area students ages 7-18 are invited to join the cast of “Snow White.” 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 to determine their role. Cast members MUST be available for rehearsals Monday- Friday, 4-8:15 p.m. and performances on Friday, April 28, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. Performances are in MCA’s Academy Theatre at ..read more

Once again, we are calling all young actors, ages 8-18! MCA is holding auditions for our youth improv troupe, Main reACTion, on Saturday, January 7 from 12:00-1:00pm in the Recital Hall at MCA (1164 W. Howard Street, Winona). Our wonderful leader Brittany Clipsham, recently co-director of MCA’s popular production of Junie B. Jones: The Musical JR., will lead the group in fun and theatre education. There will be a performance opportunity in May out in the Winona community. For Auditions on January 7th, actors 8-18 should come ready to imagine! Wear comfortable shoes and clothes and pick a 30 se ..read more

Dear MCA Community:  As we begin a new semester it is important to refresh yourself on our Health and Safety guidelines. Modifications and updates have been made since our last update in Spring of 2022, so read carefully! You can reach out directly to Megan Bagniewski, our Administrative Assistant, with any questions (mca@smumn.edu).  Face-coverings are not mandated on MCA premises, with the following exceptions: During classes/lessons: Instructors may require students to wear masks during class or lesson time. Instructors will be asked to notify their students about their requireme ..read more