Young Artists Lead the Way

Our annual Youth Artist Project partners student artists with professional theatre artists and educators to bring a show to life! By pairing high school students with professionals in the field, students develop their own artistic vision, collaboration and communication skills, and have an authentic, real-world opportunity to apply their skills to mounting a full production of their own design. Whether they pursue a career in the theatre or not, the teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills they learn through the process will benefit them in any profession.

This project is deeply connected to our mission of bringing our community together through shared theatre experiences and ensuring everyone has access to the transformative power of the arts. From the high school students who engage with the project as first-time designers and directors, to the mentors who guide throughout the production process, to the kindergartners who enter the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre for the first time, to the youth who make their stage debut performing, GREAT’s Youth Artist Project opens doors and connects our community through the joyful experience of theatre. 

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Central MN Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.