Welcome to SteppingStone Education!
Jump to Theatre Learning by Age | General Class Policies | COVID-19 Policies | Cancellation and Transfer Policy
At SteppingStone Theatre for Youth, we believe that
- All young people are artists, makers and doers.
- They need to belong and to contribute to their world.
- When young people make art together, they change themselves, and the world around them, for the better.
So, we create art-making experiences with young people (and sometimes, their adults).
Art-making experiences with SteppingStone are rich, sometimes messy, collaborative processes from the first “name game” through the final sharing for family and friends. Young people who experience high-quality Arts Learning opportunities strengthen their ability to hone crucial life-skills in critical thinking, social/emotional development, physical awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Our classes, staffed by professional Teaching Artists, create space for youth to explore theatrical skill-sets while experiencing a strong sense of community. We welcome students of all skill and ability levels from Ages 3-18.
Join us for some real art-making, real play, and real connection!
Our Core Values
Theatre Learning by Age
THEATRE EXPLORERS
This model is specifically designed with our youngest Theatre Artists in mind. Our Teaching Artists encourage discovery and real-world connections through storytelling and creative play while fostering social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. With minds, bodies, and voices engaged, Young Artists express themselves through music, creative movement, dramatic play, art-making, and interactive storytelling to enhance skills in language, collaboration, active listening, and community building. During the last 10 minutes of each class, caregivers are invited to join us for a sharing of the activities we investigated that day.
Theatre Learning Looks Like:
- Developing self-expression through play, creative movement, and drama exploration
- Engaging in parallel and/or cooperative play with peers
- Exploring a mixture of structured and open-ended art-based activities
PAGE-TO-STAGE
This class model is specifically designed for preschool & kindergarten Theatre Artists. Our Teaching Artists encourage learning through storytelling and creative play while fostering social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. With minds, bodies, and voices engaged, Young Artists express themselves through story creation, music, creative movement, dramatic play, and art-making to enhance skills in theatre fundamentals, early literacy, communication, creative thinking, cooperation, active listening, and community building. On the last day of class, family & friends are invited to a sharing of creative drama exercises, original scenes, favorite songs, and artwork.
Theatre Learning Looks Like:
- Developing self-expression through play, creative movement, and drama exploration
- Engaging in guided group drama experiences
- Exploring stories with creative drama strategies like pantomime, narration, and frozen image
CREATE-A-PLAY
Create and perform an original play based on the class theme! Work collaboratively with your peers to develop the story, setting, characters, dialogue, and staging. Throughout the creative class process, engage in games and activities to hone your fundamental theatre skills. Perform your play for family & friends on the final day of class.
Theatre Learning Looks Like:
- Expressing individual ideas that contribute to a larger group concept
- Learning theatre foundations like vocabulary, actor tools, and how to structure a story
- Making physical & vocal choices to develop & practice performance technique
BUILD YOUR SKILLS
Develop your theatre technique in skill-based, workshop-style classes. Explore Acting, Dancing, Singing, Music, Movement, technical skills like Stage Makeup or Puppetry and much more!
Skill-Based Learning Looks Like:
- Learning skill-specific vocabulary & concepts at an age-appropriate level
- Understanding concepts though warm-ups, games, exercises, projects, and exploration
- Scaffolding & building-upon concepts to achieve mastery
EXPLORE PERFORMANCE
Immerse yourself in a Devised Theatre rehearsal process as you create, stage, and perform an original short play or musical! Inspired by the class theme, and under the guidance of your Director, work with your class to develop the show’s setting, characters, dialogue, and staging. While you’re creating the show, study theatrical skill-sets and apply the skills you’ve learned to the final performance. Throughout this process-driven class, engage in rehearsal practices, and theatre games/activities to sharpen your foundational performance skills. On the final day of class, perform your original work for family & friends!
Theatre Learning Looks Like:
- Integrating multiple performance styles & theatre concepts
- Rich collaboration – discussing & contributing ideas to enhance performance
- Director’s notes – observation, suggestion, support, and feedback to introduce and refine performance concepts
- Providing opportunity for intentional group reflection on artistic work
Skill-Based Learning Looks Like:
- Learning skill-specific vocabulary & concepts at an age-appropriate level
- Understanding concepts though warm-ups, games, exercises, projects, and exploration
- Scaffolding & building-upon concepts to achieve mastery
TEEN WORKSHOPS
Do you crave connection with creative and artistic people, like yourself? Are you interested in the Performing Arts and eager to learn all you can about the craft? Whether you’ve got experience or not – we’ve got a class for you! SteppingStone’s Teen Workshops feature process-driven learning, in a specific theatrical skill-set, with classes structured to create strong ensembles and promote a supportive and fun classroom community. Join your peers in an inclusive, safe, and creative learning environment where you will feel comfortable expressing yourself and growing as an Artist. Our Teaching Artists structure classes to minimize competition or comparison. Instead, we challenge everyone to put in the work, stretch outside their comfort zones, and be open-minded in learning new techniques. With this approach, we create strong theatre foundations, a hunger & drive for artistic development, and a network of peers & mentors to help support you in your theatre journey.
Theatre Learning Looks Like:
- Exploring a variety of theatre games and exercises intended to target and refine theatrical skill-sets
- Rich collaboration – contributing, discussing, and integrating ideas into an ensemble-driven Showcase of Work
- Using research, critical analysis, and cultural context to develop and enhance the Showcase of Work
- Director’s notes – observation, suggestion, support, and feedback to introduce and refine performance concepts
- Sharing in leadership responsibilities throughout the class
- Intentional time dedicated to group-reflection and self-reflection on artistic work
Classes & Camps
What should my child bring to camp?
Students should dress for movement and wear sneakers. Layers are recommended. Students must wear a face mask. Students should pack a lunch, 2 snacks, and a water bottle (no fridge or microwave available for student use). Because classes will spend a lot of time outdoors, sunscreen, sunglasses, bug repellant, and a hat are recommended. We find a backpack works best for keeping track of all personal belongings.
What is the maximum number of students in a class or camp?
VIRTUAL
Ages 3 – 4: 10 max
Pre-K & K: 12 max
Grades 1 – 3: 16 max
Grades 4 – 6: 20 max
Grades 7 – 12: 20 max
IN-PERSON
In-person classes will have a maximum capacity of 9 students per class to allow enough space to distance by 6 ft in all directions.
Will students always remain distanced in class?
For most class activities, students will remain distanced from each other in their designated 6 ft learning bubbles. There will be times during outdoor activities, like recess, when students will be allowed to play freely. Any activity where proper distancing cannot be maintained will be conducted outdoors, with masks required, and students will not be allowed to touch/grab/tag/etc. Handwashing/sanitizing will take place immediately following an activity.
Will classes interact with other classes throughout the day?
No, each class will operate as its own pod and will not interact with other classes throughout the day. The Teaching Artist and Classroom Assistant will remain with their class all day, and there will be no class rotations. Each class will have a designated schedule to ensure bathrooms, snacks, lunch, recess, and transition times will not overlap with other classes.
How will snack, lunch, and recess work?
Students will eat snacks and lunch outside, distanced, with their class and teachers. Each class has a designated recess time, either before or after lunch, to avoid mixing multiple classes on the playground equipment and field. If weather is uncooperative, lunch and recess will be conducted indoors, class-by-class, either in the gym or in their classroom.
What is the maximum number of summer camps on-site each week?
SteppingStone will run no more than 5 classes concurrently, limiting the total number of people on campus to approximately 60 students & staff.
How will final sharings work?
To limit the number of people on campus for live camps and technology problems for virtual studios, we will not have audiences for our end-of-class sharings. Instead, we will record them and share a video link with you on the final day of class. Links can be forwarded to family & friends.
Can we observe/sit-in on class?
To limit the number of people on campus for live camps, caregivers, family members (including siblings), and friends are not able to observe/sit-in on class.
What should my student wear to class?
Please send your student in comfortable clothing that allows for movement (nothing too restrictive or too baggy) and closed toe shoes. Flip-flops, dress shoes, or shoes without backs are discouraged for safety reasons. Students will be participating in rigorous physical activity, and working on messy art projects. Clothing may get dirty, stained, or torn. All art products we use are washable. SteppingStone is not responsible for damaged attire.
How will drop-off and pickup work?
Drop-off & pick-up will be conducted outdoors in our field space along a residential street. During drop-off, caregivers will pull-up to the curb and let their students out of the vehicle. A staff member will greet each student and conduct a brief health check before directing them to their class. At pick-up, classes will report to the field as caregivers pull-up along the curb. Caregivers are welcome to step out of their vehicle and wait on the boulevard, or wait in their vehicle. When a student recognizes their caregiver/vehicle, their teacher will sign them out and staff will be nearby to ensure all students make it to their cars safely.
Will you provide before or after care?
To limit the amount of crossover between classes, we are unable to offer Before/Aftercare this summer.
Will I be allowed entrance into the building for drop-off or pick-up?
To limit the number of people on campus, we are not allowing caregivers to enter the building. If you are picking-up early, please ring the school buzzer and your student will be brought out to you. If you are dropping-off late, please walk your student to the door, ring the buzzer, and a staff member will walk your student to class.
What class should I register for?
For classes during the school year, please register for the class(es) available in your student’s CURRENT grade-level or age-range. For classes during summer time, please register for the class(es) available in your student’s RISING grade-level.
Can I register my student for a class they are too young/old for?
We understand that some students thrive in an environment including students either younger or older than their peer group. However our age ranges are firm and we cannot make exceptions.
How can my student perform in a SteppingStone Mainstage show?
SteppingStone typically casts students ages 14-18 in our Mainstage productions. Occasionally, we will cast students as young as 12. Casting is conducted through an audition process where not all students will be cast. We typically see between 50-100 auditionees and have space to cast approximately 20 students. We highly encourage students to continue auditioning if they are not immediately cast. Our auditions are designed to be non-intimidating and beginner-friendly. We welcome all skill & ability levels to try-out. To learn more about our auditions please see our Auditions page or check Minnesota Playlist.
Too young to audition? Register for our classes and build the skills you need to be successful when your time comes!
Are you audition-aged but not quite ready for the audition competition? Check-out our LEAP program!
Registrations
- School Year: register for classes in your student’s current grade or age-range
- Summer Camp: register for classes in your students rising grade
- Register online or write us at education@steppingstonetheatre.org.
- SteppingStone cannot make exceptions to admit students into a specific class who are too young/too old for the program
Payments, Discounts, & Scholarships
- All of our programs are Pay As You’re Able. Please pay what your family can afford. That may mean covering your fees and someone else’s. It also may mean paying most or some of the fee. We want every young artist to be able to attend and we will work with you to make attendance possible. SteppingStone Theatre is able to provide programming and continue supporting families, teaching artists, and other theatre artists through class registration fees and the generosity of donors. Please give to support access for all young people.
- All classes require a $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit
- Deposit is required to hold a place in the class
- Direct questions to education@steppingstonetheatre.org
Cancellations
SteppingStone Theatre retains a $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit with all class registrations. If SteppingStone cancels a class, you may join a different class, or receive a full refund including your deposit amount. If you cancel a registration, for any reason including illness or emergency, SteppingStone will retain the $50 deposit and other fees as outlined:
- Cancellations up to 2 weeks prior to the start date: Full refund less the $50 deposit
- Cancellation between 1 & 2 weeks prior to the start date: A class credit for the registration amount less the $50 deposit, to be used on a future SteppingStone class within one year of cancellation.
- Cancellation within 1 week prior to the start date or after the start date: No refund. No exceptions.
- Exceptions will be considered for students with COVID-19 symptoms.
No Food Sharing Policy
In order to keep our students safe & healthy, SteppingStone implements a No Food Sharing Policy. This means students are only allowed to consume food/beverages that were provided to them by their caregiver. SteppingStone does not allow students to swap or share food items. Teaching Artists & SteppingStone Staff will not provide students with treats or snacks. Students who wish to bring treats or snacks for their class on special occasion are asked to, instead, provide their class with a small trinket or toy.
Allergy Management
Education Office Staff and many of our Teaching Artists are trained to administer Epi Pens and call 911 in the event of medical emergency. For students with allergies that require Epi-pens (or other injectors) we request to be made aware of the severity of the allergy & location of the life-saving medication up-front. Epi-pens should be stored in the student’s backpack or (ideally) with the Teaching Artist at all times.
We see many students with severe allergies in our programs and work with the caregiver to ensure the student is able to participate fully while staying safe & healthy.
Medical Action Plan
SteppingStone does not have a nurse or medical professional on staff. All Office Staff & many of SteppingStone’s Teaching Artists are trained in CPR, First Aid & the administering of Epi-Pens. All staff receive annual training on protocol for responding to medical emergencies. In the event of a medical emergency, SteppingStone will call 911 and notify caregivers.
Education staff cannot administer medication without an authorized note. If a student is feeling unwell, a caregiver will be notified and the student will be sent home. SteppingStone will not administer over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications if a student begins to feel unwell, even at the request of the caregiver. Caregivers are welcome to stop-by our theatre and administer any medications to their student in-person.
Young Person-Centered Behavior Policy
SteppingStone values each young person’s unique skills and ideas. We strive to meet young people where they are and empower them to problem solve and find solutions to their problems. Young people are at the center of our behavior policies and we believe they are individually and collectively responsible for their actions, words, and treatment of others. Please download our behavior policy.
Illness Policy
Please download our comprehensive Illness Policy
Pronouns
At SteppingStone, we respect each student’s gender identity and refer to each student by their specified pronouns and name.
Restrooms
SteppingStone has gendered, non-gendered, accessible, and single-stall restrooms. Students are allowed to use the restroom that best suits their gender identity or use the single-stall restroom for additional privacy or comfort. Classes take several group restroom breaks during the day. During group restroom breaks, teachers monitor for hand washing and disruptive/inappropriate behavior. Students are allowed to use the restroom, as needed, throughout the day.
Electronic Device & Toy Policy
Students under Grade 7 are not allowed to use their electronic devices or toys during class time, snack, lunch, or recess unless prescribed by a medical professional. Students in Grades 7-12 are permitted to use electronic devices only during class breaks (snack, lunch, recess) provided the use is appropriate. SteppingStone is not liable for the exchange of contact information via devices or for lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed devices and toys. SteppingStone reserves the right to confiscate devices or toys that have become distracting or inappropriate and return them at the end of the day. If devices or toys are confiscated, we request the item(s) not return to class.
For all enrolled, if you would like to reach your student during class hours, please call our main line at 651-225-9265. Students wishing to speak with their caregiver during class hours will be instructed to call from our office phone.
Media Release & Information Sharing Policy
SteppingStone will never share your information with outside parties. Our website & database are securely encrypted and credit card information is not kept on file.
SteppingStone Theatre regularly photographs and records its programs and participants to document its programs for its funders and to promote programs in the community. When such photographs or videos are used in brochures, advertisements, or other promotions, children are not identified by name. When completing paperwork for class, you have the ability to opt-out of this policy.
School Year Classes
During the 2020-’21 school year, SteppingStone offers Virtual Studio classes during Fall, Winter, and Spring. Programs are offered for all skill & ability levels from ages 18 months to 18 years.
Summer Camps
In-person summer camps are in the works for 2021. Details and registration will be available in March.
COVID-19 Policies
Yes, students and staff are required to wear masks with the exception of eating, drinking, and designated “mask break” times. Face shields can be worn in addition to a mask, but cannot replace a mask. Disposable masks will be provided to any student for any reason. We require masks that follow CDC guidelines. The CDC’s guide to mask-wearing can be found here.
Each class will have designated indoor and outdoor class space. Teaching Artists are encouraged to conduct class outdoors as much as possible. Snack, lunch, and recess will be conducted outdoors, weather permitting. Classes will be held indoors when weather conditions are not favorable (excessive heat, wind, rain, etc.)
Yes, all indoor classrooms are equipped with windows that open for fresh air, filtered air ventilation/circulation, AC units, and enough space for each student to socially distance by 6 feet in all directions. Each student will have a designated space to put their belongings and participate in activities distanced from their peers & teacher.
Students will use hand sanitizer and wash their hands frequently. Handwashing will be conducted before & after all snack, lunch, recess, and bathroom breaks. Hand sanitizing will be conducted at drop-off, pick-up, and after each class activity. Additional hand washing & sanitizing will be implemented as needed. SteppingStone will provide hand sanitizer in the classroom and at entrances/exits. Students are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer.
Classrooms, restrooms, and hallways will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized daily by a professional custodian. Restrooms will be sanitized after each use. High-touch surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized throughout the day by staff and custodial professionals. Students will mostly be provided with their own supplies for classroom activities. If class supplies must be shared, they will be cleaned and sanitized before and after use and students will wash their hands.
Yes, before entering camp each day all staff & students will have their temperature taken and complete a verbal health questionnaire. Anyone with a temp. of 100+ or who is exhibiting common symptoms of COVID will not be allowed to enter the building. Students must be fever-free for 72 hours without medication before returning to camp. Providing a negative COVID test is highly encouraged, but not required. Staff who have a fever must provide one negative COVID test before returning to camp.
We will still require the individual to wear a mask, social distance, and abide by all COVID safety precautions.
Yes, we are offering a few Virtual Studio summer camps for Ages 4-18. Virtual Studios will be conducted separately from our in-person classes; virtual students will not be video-conferencing with in-person classrooms.
What happens if a student experiences symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19?
If a student experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at camp, the student will be immediately quarantined and caregivers will be notified to pick up the student. If a student tests positive, the camp that the student is enrolled in will transition to a virtual format. All families who have had contact with the student will be notified by SteppingStone Theatre staff. Jump to Refund Policy
What happens if a staff member or teaching artist experiences symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19?
If a staff member or teaching artist experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at camp, they will be immediately sent home. If a staff/teacher tests positive, the individual will be removed from campus and any camps the individual has had contact with will transition to a virtual format. All families who have had contact with the individual will be notified by SteppingStone Theatre staff. (jump to refunds) Jump to Refund Policy
What happens if a student or staff member is identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19?
If a student or staff member is identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, that individual must isolate and will not be able to rejoin the class. Staff is required to get a COVID test, and students will be strongly encouraged to get a test. The class will only transition to a virtual format if the individual later tests positive for COVID-19 or starts showing symptoms. All families who had contact with the student will be notified by SteppingStone. Jump to Refund Policy
Will the entire student population be notified of any positive COVID-19 case within the campus?
Yes, SteppingStone Theatre staff will alert all families of any positive COVID-19 cases on campus.
- First communication: All students and staff members within the positive case’s class will be notified, encouraged to isolate and get tested, and will transition to a virtual class format.
- Second communication: All students and staff members on campus will be alerted of the positive case and potential exposure.
Cancelation and Transfer Policies
There is a $50 non-refundable and non-transferable class deposit.
- Cancelation more than 2 weeks before a class begins will result in a full refund, less the $50 deposit.
- Cancelation within 1-2 weeks of a class beginning will result in a class credit, less the $50 deposit.
- Cancelation 1 week or less before a class begins will result in no refund or credit.
Exceptions will be considered for students with COVID-19 symptoms.
Students may transfer camp sessions (based on availability) without a processing fee, 2+ weeks before a class begins. Class transfers requested less than two weeks before a class begins may not be accommodated. If camp registration fees are not equal, any cost difference must be paid at the time of transfer.
In the event of a positive COVID-19 case within a camp, the camp will not be canceled but instead transition to a virtual format. Refunds will be considered for students with COVID-19 symptoms.
If SteppingStone cancels a class, for any reason, you will be issued
- a full refund including the $50 deposit for classes that have not yet started.
- a prorated refund (including the $50 deposit) for classes that have started.