Spotlight Education

We're thrilled to announce that Kiara Angline and Jacob Marckel have been chosen as our 2026 Jimmy Awards® Actor Nominees! These two young artists will be coached by industry professionals through an intensive rehearsal process and ultimately, make their Broadway debuts on June 22, 2026. We're so proud of you both!

We are proud to announce the performing productions for Spotlight Showcase 2026! These schools will each perform a medley of highlights from their 2025-2026 honored productions. Join us at the State Theatre this June 8-9 to experience theatrical magic hailing from every corner of Minnesota. Get tickets at the link in bio or by visiting HennepinArts.Org.

Congratulations to Megan Erickson, our 2026 Theater Educator Award Recipient!

One of her students wrote: "Megan not only cares deeply about theatre, but also about the lives and well-being of each of her students. Because of her, theatre becomes more than just a performance—it becomes a place where people feel valued, inspired, and confident."

Join us at the State Theatre on June 8-9 as we honor the incredible work of Megan Erickson!

We love seeing Spotlight Education alumni making an impact across the Twin Cities theatre community, like Lyric Arts' completely sold-out run of Mamma Mia!

Pictured (L to R): Jack Moorman ('20), Morgan Kempton ('16), Asher Bennett-Hays ('26), JJ Gisselquist ('18), Jonathan Haller ('19), Carly Joseph ('21), Laini Devin (Spotlight Evaluator), and Joshua Burniece ('16).

Supporting students through arts education creates lifelong connections, careers, and a stronger creative community for all. 🌟

September 21 is the deadline to apply for Disney Musicals in Schools. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring musical theater to your school and provide students with the tools, training, and support to grow as storytellers and performers.

Hear from a past participating school:
"Our performances had no seats left! Our parents are always excited to see high quality theater at an inner city elementary school that has no formal program or resources."
—Teacher from Loring Elementary School

Learn more and apply: https://www.tfaforms.com/5215523

We’re proud to announce the 2026 Community Engagement Award Recipients!

Chisago Lakes High School, Hopkins High School, Kennedy High School, Lakeville South High School, Minnetonka High School, PiM Arts High School, Rogers High School, St. Michael-Albertville High School, Westonka High School, VISTA Productions/Theatre Department of Visitation School and Saint Thomas Academy, White Bear Lake Area High School, and Woodbury High School went above and beyond to make a difference in their communities this past season.

Join us in honoring them at the State Theatre this June 8-9!

Announcing our 2026 Triple Threat on Hennepin! These 24 students will use their skills in singing, acting, dancing, and leadership to participate in an intensive coaching, rehearsal and performance process for Spotlight Showcase. We can't wait to see them shine!

Sending a huge break-a-leg to all the incredible students, educators, musicians, crew members, and creative teams taking the stage this weekend! Your hard work, talent, and passion make magic happen — enjoy every moment in the spotlight!

Anoka High School | Sound of Music
Blaine High School | Big Fish: School Edition
Centennial High School | Mary Poppins
Champlin Park High School | Anything Goes
Cretin-Derham Hall High School | Disney's The Little Mermaid
Hill-Murray School |The Secret Garden
Little Falls Community High School | Mamma Mia!
Minnetonka High School | Monty Python's Spamalot
Mounds View High School | Mamma Mia!
Perpich Arts High School |Once Upon a One More Time
Richfield Senior High School | Mary Poppins
Rosemount High School | Hadestown: Teen Edition
Wabasha Kellogg High School | Newsies




theater





Arts High School

Announcing our 2026 Spotlight Orchestra! These talented musicians will rehearse and perform alongside industry professionals in the pit of the State Theatre during Spotlight Showcase. We can't wait for you to hear them!

Sending a huge break-a-leg to all the incredible students, educators, musicians, crew members, and creative teams taking the stage this weekend!

Opening this weekend: ✨

Andover High School | Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
C**n Rapids High School | Cinderella
Delano High School | Kiss Me, Kate
Farmington High School | Mean Girls: High School Version
Hopkins High School | Urinetown
Sartell High School | The Drowsy Chaperone
Southwest Christian High School | Tuck Everlasting
Tartan High School | Pippin
Two Rivers High School | Little Women
VISTA Productions/Theatre Department of Visitation School and Saint Thomas Academy | The Music Man