Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance

- 320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Mankato and the broader southern Minnesota region, the Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance department is a cornerstone of the local arts and culture scene. This is far more than just a university department; it's a bustling hub of creativity that serves both its students and the community at large. The department has two primary goals that work in harmony: to provide high-caliber training to its students in theatre and dance, and to offer the public a multifaceted and high-quality theatrical experience. This means that audiences get to enjoy a wide variety of live performances, from professional-level productions to innovative student-directed works. The offerings are extensive, including a Mainstage Season of major theatrical productions, a Studio Season of student-led shows, and both dance concerts and a children's theatre tour. The department is also home to Highland Summer Theatre, a professional summer stock series that brings in experienced actors and pairs them with talented students. This commitment to both education and entertainment creates a unique synergy that benefits everyone. As one reviewer noted, the productions are "well done, inexpensive, and entertaining," highlighting the department's ability to deliver exceptional value. Whether you are a long-time theatre enthusiast, a family looking for a fun and affordable outing, or a student aspiring to a career on the stage or behind the scenes, Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance provides a welcoming and enriching environment for all.

Location and Accessibility

The Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance department is centrally located on the university campus at 320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for students and community members alike. A significant feature of the facilities, which include the Ted Paul Theatre and the Andreas Theatre, is their strong commitment to accessibility. The venue provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that all patrons can enter the building comfortably and safely. Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot is available, making it convenient for those with mobility challenges to get to and from the venue without any issues. The commitment to inclusivity extends further with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a thoughtful amenity that ensures all visitors have a comfortable experience. The venue’s dedication to accessibility is a key highlight, demonstrating their commitment to making the arts available to everyone in the community. Furthermore, the university offers a welcoming environment with clear signage and a dedicated box office to assist with any needs. For those driving to a performance, patrons are often allowed to park in designated lots during show times without a permit, which is a great convenience for theatergoers from out of town.

Services Offered

Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance is a vibrant hub of artistic activity, providing a comprehensive range of services that serve both its educational mission and its public audience. Their offerings go well beyond simple performances, creating a rich cultural experience for all who attend. Here are some of the key services and programs they provide:

• Live Performances: The department produces a full season of live theatrical productions and dance concerts, showcasing a wide range of dramatic literature and movement possibilities.
• Mainstage Season: This includes several major theatrical productions each year, often featuring large-scale sets, costumes, and a full cast of talented student performers.
• Studio Season: For a more intimate experience, the Studio Season presents fully mounted productions often directed and designed by graduate students, showcasing emerging talent and innovative new works.
• Dance Concerts: The department also presents regular dance concerts, featuring choreography by faculty and students and a wide range of dance styles.
• Children's Theatre Tour: A popular offering is their children's theatre production, which tours local schools and provides an engaging and educational theatrical experience for young audiences.
• Summer Stock Theatre: The professional Highland Summer Theatre series offers two high-quality productions during the summer, drawing a mix of professional actors and students.
• Ticket Sales: They offer convenient ticket purchasing options, including online sales and in-person at the box office, with discounted rates for students and senior citizens.
• Educational Opportunities: For students, the department offers a variety of degree programs, workshops, and opportunities to get involved in productions both on and off stage.

Features / Highlights

What truly makes Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance a standout choice for entertainment in Mankato are the unique features and highlights that define its identity. These elements contribute to a high-quality, enjoyable, and accessible experience for all. Some of the most notable highlights include:

• High-Quality Live Performances: As a department with a mission to train top-tier artists, the quality of their productions is consistently high, providing an excellent entertainment value for the community.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The venue is explicitly "good for kids," offering productions and an atmosphere that are welcoming to young audiences and families. The children's theatre tour is a perfect example of this.
• Comprehensive Accessibility: The commitment to accessibility is a major highlight, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom, ensuring that everyone can attend and enjoy the shows.
• Variety of Productions: The diverse range of shows, from dramatic plays to musicals and dance concerts, ensures there is always something to appeal to every taste.
• Affordable Entertainment: As one reviewer noted, the ticket prices are "inexpensive," making live theatre accessible to a broader audience who might not be able to afford more expensive professional productions.
• Professional Summer Series: Highland Summer Theatre is a unique highlight, providing a professional summer stock experience that elevates the artistic offerings of the community.
• Community Connection: The department actively works to be a part of the Southern Minnesota community, with over 35,000 patrons attending their shows each year, placing them in the top one percent of colleges nationwide for theatre attendance.
• Accepts Modern Payments: The convenience of paying with credit and debit cards makes the ticket purchasing process smooth and easy.

Contact Information

For the latest information on shows, to purchase tickets, or for any other inquiries, you can easily get in touch with Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance. The box office staff is known for being helpful and knowledgeable. You can contact them using the following details:

Address: 320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, USA

Phone: (507) 389-2118

What is worth choosing

Choosing Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance for your next outing is a decision that offers a remarkable blend of high-quality entertainment and exceptional value. The most compelling reason to choose this performing arts center is its dual role as an educational institution and a professional-grade production company. This unique combination means you are witnessing the talent of dedicated students who are being trained by industry professionals, resulting in performances that are both passionate and polished. The reviews from real customers highlight this perfectly, praising the singing and noting that the shows are "well done." The variety of performances, from thrilling dramas to playful children's shows and elegant dance concerts, ensures that there is always something new and exciting to experience, no matter your preference. The commitment to affordability is also a major factor, making the arts accessible to a wider demographic than many other venues. For a fraction of the cost of a professional touring show, you can enjoy a theatrical experience that is just as engaging and often more personal. The dedication to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms, shows a deep consideration for the community and ensures that all patrons are welcome. Ultimately, attending a production at Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance is not just about watching a show; it's about supporting a vibrant local arts scene, encouraging the next generation of artists, and enjoying a high-quality, entertaining, and inclusive night out in the heart of Minnesota.

Minnesota State University Theatre & Dance

320 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001, USA