Spotlight Academy Youth Theatre Program (Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council Grant)

Spotlight Academy Youth Theatre Program

Funder: Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (via Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund legislative appropriation)

Program Type: Youth theatre education program

Geographic Scope: Southeastern Minnesota

Overview

Spotlight Academy is a dynamic 8-week youth theatre program offered by Rochester Community and Technical College for students in grades 3 through 12. The program is made possible through funding from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council via a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Program Details

• Duration: 8 weeks, meets 8 times over 4 months
• Schedule: November 2025 through February 2026, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
• Location: RCTC Hill Theater
• Age Groups: Grades 3-12, divided into three age-based cohorts

Curriculum

Students explore:
• Acting fundamentals
• Character development
• Age-appropriate instruction and rehearsal
• Performance on the RCTC Hill Theater stage

Program Goals

"Spotlight Academy isn't just about teaching theatre—it's about giving students a voice, building confidence, and fostering community through performance."

Instructor

Jerry Casper - Creator and Instructor
• Over 40 years of experience in youth and collegiate theatre
• Master's degree in Theatre Arts
• Director of Theater at RCTC since 2001
• Former Youth Theater Director at Rochester Civic Theatre

Funding Information

The program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Financial Support

Need-based scholarship information is available for families interested in the program.