Steppingstone Theatre For Youth Development

Specialties

SteppingStone Theatre’s mission is «to develop the whole child by using educational theatre programs, and fully staged productions to build self-​esteem, confidence, and a sense of community while celebrating diversity in a supportive, non-​competitive atmosphere.»

SteppingStone’s programs foster creativity, self-​expression and self-​confidence; teach children and youth about history, diverse cultures, literature and the arts while making learning engaging and entertaining; and help to create in youth a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

In December 2007, the company moved to its new home in a 100-​year-​old renovated former church in St. Paul (next to William Mitchell Law School)!

History

Established in 1987.

SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development is in its 23^rd year of serving youth from diverse ethnic, social and economic backgrounds by teaching life skills through theatre. Founded in 1987 from the education programs at the former Chimera Theatre. More than 750,000 children, families & educators have attended or participated in SteppingStone Theatre events over the years. SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development won the 2005 Sally Ordway Irvine award for excellence in theatre education.

The company focuses on three program areas:

Mainstage: 200 performances each year, nearly 100 performers ages, 8 – 18 perform on stage annually, 40,000 audience members each year

Education: Over 7000 students served ages 3−½ to 16 each year through, 10-​week semester classes and summer camps

Outreach: Over 40 curriculum-​based artists-​in-​residence in schools across MN each year, over 100 community education & after-​school programs across the region each year, over 10,000 participants each year.

Meet the Manager

Richard H.

Manager

Richard Hitchler, Artistic Director, earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota and has been an administrator, teacher, actor, and director since 1987. Locally, he has worked with Illusion Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company, Cricket Theatre, Teatro Latino, and the Homeward Bound Theatre. Richard spent a number of years in Florida, working with Florida Studio Theatre, TheatreWorks, and the Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Hitchler was appointed Artistic Director of SteppingStone Theatre in 1997 where he has directed over 25 productions including Hanuman King of the Monkeys, Young MLK, The Stinky Cheese Man, Ruby!, and produced more than 60 productions.

Steppingstone Theatre For Youth Development also recommends

Salut Bar Americain

170

reviews

French

Richard H. says,

«After our mainstage show redeem your SteppingStone ticket at Salut for one FREE kids meal with the purchase of an adult entrée.»