Theatrical opportunities abound for Saint Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation School students. Involvement in VISTA Productions allows them to apply their scholastic knowledge while nurturing their creative talents. We offer a wide variety of theatrical productions ranging from classical works such as Shakespeare to contemporary pieces by national and local playwrights.
Our season also includes instruction in comedy improvisation techniques, dance and choreography, with numerous opportunities for student leadership in the creative and production process. Every year, we strive to design a season that challenges and enlightens our students while helping them discover their talents.
The skills acquired through theatre will not only round out an educational experience, it will last a lifetime. Consider the many exciting opportunities for exploration: acting, scenic design, costuming, choreography, comedy improvisation, stage managing, technical theatre, dancing, singing and producing…all of these are part of the VISTA program.
Directors ~ Wendy Short-Hays and Elliott Hays
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This year Full Circle becomes FULL-ER
By: Wendy Short-Hays
The annual winter show by VISTA Productions called Full Circle is an original piece created around a theme or concept. In the past it has included movement, dance, improvisation, live music and acting. Any student who can commit the time is welcome into the cast and many of the moments are student-created. This year the development of the piece began over the summer when the Theatre Council and several other students took a trip to Interact Center for the Arts in Minneapolis to begin a collaboration with their company of performance artists.
Founded in 1996, Interact’s mission “to create art that challenges the perception of disability has opened its doors for artists with disabilities…who might never have seen art as a life choice, but now see art as essential to their humanity. With over 125 artists working in theater and/or studio arts, Interact is multi-cultural, intergenerational, and embraces the entire spectrum of disability labels. Interact’s work is driven by a vision of radical inclusion.”
Visitation and Saint Thomas Academy students have been volunteering at the Center for over 15 years to fulfill their Senior Community Service project. The students often continue their association with Interact, returning during their college years to participate in the center’s activities or even becoming staff members. To Scotty Reynolds, the Center’s volunteer coordinator, a creative collaboration seemed like a perfect opportunity to blend VISTA and Interact artists.
The trip to Interact in July brought forth a myriad of wonderful concepts and ideas for this year’s Full Circle. The energy and excitement in the room was palatable as the title of “Black and White and Re(a)d All Over or What’s News?” was chosen. Since then VISTA students have been choosing music and themes to further develop the content of the show while Wendy Short-Hays took several trips to Interact to get more input from their artists. On Thursday, December 13, the two companies met for the first time on DeSales Auditorium stage and Full Circler became fuller.
Watch for more updates on this exciting project but you’ll want to mark your calendar for this ”news worthy” event!
“Black & White & Re(a)d All Over”
February 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m.
February 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors
For more information about Interact Center: http://www.interactcenter.com/about-us.html
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Auditions for VISTA Productions
Spring Musical
Guys & Dolls
Auditions:
Monday, February 4 and Tuesday, February 5
3:15-6:00 p.m.
Visitation
(taken on a first come/first served basis)
Please prepare a song from musical theatre and bring sheet music. For callbacks, please dress for movement. If you need assistance choosing a song contact Wendy Short-Hays or Randi Rexroth.
Callbacks:
Wednesday, February 6 and Monday, February 11
3:15-6:30 p.m.
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| Upper School students from Saint Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation School combine to form VISTA Productions, which produces theatrical works and creative projects in DeSales Auditorium at Visitation and throughout the community. There are many exciting opportunities for involvement both on and off stage. VISTA Productions' scenic and technical program offers many creative opportunities for students to contribute to production design and execution. Our students have been recognized by the Hennepin County Spotlight Music Theatre awards for excellence in lighting design, stage management and sound design. There is no previous experience necessary, just a willingness to explore, create, dream and get your hands dirty. |
All performances for VISTA Productions are at the DeSales Auditorium, Visitation Fine Arts Center - 2455 Visitation Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. Contact Artistic Director Wendy Short-Hays at 651-683-1750 for tickets. |  |
