What is the mission of this program?
Minnetrista Theatre Preserves is a touring theatre group who provides an easy way to incorporate the art of theatre into learning.  We aim to offer schools a hassle free and lower cost field trip experience by bringing professional theatre productions into the classroom with shows built upon the educational standards. 

What is the cost of booking a show?
Click here for a full list of pricing options!
What is the age range for this program?
Our current productions are geared towards, but not limited to kindergarten-5th grade. Our newest production, Creature at the Edge of Town, is for Pre-K-2nd grade.
How far in advance should we book a performance?
One month prior to the desired performance date would be preferable. Two weeks prior to performance date required.

How much space/technology is needed for the performances?
Minnetrista Theatre Preserves provides its own set, backdrop, props, and sound system.  A playing space of 20 feet x 15 feet is desirable and access to a power outlet near the playing space required.

How can I prepare my group for the show?

Minnetrista Theatre Preserves provides each class with a teacher packet that includes:
*A show poster
*Two pre-show activities that touch upon multiple educational standards. Each of these activities will help the students have a better understanding of the topic before seeing the performance.
*Two post-show activities that touch upon multiple educational standards. Each of these activities will help enhance and reiterate the information learned from seeing the performance.
*Information about other educational opportunities Minnetrista can provide.
 
It is always good to talk with your students about theatre etiquette before attending a show.  It may be difficult for some children to behave as they would in a theatre because we are performing in their gym or cafeteria.  Our productions do encourage the students to actively participate through both verbal and physical interactions with the shows.

Do you accommodate for disabilities?

Yes.  We ask that you inform the Theatre and Outreach Manager of any special needs situations at the time of booking.  The activities within the teacher packet have been written in such a way that the classroom teacher could easily adapt to individual students when needed.  We do bring a sound system that would be helpful for any students who are hearing impaired.  We aim to be inclusive to all audiences and would like to work with groups who may have audience members with disabilities to provide a show that will be fun and fulfilling to all who are interested in our productions.

Do we need to have an auditorium in the building to book a show?

No.  We can perform in an auditorium, gym, cafeteria, or any space that will accommodate our set and your students. 

What should my group expect from Minnetrista Theatre Preserves upon arrival of the performers? How early will the actors arrive before the actual show time?

When actors arrive they will check in at the front office and will request access to both the nearest loading doors as well as the nearest bathroom to the performance area.  We require that our actors arrive one hour prior to the performance time.  Within this time they will unload the van, set up sound equipment and the set, change into costumes, and any other last minute responsibilities that must be done to provide a successful show. 

Is there a possibility for financial assistance for groups that cannot afford the prices?  Reduced rates based on percentage of free and reduced lunch?
If you are interested in our program, but are in need of financial assistance please contact the Theatre and Outreach Manager to further discuss the possibilities.  

What is the maximum amount of performances that can be scheduled for one day?
The maximum amount of shows that can be booked in one day is three due to the restrictions of the lunch schedule and our actors needing a break between performances. 

Is the school/business responsible for booking hotel for overnight stays?
No.  Minnetrista will be responsible for making any hotel arrangements.  Your overnight fee will remain the same regardless.

Will there be any of these performances at Minnetrista?

We use our outreach performances as just that, outreach to schools that may not be able to leave as easily to attend a performance elsewhere.  Though we do not usually perform our outreach pieces on the campus of Minnetrista we do have many theatrical elements to our school tours as well as our adult exhibits. 

What standards do the programs cover? 
The standards covered will change with each new show we add to the outreach program.  Standards covered by each production are listed under the show on the website.  The teacher packet will also list standards met for each activity; these standards will not be listed on the website. 
 
What equipment/space do I need to provide for the show? 
Two chairs
Access to a bathroom near the performance area
Access to loading doors near the performance area
Access to a power outlet near the playing space
 
What is the length of the program?
Each performance is 45 minutes plus a  15 minute Q&A with the actors.
 
What is the maximum number of students for attendance?
Each performance has a maximum of 250 students.  For those groups who have more than 250 students who would like to see the performance a second performance may be added at a discount to accommodate.
 
Does the capacity include number of adults?
No. Our maximum is based on the amount of students for a performance.
 
Are there certain times of day or days of the week you prefer to perform? 
We are open for bookings Monday – Friday.  The earliest we will book a performance is 8:00am. We are open for both school performances and bookings that would accommodate after-school programs as well.