SteppingStone Theatre

Founded in 1987, SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development has become the largest performing theatre for youth in the greater St. Paul area—reaching approximately 60,000 people this year through our Mainstage season and our classes, workshops and residencies in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.

The theatre adds to the cultural environment of the community by actively engaging children and youth in the creative and expressive powers of theatre, and enabling young people to participate in and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of our community.

Many of the young people we reach have never been exposed to the arts before and are from lower-income communities. This is the first opportunity many of them have to express themselves and let their voices be heard. Reaching these youth is the reason for SteppingStone Theatre’s commitment to low ticket prices, scholarships for classes and workshops, discounted residencies for schools and community groups, and assistance with transportation and related issues. Contributed income from foundations, corporations, and individuals in our community plays a vital role in our ability to continue this commitment.

Our 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.