Entries by Angelica San Juan

Backyard Theatre Company to Present Final Performance of the Season  

March 10, 2026 in /by

Feature photo: BTC Final Production 2025 Steinbach, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council’s Backyard Theatre Company (BTC) is thrilled to present its final production of the season, Uncoordinated Battles. This high-energy action comedy combines big laughs, interesting characters, and an important message about teamwork. Written and directed by Jeremy Plett, with production direction by Akecia Peters, the production will take the stage on April 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the SRSS Theatre. Performers from BTC’s Intermediate and Advanced theatre programs will showcase their theatre skills on stage, with special performances by BTC Musical Theatre and Dramatic Discovery students.   About the play:  When three rival villains launch simultaneous attacks on the city, the world’s most confident spy team is forced to split up — and everything goes wrong. Outmatched and out of sync, the elite agents must team up with the overlooked newbies they’ve been ignoring if they hope to save the day.   Theatre provides a welcoming environment where youth find inclusion and connection. The big lesson about teamwork in the play’s plot mirrors the real-world social skills students gain by being part of a Backyard Theatre Company cast. “Every one of our theatre students has worked incredibly hard to bring this final production to life,” says Kristi Peters, Community Programs Assistant at the Steinbach Arts Council. “This play will showcase what happens when young people are encouraged, supported, and invited to grow through the arts. We believe that access to early performance experiences plays an important role for their artistic development.”  The BTC Musical Theatre students’ performance will feature “It’s the Hard-Knock Life” from Annie and “Ice Cream” from Anne of Green Gables. In addition, the Dramatic Discovery Kids will share a series of short spy-themed skits directed by Akecia Peters, showcasing the growth in skill of these young artists.  The Steinbach Arts Council invites families, friends, and community members to join in this inspiring celebration of local youth talent from the Southeast. Tickets are $10 for youth and adults. Immediate family members of the Backyard Theatre Company students must purchase their tickets by calling or visiting the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre between March 10 and 17.  Remaining tickets will be available for the public on March 17.   The Steinbach Arts Council thanks Nature’s Farm for sponsoring the Backyard Theatre Company program.  ###  For interviews, contact:  Angelica San Juan, Communications & Outreach Coordinator marketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077 

Steinbach Arts Council’s Fundraising Gala To Support Expanding Arts and Wellness Initiatives

March 4, 2026 in /by

Steinbach, MB—The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is excited to announce its annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Bentwood Hall. This special event celebrates our community and supporters who make the work possible, while looking ahead to an exciting future for SAC and arts and culture in our region. “Our growth over the last few years has been significant, but our goal is not simply to grow larger — it is to grow stronger,” says David Klassen, Executive Director of the Steinbach Arts Council.  “We are focused on expanding access, increasing impact, and ensuring that our programs continue to support people across our community and our region. Our annual Gala Fundraiser is an opportunity to invest in sustainable growth that will strengthen arts and culture in the Southeast for generations to come.” With a fundraising goal of $80,000, this year’s Gala will directly support thousands of people across the region through subsidized programs, bursaries, and free youth programming. Funds raised will also strengthen SAC’s expanding therapeutic arts and wellness-focused initiatives, supporting the health and well-being of our community. The evening will provide opportunities for guests to donate in support of SAC’s ongoing work. “Every class, concert, bursary, and mentorship opportunity is made possible by people who believe that arts and culture strengthen the fabric of our region. When we invest together, we create space for our community to build confidence, for youth to discover potential, for adults to continue learning, and for seniors to remain connected. We’re extremely thankful to our list of sponsors and donors who are helping us make this work possible.” Guests will enjoy a celebration of arts and culture, including cuisine prepared by the SAC Culinary Program, local entertainment, a jewelry raffle from GNM Fine Jewellers, and an art auction. The event will also feature a Student Highlight that recognizes SAC students who have demonstrated a strong dedication to learning and growing their craft. “We are committed to supporting thousands of people each year, and many of those are kids and families who access our programs.  It’s important to celebrate student successes, and we’re excited to do that at our event again this year,” says Klassen.  Tickets are available for $150 per person, or a table of 8 can be reserved for $1200. Those unable to attend are encouraged to donate in support of SAC programs and future growth. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit steinbacharts.ca or call204-346-1077. SAC extends its gratitude to its Gala Sponsors: Loewen Henderson Banman Legault LLP, Dr Sheila Harms & Warren Trimble, Leonard & Marie Klassen, Steinbach’s Flooring Canada, Castle Mortgage Group, Dr Tara King Optometrist, One Insurance, onPoint, Chez Koop, SteinbachOnline, Old Church Bakery, Country Meat & Deli, Let’s Celebrate Rentals, Sunshine Greenhouse, Garnet & Trish Enns, Earls Meat Market, Derksen Printers, Manitoba Liquor Mart, GNM Fine Jewellers, and Niverville Credit Union. With the continued community support, SAC remains committed to creating a place that supports people and contributes to a strong and connected region. ### For interviews, contact: Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

World-Class Pianist Valerie Dueck Returns Home for Immersive “From Night to Light” Concert 

February 26, 2026 in /by

STEINBACH, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council is proud to present a homecoming performance by internationally acclaimed pianist Valerie Dueck. On April 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM, Dueck will take the stage at Grace Mennonite Church to present From Night to Light, a multi-sensory solo piano concert that weaves together music, poetry, and striking visual imagery.  Raised in Kleefeld, Manitoba, Valerie Dueck developed her musical foundation in a community enriched by an internationally renowned soprano and two leading vocal conductors—an early influence that sparked a career spanning three continents. Now a distinguished pianist, art song specialist, and opera coach, Valerie has worked with some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper), the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and the Grand Théâtre de Genève. Her performances have been broadcast globally by the CBC and the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. Bringing her world-class expertise back to the Southeast, Valerie’s return marks a significant full-circle moment for the community that first inspired her global journey.  From Night to Light is more than a traditional concert; it is an immersive journey. The program highlights the works of Canadian and women composers, curated to guide the audience through a thematic transition from the shadows of “Night, Moon, and Constellations” into the radiance of “Light and Daydreams of Utopia.” By integrating poetry and visual art, Dueck creates a space for reflection, wonder, and imagination that resonates with music lovers and artists of all disciplines.  “Valerie Dueck’s career on the international stage is a point of immense pride for our community,” says Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator. “She represents the very best of what happens when local talent is nurtured and then goes on to command the global stage. To welcome a performer of her stature back to Steinbach is a privilege.”  The Steinbach Arts Council aims to prove high-quality, professional performing arts while maintaining accessible pricing. With valued venue partnerships helping us meet growing demand, Grace Mennonite Church will offer an intimate and acoustically rich setting for this unforgettable evening of storytelling.  The Steinbach Arts Council thanks Steinbach Credit Union for their generous sponsorship of this performance.   Tickets are $25 for regular admission and $12.50 for students, and are available now at SteinbachArts.ca, by calling 2043461077, or by visiting the Steinbach Arts Council office.  ### For interviews, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca 204.346.1077

Steinbach Arts Council Brings Free Professional Theatre to Local Families

February 25, 2026 in /by

STEINBACH, MB — The Steinbach Arts Council invites the community to experience the magic of professional theatre with Tad and Birdy, a Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) production, coming to the Pat Porter Active Living Centre on April 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM. This family show is free to attend, with advance registration required.  Tad and Birdy is a heartwarming adventure about friendship and discovering the world beyond your window. The play follows Tad, a curious tree frog tadpole with a voice like a bird, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything—except how to be happy. When these two unlikely friends meet in a messy bedroom, their differences couldn’t be greater. Tad dreams of exploring the big blue world beyond, while Birdy prefers the safety of staying exactly where he is. As their friendship grows, both begin to see the world—and themselves—in a whole new way.  The heart of the play was inspired by a poignant interaction playwright Anika Dowsett had while teaching at MTYP. Dowsett recalls a young student asking: “Do you think you can still try if your heart’s broke?” “That grammatically incorrect, earnest, lovely, between-sobs question was so big from a six-year-old and really touched a nerve for me,” says Dowsett (Winnipeg Free Press, Jan 2026). This brave and vulnerable question became the catalyst for a story that explores how we support one another, even when things are hard.   Recommended for ages 5 to 12 (Kindergarten to Grade 6), the production is designed to resonate with kids and adults alike. Drawing whimsical inspiration from BNL’s pop song Pollywog in a Bog, Dowsett transforms a messy bedroom into a place where magic happens through puppetry, movement, and play. Families will be entertained from start to finish by this tale of courage and friendship.  “Live theatre gives kids a chance to see things from a different perspective and connect with others,” says Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator at the Steinbach Arts Council. “We’re thrilled to bring MTYP to Steinbach and make a professional theatre experience accessible for local families—and thanks to SCU’s support, we’re able to offer it free of charge.”  This free performance is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Steinbach Credit Union. Free tickets are available in advance only (not at the door). To get yours, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077.  ###  For interviews, contact:  Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinator marketing@steinbacharts.ca 204.346.1077 

2026 Southeast Manitoba Festival Celebrates Historic Growth and Community-Wide Collaboration

February 11, 2026 in /by

STEINBACH, MB – The Southeast Manitoba Festival (SEMF) returns this February and March, marking a significant milestone in its decades-long legacy. Following a 2025 merger with the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC), the festival continues to thrive presenting opportunities to young performers through professional adjudication and performance. This year’s festival highlights a high interest in the arts across the region, gaining over 700 entries across multiple disciplines. To accommodate this record-breaking growth, SAC has coordinated a network of satellite locations throughout the community to host multiple disciplines. “Providing early performance experiences is essential for artistic development,” says Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at SAC. “By bringing students together to perform and receive feedback, we are helping build the next generation of leadership within our arts community. We’re grateful to our community partners and local venues for opening their doors to host these disciplines where our participants can have a place to share their talent and passion.” While SAC and SEMF celebrate these partnerships, the continued growth of these programs such as the SEMF Festival highlights the regional need for a dedicated, permanent performing arts space— an identified goal supporting the Southeast’s creative future. 2026 SEMF Schedule & Locations: Call for Volunteers: To support our growing festival, SEMF relies on community support. Members interested in supporting the festival are encouraged to sign up as volunteers to help facilitate this massive regional event. Email semf@steinbacharts.ca The 2026 festival is made possible by the generous support of local partners, including Steinbach Dental Clinic, Nature’s Farm,Dr. Sheila Harms & Warren Trimble, Days Inn, and RK Electric. For full schedule details, please visit https://semf.ca/. We encourage the public to come experience the festival. Admission is $5 for Dance and $3 for all other disciplines. ## For interviews, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications and Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

SteinbachOnline.com: Steinbach Arts Council teams up with the Pistons

February 9, 2026 in /by

This post was originally published by SteinbachOnline.com:https://steinbachonline.com/articles/steinbach-arts-council-teams-up-with-the-pistons- The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is teaming up with the Pistons for a special game sponsorship spotlighting young performers and the power of community. Community celebration The evening will feature an SAC choir performance of the national anthem, along with local talent and high-energy dance performances from BOSS Dance Academy — giving young artists an opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd and gain confidence. David Klassen, executive director at the SAC, says the organization is excited to be demonstrating its partnership with the Pistons. “We’re very excited to be working with the Pistons and sponsoring a game of theirs in the upcoming season,” he says. Klassen says the collaboration is a natural extension of the long-standing partnership between the two organizations. Over the years, Pistons players and staff have contributed to SAC programming in many ways, including reading to preschool classes, volunteering as ushers, and assisting with set up and tear down for major productions. “They show up all the time in a volunteer capacity.” In return, SAC regularly provides anthem performances at Pistons games, with both organizations focused on supporting one another and strengthening the community. “It’s important that we work together to make sure that the community is strong and healthy in every way possible,” says Klassen. Klassen notes the goal of the night is to show what strong community partnerships can accomplish when organizations work together. “We look forward to doing this more as we move on and both grow as organizations and grow our presence in the community.” Event details SAC Game Night takes place on Friday, Feb. 13, at the Southeast Event Centre. The Steinbach Pistons will face off against the Niverville Nighthawks at 7 p.m. Tickets are available on the Steinbach Pistons website.

Spring Break Camp to Provide a Creative Environment for Students in the Southeast During the School Break

January 21, 2026 in /by

STEINBACH, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is excited to announce that registration for Spring Break Camp will officially open to the public on February 4, 2026. Offered to youth aged 5–12, the camp will run from March 30 to April 2, providing a safe and healthy environment where children can explore their talents during the school break. Spring Break Camp offers a comprehensive curriculum that allows children to rotate through a diverse range of artistic disciplines. Parents and guardians can expect a high-energy schedule for their children, filled with visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and culinary arts. “Our camp is a place where children explore creativity through various art forms,” says Cassandra Kornelsen, Manager of Community Programs at the Steinbach Arts Council. “It empowers them to build confidence, learn new skills, and find a sense of belonging with their peers. Our dedicated instructors are committed to ensuring that every camper has a memorable and enriching experience from the moment they arrive at the centre.” In 2025, SAC accepted registrations from 50 families across the Southeast to enjoy their Spring Break with us, with many of the campers continuing to participate in our Summer Arts Day Camp program from June to August. A key priority for SAC is ensuring that these high-quality experiences remain accessible to the entire community. The Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund, Vera Friesen Memorial Fund, and Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund are available to applicants in need of financial assistance to join the camp, reinforcing SAC’s mission to make the arts accessible for everyone in Southeastern Manitoba. Applications are available through our website or by registering in person at the SAC Administrative Office. Spring Break Camp operates daily from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre, located at 304 Second Street. As SAC has nearly doubled its reach since 2022, demand for community programs is at an all-time high, and SAC is consistently operating at capacity. Families are encouraged to mark their calendars for the February 4 registration date to secure a spot, as these programs frequently fill up quickly. To learn more about the camp, visit SteinbachArts.ca/SBC or call 204.346.1077. The Steinbach Arts Council would like to thank Canadian Tire for sponsoring this program. ### Contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications & Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077.

Steinbach Arts Council Brings Hit Canadian Romantic Comedy, “Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad” to SRSS Theatre

January 19, 2026 in /by

STEINBACH, MB – The Steinbach Arts Council is thrilled to present the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Regional Tour production of Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, a Canadian romantic comedy hit production by award-winning playwright Michael Melski. This poignant and humorous play is set to take the stage at the SRSS Theatre on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The play, which has been hailed as one of the Top Ten Plays of The Year by the Toronto Star, tells the story of two lonely single parents who unexpectedly find connection and love while watching their kids play a season of minor hockey. Melski’s script captures the heart of Canadian life, blending sharp wit with genuine emotion, making it a universally relatable experience. Since its debut, Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad has enjoyed widespread acclaim, with over 40 professional productions across North America. The production promises a night of heartwarming theatre that resonates long after the final curtain. As the Edmonton Sun praised, “Hockey play shoots – scores! This poignant, involving play takes a simple love story between ordinary people and transforms it into something quite wonderful.” “We are proud to collaborate with the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre to bring exceptional theatre performances to our region each year. RMTC has a reputation of excellence not only in Manitoba, but across Canada, and their Regional Tour brings the joy of professional theatre to rural communities across Manitoba.” says Tara Schellenberg, Performing Arts Coordinator of the Steinbach Arts Council. “Bringing a production of this calibre into our own community makes this opportunity more affordable and accessible for our audience. Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad promises to bring people together with this truly Canadian story!” Tickets are selling fast! Secure your seats today for this one-night-only performance. To purchase tickets, please visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204.346.1077. The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Regional Tour is proudly presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries with additional support from IG Wealth Management and the Manitoba Arts Council. ### To arrange an interview, please contact:Angelica San Juan, Communications & Outreach Coordinatormarketing@steinbacharts.ca | 204.346.1077

STEINBACHONLINE.COM: Steinbach Arts Council presents Proximus 5 concert

December 28, 2025 in /by

This article was originally published on SteinbachOnline.com: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/steinbach-arts-council-presents-proximus-5-concert- The Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) is inviting the southeast to a choral concert that blends harmonies and generations.  Tara Schellenberg, performing arts coordinator at SAC, says the concert will feature the a cappella ensemble Proximus 5.  “Steinbach has such a strong choral tradition,” Schellenberg notes.  “I think our audience is really going to find a lot to love in this concert.”  The vocal ensemble performs a wide range of music, from classical works to contemporary pop arrangements.  Proximus 5 is a Winnipeg-based, five-voice male ensemble whose members have performed in professional choirs across Manitoba, including national choral events.  Alongside the professional singers, the Steinbach Regional Secondary School (SRSS) Chamber Choir will accompany them.  Directed by Kristel Peters, the Chamber Choir is a group of 31 auditioned Grade 11 and 12 students.  “To pair these seasoned singers with students from the SRSS who are at the beginning of their journey, it’s a neat thing to be able to see,” Schellenberg says.  As part of the visit, Proximus 5 will also lead a workshop with SRSS Chamber Choir students earlier in the day.  “We love to see that kind of collaboration and knowledge sharing.”  Concert details  The concert will take place at Grace Mennonite Church on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at 7 p.m.   “We love to provide opportunities for local performers to get a chance to share the spotlight here in the southeast,” she adds.  Tickets are available for purchase through the SAC website or by calling 204-346-2077.  Tickets are $34 for adults and $17 for students. 

STEINBACHONLINE.COM: Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit opens applications to local artists

December 1, 2025 in /by

This article was originally published on: https://steinbachonline.com/articles/soje-opens-applications-to-local-artists- The Southeast Open Judged Art Exhibit (SOJE) is back on at the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC).   Manager of community programs, Cassandra Kornelsen, says it’s a great way to connect artists within the community.   Highlighting the arts  “It’s an exhibit that highlights artists from the whole community that can come and enter a piece of artwork to be judged at the centre.”   Kornelsen says art of many different types can be submitted to the exhibit.   “Anything from pottery to more ceramics or acrylics and watercolour,” she adds.  “Then there’s the adult and the juvenile categories as well. So even the children get to participate in the exhibit this time too.”  Kornelsen explains that everyone who submits on time, and before space runs out, is featured in the exhibit.   “There is a small criteria that we follow just to make sure all the artwork is appropriate for the public. But everyone is welcome to come and submit their artwork in the forms that fall under those categories.”  Front and centre  She explains excitedly that the entire Arts Council is used to display pieces during SOJE.  “Last year we had over 160 entries, which meant that our full upstairs hall gallery our Ledingham studio gallery, our walls on the SCU studio, and our full basement hallway were full of artwork.”  Kornelsen says applications are open now and will close on Jan. 24, 2026.   “So, we collect those applications and then we start welcoming the artists to bring their artworks down. And then we have our opening ceremony on Friday, Feb. 28, where we invite everyone to come and see if they’ve placed,” she adds.  She says the judges have not been selected yet but will be shortly.   “Normally we pick people that we haven’t used within the past few years so that it’s a new selection panel. And there is a committee that picks those judges and then through that judging process there’s a scoring sheet and it’s very official.”  All artists welcome  Kornelsen says many successful, local artists have gotten their start at SOJE.   “I have definitely seen some of the artists that have put their artworks into SOJE have their own full hall gallery exhibit before, which is a really neat segue to that, almost like a sneak peek of their artwork.”   She recalls a touching moment from last year.  “Memorably last year, a child that was, I think, in grade 5 put in a piece that was a dinosaur. And when he saw the red ribbon that he had won first, he was so excited, and he was crying because he didn’t understand what that meant to him. So it was, yeah, it was such a cool feeling.”  Kornelsen notes some exciting things for the future.  “We’re out of room. So now (the) next step is a potential satellite program for exhibits, which is a new piece that we’re working on. And we’re really excited to launch that. We’re working on those details for this year.”