About

Northern Starz began in 2012 as an educational theater.

Our Mission

Partnering with community and families to provide innovative and diverse quality performing arts education.

Our Core Values

Arts Education, Inclusive Relationships, Enjoyable Experiences, New Adventures

Our Vision Statement

Bringing vibrant cultural experiences to all families within the North Metro community.

If you've wondered about Northern Starz in Ramsey, our roots were with an informal organization within district 11 community education that was designed to bring the theater experience to young students in the north suburban area of the Twin Cities who had a desire to learn about theater (or who perhaps just wanted to be in a play). In 2012 the informal organization producing the advanced shows was organized into what is now known as Northern Starz Theatre.

Since then Northern Starz has produced dozens of shows, and is currently in rehearsals for K-12th grade shows, our Social Interest Troupe, Workshops and we are preparing for our summer Penguin Project Show that features Students with Disabilities performing along mentors. Past productions include Annie Jr., Night at the Wax Museum, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Hee Haw Hayride, Alice@Wonderland, The Nutcracker,  Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Babes in Toyland, Kokonut Kapers, Flapper, A Christmas Carol, The Sound of Music, Cinderella, and The Snow Queen.

The mantra "you learn theater by doing theater" is a guiding principle for us - so we involve our students in nearly all aspects of theatrical production. Currently, students can participate as actors, stage managers, theatre technicians, and lighting design. In the future, we are hoping to expand these offerings to include playwriting and directing opportunities for students through our Education Program.

Our Strategic Plan 

In the spring of 2023, the Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts Board of Directors put forth a strategic planning process. This involved revising the organization's mission, vision, and guiding values; analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats; setting long-term and short-term goals; and translating all collected and assessed information into concrete actions, strategies, and deliverables. The board implemented a three-year strategic plan for 2023-2026. The goals of the most recent strategic plan are:

• Maximize Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts’ role as a leader in the development, support, and production of the performing arts in the community.
• Serve a larger and more diverse body of community members through Northern Starz’ program offerings, including Pre-K through 12th grade, adults, 55+, and individuals with disabilities of all ages.
• Increase the educational focus of Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts:
  1. Establish a multi-pronged conservatory program with an intentional curriculum reflective of the professionalization of the arts; 
  2. Continue an annual culturally-engaged and educationally-focused theatre production, combined with broader educational experiences;
  3. Develop partnerships in collaboration with local schools and school districts

• Increase the awareness and understanding of Northern Starz’ value and impact in the community through clear communication and marketing strategies.
• Strengthen the Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts’ organizational infrastructure to enable the organization to meet its strategic goals.
• Grow in our commitment to providing artistic opportunities and experiences for developing artists with disabilities through the Penguin Project and Summer Camp, as well as establishing new programs applicable to community needs.
• Maximize the use and effectiveness of the current Northern Starz’ facilities by working with contracted staff, directorial staff, incoming artists, and community volunteers.
• Generate sufficient financial resources to fund Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts’ strategic goals and operations, and to assure financial sustainability well into the future.
• Maintain a pleasant and affordable arts-going experience for families and community members across a diverse spectrum of age, ability, gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
• Increase engagement of under-represented communities, including next-generation artists (emerging artists) and supporters and those who can broaden the diversity of the performing arts experiences at Northern Starz. 
• Provide training where needed to ensure staff members, board members, teaching artists, and volunteers are culturally responsive in a welcoming and inclusive manner.
• Collaborate with partners, leveraging organizational resources to increase Northern Starz’ impact on the arts and greater community.
• Establish, maintain, and improve evaluation methods for the continual betterment of the services and experiences provided by Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts.
• Continue to evaluate opportunities for organizational and artistic growth throughout the community, both immediate and statewide.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts (NSCPA), we understand that art relies on human empathy–we aspire to create a community for our students and families built on respect, belonging, collaboration, and creativity.  NSCPA seeks to cultivate an environment in which our differences are explored with curiosity and openness. We embrace the value of all people and reject any form of bigotry, racism, discrimination, and hatred. 

NSCPA strives to create a constructive environment where the diversity of individuals is appreciated and respected through all aspects of our operations, including performing arts education, productions, events, and administration. We recognize that our individual and collective commitment to diversity and inclusion must be proactive and mindful.

We are committed to ensuring all members of our community regardless of variances in culture and circumstance including, gender, race, ethnicity, age, language, disability/ability, sexual orientation, class, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies are treated with dignity and respect. Any behavior to the contrary will not be tolerated. 

Northern Starz currently serves students and families in Ramsey, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Andover, Blaine, Ham Lake, Becker, Zimmerman, Champlin, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Lino Lakes, White Bear Lake, Minneapolis and St. Paul. We partner closely with local schools and communities to ensure that anyone wishing to experience the theater arts can do so.

Northern Starz Theatre Company is a registered 501(c)(3) organization within the state of Minnesota existing as a formal non-profit since 2012.