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Michigan State University

Youth Programs

Michigan youth can find opportunities on the campus of Michigan State University to explore their creativity through arts programs throughout the year. Young learners can experiment with visual and performing arts while working with experienced university educators and artists. Build confidence, collaboration skills, and a budding passion for the arts in a vibrant campus environment.

Two adults and two young children sit on the floor and draw on large blue paper adhered to the wall.Saturday Morning Art (SmART)

The Saturday Morning Art (SmART) program is a creative initiative from MSU’s Department of Art, Art History, and Design as part of the Art Education degree program, giving MSU’s pre-service art educators the chance to work directly with youth in the community.

SmART offers hands-on art-making for 6 Saturday sessions—three are held in Kresge Art Center studios, serving students ages 7-16, while the other three occur in partnership with community organizations that serve families, K-12 students, and adult learners. SmART is free for all participants, with all art supplies provided!

A dance instructor and several children behind him put their hands out in preparation to spinCompany

Company at Wharton Center is a series of workshops that provide an in-depth look at the many disciplines included in musical theatre performance, including singing, dancing, acting, and more. Company welcomes performing artists of all backgrounds, and you’ll find your place whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro.

Featuring local teaching artists and professionals from around the country, each month will cover the “triple threat” skills of singing, dancing, and acting from a fresh perspective. This program is offered for grades ages 6–12 and has sessions in East Lansing and Detroit.

A man in a t-shirt and a woman in a robe stand in front of a theater set with a bed and nightstand.Young Playwrites Festival

High Schoolers can watch their words come alive with the Young Playwrites Festival! Wharton Center for Performing Arts and MSU Department of Theatre partner on this showcase of six original works, written by high school students, produced by MSU Department of Theatre students and performed at Wharton’s Pasant Theatre.

Michigan high school students are invited to submit a one-act play to this juried competition. Finalists will be assigned a professional theatre mentor to help them revise their play and will receive a $200 cash award in addition to the staged production of their play.