Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In

To register

Each participant must register via 4-H Online and complete a leadership profile. First-year participants also need to provide a recommendation from a non-family member.

Registration details

1. Register in 4-H Online.
   • Not enrolled in 4-H? Learn more about joining 4-H.
   • Once logged into 4-H Online, look for "Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In" in the "Events" tab.
   • For assistance, refer to the event registration guide or contact Kurtis Hewes at [email protected].  
2. Complete a leadership profile.
   • Information to include:
     • Your rankings for your choice of majors and why.
     • Your own goals for State Arts-In.
     • Any school-related conflicts for the state fair.
3. First-year participants only: Have a recommendation form completed by a non-family member who knows you.
   • Please invite someone who knows your experience in your top three choices of majors, your leadership experience and your work style.
     • Send the following to the person you request a recommendation from after you update the major you hope to participate in: I am registering to participate in Minnesota State Arts-In - a 22-day experience in the theater arts and learning about leadership, teamwork, and goal-setting. As a first-year participant, I am hoping you might fill out this brief recommendation form, found at z.umn.edu/artsinrecommend. I hope to participate in the (you fill in the blank) major.

Cost

• Registration fee - TBD
  • Discount of $50 if registration is completed by June 30.
  • A minimum deposit of $100 is due at the time of registration with full payment due by July 31.
• Costume fee: $40 (for those selected to be performers or band members)

Refund/cancellation policy

TBD of your registration fee will be refunded if a cancellation is received, in writing, prior to August. No refunds will be granted after Aug. 1.

If you are in need of financial assistance, we encourage you to seek support from your county first. Scholarships from State Arts-In are available on an as-needed basis. Please contact Kirstin Delp for more information. [email protected] 

What happens at State Arts-In prep week (Aug. 7-14)?

Daily schedules include:

• Opening and closing large group sessions.
• Team time.
• Guest speakers, fun activities and state fair training.
• Mealtimes and snack times.
• Meet in major time (rehearsal/work time).
• Special events: Open stage, night in or night out, open stage, celebration time, banquet and dance.

Majors

Participants spend more than half of their prep weekdays working in their major area of focus.

Technical

• Construct the stage and some props.
• Paint and finish the stage.
• Learn how to run sound, lights and backstage tech pieces.

Costumes

• Sew costumes.
• Shop for accessories and additional costume pieces.
• Fit costumes for each respective participant.

Band

• Prepare all of the instrumental music for the show.
• Rehearse as a band, learning to play together.
• Learn the art of “self-coaching” as you work individually and in small groups.

Performers

• Put together the performance.
• Rehearse vocal parts and dialogue.
• Learn choreography and blocking.

What happens during the state fair (Aug. 19-Sept. 1)?

Aug. 19-20 - State fair prep days

• Final rehearsals and modifications to the show.
• Tech training with livestream.
• Finishing touches to stage and costumes.
• State Fair leadership role details/information provided.
• All building meeting with training.
• Opening/closing programs held.
• Team time held.

Aug. 21-Sept. 1 - State fair

• Run three to four shows each day (all participants involved).
• Participants lead and support 4-H events during the state fair, including:
  • Performing arts judging.
  • All first and second-floor tech needs.
  • Share the Fun and County Arts-In support.
  • Springboard events and other activities.
  • Support the 4-H dances.
• State Arts-In unique activities
  • Opening/closing large group times held.
  • Team times are held.
  • One to two open stages.
  • Night of fun.
  • Mid-week rehearsal in majors.
  • Costume cleaning/maintenance.
  • Occasional talk-backs with audiences after performances.

Q: Can I perform my first year of participation in State Arts-In?

• For participants who most recently completed grade 9, you get to participate in another major first. This experience builds depth to the experience and helps to grow new skills and interests. Youth in grade 9 who complete this year are given priority in choice of majors the following year.
• For participants who completed Grade 10 and older, you can perform your first year of participation if selected for that major.

Q: Can I miss any dates/times of State Arts-In?

• Yes, absences are excused during the state fair for school-related conflicts from Aug. 21 to Sept. 1, as long as they are disclosed ahead of time.
• During prep week, no absences are allowed.
• Performers and band members have a seven-show maximum miss time during the state fair.
  • One exception: A fifth-year participant may be allowed to miss more than seven shows in their fifth year of participation because of their commitment to the program. This is at the director team's discretion.

Q: Can I participate for prep week only?

• Yes, please contact Kirstin Delp at [email protected] for more information.

Q: What does my registration fee cover?

• Participant registration fees cover a portion of the following:
  • All meals/snacks of prep week
  • Program supplies
  • Temporary labor/staff compensation
  • Activity fees, including any night out or entertainment
  • Copyright fees, non-stage show-related expenses
• The registration fee covers just 50% of each participant's State Arts-In experience. Additional funding and support come from donors, Minnesota 4-H and the Minnesota State Fair.
• Scholarships are available upon request. Please check with your county office first for any funding support if needed.

State Arts-In prep week: Aug. 7-14

Everyone who participates in State Arts-In must be present this entire week.

• Check-in: Thursday, Aug. 8, 12:30-1:15 p.m.  Optional parent meeting at 1 p.m.
• Start time: Thursday, Aug. 8, 1:30 p.m.  Participants stay onsite the entire prep week.
• SAI preview: Thursday, Aug. 15, 12:30 p.m. Parents, family and friends are invited to a program that includes staff/participant introductions and the first performance of our show.
• End time: Thursday, Aug. 15, 2:30 p.m.

State Arts-In at the Minnesota State Fair: Aug. 19-Sept. 1

All participants must be present for the duration of the fair. No conflicts will be accepted for Aug. 19-20. Any conflicts for Aug. 21 - Sept. 1 must be noted at the time of registering for State Arts-In, may only be school or 4-H related,  and will be taken into consideration when assigning majors.  

• Check-in: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 12:30-1:15 p.m.
• Start time: Tuesday, Aug. 19, 1:30 p.m.
• End time: Monday, Sept. 1, 1:30 p.m. 

Location and transportation

State Arts-In is held at the 4-H Building on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, located at Snelling and Commonwealth Ave. in St. Paul. Lodging and meals will be on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.