It’s not just a show — it’s an intensive, life-changing odyssey
Each year, for 22 days before and during the Minnesota State Fair, more than 50 young people sing, dance, play music and take on other roles through 4-H State Arts-In.
“Youth learn from professionals in their fields, they learn from each other and they learn by doing,” says Kirstin Delp, University of Minnesota Extension director of the 4-H State Arts-In program. “They discover so much about themselves and what is possible when they set daily goals,”
“Performing arts provide a prime youth development environment,” says Jennifer Skuza, Extension associate dean and Minnesota 4-H state director. “Whether on stage or behind the scenes, young people work toward a common goal together.”
Roles youth play
There’s something unique about this program that celebrated its 50th year in 2023. Participants in 4-H State Arts-In take charge of the entire production, under the guidance of youth development educators and volunteers.
Here are some examples:
Tech
Tech participants construct the stage and props, paint the stage, and learn how to run the sound, lights and cameras.
“We built this stage entirely, supports and all. Then we painted, sanded — the whole shebang. I realized that real people do this for their jobs. My uncle did this program and then went on to become a painter, and that’s how he makes a living right now. I was just really blown away by that.”
- Andrew Sivula, first-year participant and tech crew member
Band
Band participants prepare the instrumental music and rehearse as a band, learning to play together and learn the art of self-coaching as they work individually and in groups.
“The greatest hurdle I faced this year was figuring out how to lead. In my first two years, I looked up to all of the older participants. There were large shoes to fill. It was a big step for me to figure out how to lead, teach and to make sure everyone feels welcome and accepted.”
- Jordis Linke, third-year participant and band member
Performing
Performers put together the stage show, rehearse vocal parts and dialogue, and learn choreography.
“I keep coming back to State Arts-In because I’ve been doing theater since I was six, and it’s my biggest passion in life. In 2012, I watched my first State Arts-In show, and I knew that I wanted to try it. So here I am, and it’s been one of the best decisions of my life.”
- Zoe Griese, fourth-year participant and performer
Costuming
Costumers sew costumes, shop for accessories and fit costumes for each participant.
“This year, because of college, I decided to be a costumer. I was originally bummed because I loved performing, but I’m really glad I did it. And I learned that with the right people by your side, work is so much better. I’m so thankful to all of my fellow costumers for making this such a great experience even though I’ve never done anything like this before.”
- George French, third-year participant and costumer
From State Arts-In participant to successful costumer
Minnesota 4-H alumna Kara Weeks didn’t know costuming was a career option when she first signed up to participate in the State Arts-In program in 1989.
“I can safely say that I wouldn't be doing what I do without Arts-In,” says Weeks. “I ended up in the costume department because I knew how to sew – that's basically it. That's how I found out making costumes for shows was an actual thing people do.”
After a major in costume design and production at Carnegie Mellon University came 20 years of working in costume and wardrobe departments in Georgia, Boston and Seattle before moving to Atlanta.
“I wouldn't be working in film here in Atlanta without my long friendship with Vern Malone, who was also in costumes during my first year in the State Arts-In program,” Weeks says.
Today, her successful career costume credits include movies and shows like Hidden Figures, Dumplin’, First Man, The First Lady, The Walking Dead and Stranger Things. Weeks is especially proud of her 24-year membership in the IATSE, the union for behind-the-scenes workers in entertainment.