American Variety Theatre Company
2027 W. BroadwayMinneapolisMN55411612-374-8426612-374-8426

Program: American Variety Theatre Company 4-H Year Started: 1981 Focus: Multidisciplinary Arts Youth Served: 250 Ages: 4-19 Budget: N/A The American Variety Theatre Company (AVTC) is an outgrowth of a 4-H garden project developed to meet the changing needs of youth in the program as they grow older. Using an old abandoned theater, AVTC offers classes in jazz, tap, ballet, acting, improvisational theater, piano, voice and recording. Each discipline is split into different classes by age and proficiency level. The classes all culminate in a production at the end of each session. Students, ages 4-19, come to the theater after school at least three times a week to take different, 90-minute classes. The program is open to all county residents and relies heavily on community volunteers. Transportation is provided, and the $10 annual fee is waived for those unable to afford it. Using points awarded for good work and behavior, students buy items donated to the theater store by local corporations. The AVTC encourages youth to express themselves, share ideas and explore new and challenging topics as they work together to present a theatrical production.