Our Creative Communities

Below is an overview of our theatre and poetry communities. If you would like to join one, please contact us.

Aktion Club Theatre of Mankato Actors Steven and Gregg in The Welcoming Table: Relevance and Stories that Matter 2024

Aktion Club Theatre of Mankato

Started in 2006

Aktion Club Theatre of Mankato begins a new play in January 2025 called “The Mystical Cats of the Monroe”. It will be staged on July 24th and 25th, 2026! Aktion Club Theatre is sponsored by the Mankato Kiwanis Club.

Our new Theatre Season starts September 1st!

In-Person rehearsals at Centenary Church

1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 PM. Social time starts at 6:00 PM. June-July 2026 Rehearsal Dates are: 06/02; 06/16; 06/30; 07/07; 07/21(Tech Rehearsal, Call Time-6:00 PM); 07/23 (Dress Rehearsal, Call Time 5:30 PM); 07/24 (Show 7:00 PM, Call Time 5:30 PM); 07/25 (2:00 PM Show, Call Time 12:30 PM).

Centenary United Methodist Church, 501 S. 2nd Street, Mankato

Contact Wilbur for further information and a calendar

Aktion Club Theatre of Fairmont

Started in 2017

Fun Fact: Sponsored by the Early Risers Kiwanis Club of Fairmont. Aktion Club Theatre of Fairmont begins work on a new show in 2026.

In-Person Rehearsals at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont!

2nd and 4th Thursdays from 4:30-6:00 PM.

June-September 2026 Rehearsal Dates are: 06/25 (Disability Pride Art Workshop); 07/09; 08/13; 08/20 (Variety Show at the Martin County Fair 2-3 PM); 09/10; 09/24. NO rehearsals on July 23rd and August 27th)

Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont

Contact Wilbur for further information and a calendar

 

The cast of The Talent Studio November 2025

The United We Stand Players Cast in Boxes 2026

The United We Stand Players of New Ulm

Started in 1994

The United We Stand Players will present their new show, Boxes on April 24th and 25th at the New Ulm Community Center.

In-Person Rehearsals at Christ the King Lutheran Church (CTK) the 2nd Tuesday of the month, The New Ulm Community Center (NUCC) the 4th Tuesday of the month

2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 4:30-6:00 PM.

June-September 2026 Rehearsal Dates are: 06/23 (Disability Pride Workshop at the NUCC); 07/28 (NUCC); 07/30 (NNO At German Park 5:00 PM); 08/25 (NUCC); 09/08 (CTK) and 09/22 (NUCC). NO Rehearsals on July 14th and August 11th.

Christ the King Lutheran Church (CTK)/The New Ulm Community Center in New Ulm (NUCC)

Contact Wilbur for further information and a calendar

Thursday Theatre Gathering of Friends

Started in April of 2020 in response to Covid 19

Fun Fact: We keep on going! In April of 2026, we have Zoomed together as a group for 6 years!

Ongoing Zoom activity

1st and 3rd Thursdays from 2–3 PM

Contact Wilbur if you would like to join us at: wilburdfrink@gmail.com

 
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Offshoot Theatre 2026

Offshoot Theatre

Started in 2025

Fun Fact: This is a program in Mankato that offers enhanced theatrical skill-building such as memorization, auditioning practice, character development and more. We bring in local actors to share their wisdom and experience with acting.

Public Performance for Season One of Offshoot Theatre is Monday, June 22nd from 7-8 PM at Emy Frentz. ASL offered.

Twice monthly on Mondays from 6:30-8:00 PM at Emy Frentz in Mankato

This activity is is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation

To participate, email Wilbur Neushwander-Frink at wilburdfrink@gmail.com

Zoom Box Actors

The group started a new theatre season but newcomers are always welcome. Their next show in 2026 will feature an original production about “Emotions”.

Fun Fact: This group was founded to create a space for performance in the virtual world. The hope is to reach actors who may not have access to inclusive theatrical 

Zoom rehearsals 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month from 4:30-6:00 PM

Contact Wilbur for further information and to get connected to this fun group!

 

ZBA at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre- “Grease” 2025

Classes in Creativity

Watch for future activities

Contact Wilbur for further information

 
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The Road Show

Open Arts Minnesota offers a variety of theatre workshops as well as consultations on how to start an inclusive theatre group. Contact Wilbur for further information or to schedule a workshop.