Welcome to the Merrill Community Arts Center

where our mission is to “build community by providing opportunities for interaction that make arts accessible to all people.” Thanks to the generosity of Woodbury resident Dorothy K. Merrill and dozens of additional early “angel” investors, including Woodbury Community Theatre, South Washington County School District #833, and the City of Woodbury, we now have a permanent home for the arts in our community. Our two locations will greatly expand access to the performing and visual arts, for artists and patrons alike: Merrill Community Arts Center – Rivertown Campus, for rehearsals, office space, and the building and storage of sets, costumes and props; and Merrill Community Arts Center – East Ridge Campus, for both large and small arts’ performances.

Current News and Events

Youth Summer Stock 2013 – Now including “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown – The Broadway Musical”

Date: 18 May 2013

Comment: 0

YOUTH SUMMER STOCK 2013 – REGISTRATION OPEN!

Want to be in a show this summer? In addition to learning and performing songs and scenes from your favorite Broadway musicals, we’re including the production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – The Broadway Musical.” Come to sing, dance, act – in large groups, small groups and solo – it’s your choice this summer as we work together to create a star-studded production for family & friends in our Black Box Theater!

HIGHLIGHTS

For youth entering 6th grade through 12th grade.
August 5-16 , M-F, 9am to 3pm, plus optional August 25 float appearance!
All youth can perform in an ensemble or a solo, if desired, and be part of the Charlie Brown Musical cast!
Get audition tips & coaching, and an audition song selected just for you!
Under the enthusiastic direction of Miss Lori Sager!

WHERE: Classes will be held at both the Merrill Community Arts Center – Rivertown Campus and East Ridge Campus.

WHEN: August 5-16, Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm, and until 4:30pm on the 16th. Optional opportunity to perform in our Woodbury Days float on Sunday, August 25 at 1:30pm.

NOTE: Scheduling can be arranged so you can attend the East Ridge High School Theater Camp also the week of August 5-9.

REGISTER: The fee is $190 for all classes and performances and includes a show t-shirt. Registration is limited to 60 students. Download our flyer and registration forms below for more information, and to secure your spot for this summer!

MCAC Youth Summer Stock Flyer 2013 UPDATED

Summer Stock Registration Form 2013 FINAL

Read More

Music Man Auditions

Date: 08 Apr 2013

Comment: 0

Music Man Auditions

Join us this summer for a special performance of the Broadway Classic musical, “The Music Man.” By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, THE MUSIC MAN is family entertainment at its best. Auditions for cast members ages 6 through adults will be held on May 13-16, with rehearsals starting on May 28 and performances on July 13-21. Audition information available by clicking here

Read More

East Metro Symphony Orchestra

Date: 01 Apr 2013

Comment: 0

Mark your calendars now and watch for updates on this concert. Origins series explores the music of Bulgaria at 3:00pm on Sunday, June 2.

The East Metro Symphony Orchestra (EMSO) is thrilled to present Dancing Through Bulgaria, a celebration of the unique traditions of Bulgarian classical and folk music and dance. This final performance of EMSO’s 2012-2013 season will be held Sunday, June 2, 3pm at Tartan High School in Oakdale.

Although the small, east European country, Bulgaria, has rich traditions of remarkable classical music (much of which is based on the equally rich traditions of Bulgarian folk music and dance), it is largely unknown in the U.S. because the country was closed off from the West for many generations. In the meantime, Minnesota has become home to a growing community of people from Bulgaria, finally giving us the opportunity to experience the exciting and distinctive music and dance from their homeland.

Working with Minnesota-based Bulgarian musicians Nikolay Gueorguiev (who plays the gadulka – a bowed string instrument) and Nickolai Kolarov (cellist), along with Ethnic Dance Theatre (Donald LaCourse, artistic director), EMSO music director and conductor Elizabeth Prielozny Barnes has created a multi-faceted exploration of Bulgarian folk dance and music traditions and how they generated unique classical music traditions. The music that EMSO will be performing includes the U.S. premiere of the iconic symphonic work Thracian Dances, by pivotal Bulgarian composer Petko Stainov. The music was all personally brought to Minnesota from Bulgaria by the Bulgarian musicians and Barnes, who was able to travel to Bulgaria recently to study folk dance and gather printed and recorded music (courtesy of an Artist Initiative Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board).

Please join us for a delightful, enlightening feast of folk music and dance, and the orchestra music it inspired. Joining the East Metro Symphony Orchestra will be Ethnic Dance Theatre in traditional costumes, performing a suite of folk dances from the Varna region of Bulgaria, and “The Niks” Bulgarian Folk Musicians. As with all EMSO concerts, this event is informal and family-friendly.

Tartan High School is located at 828 Greenway Avenue North in Oakdale and offers ample free parking and handicapped accessible seating. Tickets are available at the door: $10 adults, $8 seniors, ages 18 and under are free. EMSO will be posting facts and updates about the concert on its Facebook (www.facebook.com/emsorch) and Twitter (twitter.com/EMSOrch) pages throughout the weeks preceding the performance. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/l/OAQFJ62BBAQGXSx8wpFA86CIgKFoVtRwmeuYAiRR9X_F_sQ/www.emsorch.org or email info@emsorch.org.