At the Arts & Mentoring Project, our mission is to create meaningful arts experiences that empower young people to grow - artistically, personally, and socially. Located in the heart of Pipestone, MN, we welcome students of all backgrounds and abilities into a supportive, energetic, and structured environment where creativity thrives. Through mentorship, arts education, and a wide variety of performance opportunities, we strive to nurture confidence, character, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By developing each individual’s unique talents, we strengthen not only the artist, but also the community they help shape.

What's Upcoming for Arts & Mentoring Project?

Listed below are events we have planned for the PAC's Season 32

(September 2025 through August 2026)

Spring 2026 Dance Session

April 13th - May 12th

ANNIE Kids Version

July 8th - July 19th, 2026

Seussical Kids Version

July 29th - August 9th, 2026

Jenn Sheldon
ANNIE Kids Director

Josh Sheldon
ANNIE Kids Music Director

SUMMER 2026 MUSICAL
THEATRE CAMPS

Get ready for a summer filled with creativity, confidence, and fun as the Arts & Mentoring Project brings two exciting youth theatre camps to the Pipestone Performing Arts Center!

Designed for young performers of all experience levels, this year's camps will feature "Annie Kids" and "Seussical Kids"...two beloved musicals presented in accessible, "Kids" versions that focus on learning, participation, and growth.

Whether stepping onto the stage for the first time or returning to build on previous experience, participants will explore the fundamentals of musical theatre through acting, singing, and choreography. Along the way, students will develop confidence, teamwork, and performance skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.

There is also room for students interested in what happens behind the scenes. Campers can explore technical theatre elements like set design, costumes, and stage production, ensuring every creative interest has a place.

At the end of each camp, participants will take the stage in a live performance for family and friends, celebrating everything they've learned throughout the week.

Led by Jenn Sheldon, Josh Sheldon, Taya DeRycke & Samantha Davis, these camps are rooted in mentorship; pairing strong artistic instruction with a passion for working with young artists.

It's more than just a camp...it's an opportunity to grow as a performer, build lasting friendships, and experience the magic of theatre firsthand.

Taya DeRycke
SEUSSICAL Kids Director

Samantha Davis
SEUSSICAL Kids Music Director

July 8th through July 19th

At the Pipestone Performing Arts Center

REGISTRATION - ANNIE KIDS

July 29th through August 9th

At the Pipestone Performing Arts Center

REGISTRATION - SEUSSICAL KIDS

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Annie KIDS & Seussical KIDS is presented through special arrangement with

Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Arts & Mentoring Project Board of Directors

Jenn Sheldon
President

Samantha Davis
Vice President / Secretary

Mark Thode
Treasurer

Linsey Prunty
Board Director

Reggie Gorter
Board Director, Founder

Kristina Meulebroeck
Board Director

Who are we?

The Arts & Mentoring Project is a community-centered organization in Pipestone, Minnesota, dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through the power of the arts. We believe that every student, regardless of background, experience level, or personal challenges, deserves a place where they can explore their creativity, feel supported, and discover what they’re capable of achieving.

At the heart of our work is the belief that artistic growth and personal growth go hand in hand. Our programs combine high, quality arts education with intentional mentorship, providing students not only with the technical skills they need to perform, but also with the confidence, discipline, and character that carry into every part of life. Whether students are learning to dance, sing, act, or collaborate on a production, they are guided by caring mentors who encourage them to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate their own progress.

We embrace a welcoming, inclusive environment where students can feel safe expressing themselves and being part of something meaningful. Through rehearsals, workshops, performances, and community events, participants learn the value of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Our approach is fun, structured, and filled with positive energy, designed to help each individual thrive while contributing to a stronger, more connected community.

The Arts & Mentoring Project isn’t just about creating performers; it’s about helping young people discover their voice, their passion, and their place in the world. As they learn, grow, and shine, they inspire others and help build a vibrant arts culture in Pipestone for generations to come.

Our History

2014 An informal research project was completed at the Reggie Gorter Performing Arts Studio that showed a need for affordable, arts centered education & mentoring.

2015 Ongoing monitoring of Pipestone’s needs for quality arts programs for the underserved.

2016 Three planning meetings with staff from Reggie Gorter Performing Arts Studio, community members, parents, studio staff and artists.

2017 Official first board meeting took place on January 7, 2017 meeting a total of 10 times. The board drafted & filed legal documents for state nonprofit status & federal tax exempt status. We are awaiting finalization of federal tax exempt status. The board of directors has been working board structure & duties, funding sources, facility, & continual participation in community conversations regarding the needs of the Pipestone area.

2018 501c3 paperwork goes through in March; Pipestone Forward acting as Fiscal Agent

2019 Space is rented at the Jasper Community Center, the Quartziter. Our first big project “The Lion King Jr. Experience” enjoys much success. Followed by the Vocal Study of the Greatest Showman.

2020 Pandemic stopped all progress except for private lessons.

2021 Performed Moana Jr. and started the Kids Rock Band.

2022 Summer Arts Camp with outdoor performance, Scrooge the Musical!

2023 Scrooge! The Musical

2024 Performed Frozen Jr., Fall 2024 5 week basic dance movement session at the PPAC

2025 Spring / Fall 2025 Dance Session at 1st Presbyterian Church, Performed Aladdin Kids in the summer

✨✨ Coming Soon!✨✨

New Year, New Programs!

🩰 Coming this spring; AMP Adult Ballet | AMPlify Movement

This is one of our two adult classes that will be offered.

Miss Linsey has been wanting to teach a Basic Adult Ballet Class for years and 2026 is that year!

Miss Linsey has a ballet background with years of dance under her belt and she has taught ages from 4-40 for AMP and before we evolved at Reggie Gorter’s Performing Art Studio.

Think of this class as an in-between of Barre and Ballet; with stretching, strength, technique all using your own body and a barre. This is perfect for those who are wanting to move their body, have some time to spend with other adults, and try something new.

Look for registration and more information to come in February! We are so excited for this year!

Hey friends - reminder that the deadline to register for our Summer Theatre Camp - Aladdin KIDS is this Wednesday, July 16th. You can register online at https://www.artsandmentoringproject.org/home/summer-theatre-camp. Here are the quick details:

🔸 Camp Dates - July 27th to August 3rd
🔹 For students entering 3rd grade through 18 years old.
🔸 Camp & public performances held at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center in Historic Downtown Pipestone
🔹 Camp days will be 4-6 hours in length, with lunch provided by volunteers of Arts & Mentoring Project.
🔸 Public performances on Sunday, August 3rd. There will be a matinee performance at 2:00 p.m., and a tentative 5:00 p.m. performance. Each performance is approximately a half hour in length.
🔹 Registration for the camp costs each participant $90. If you have more than one student in your family interested: the first student costs $90, the following students cost $75.
🔸 Deadline to register is Wednesday, July 16th. Payment methods accepted are cash or check.
🔹 This camp is directed by Jenn Sheldon, and musically led by Samantha Davis. Amy Blom will assist as the production's Stage Manager.

AMP Dance T-shirt Fundraiser!

Want to support AMP Dance and “Our mission is to provide an arts experience dedicated to mentoring and performing. By welcoming all students we commit to guiding their character and artistic passion in a fun, disciplined environment advancing both the individual and the community.”

Head to Sojo’s website (link below) between now and Sunday to order a t-shirt to support our dance and cheer students.

https://sojossportswearembroidery.square.site/product/amp-tshirt/903?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Want to support Arts and Mentoring Project and the upcoming Spring Session of dance? 🌸🌼🌺🌷

We will be having a Community Impact Night at Pizza Ranch 🍕 April 30th from 5pm-8pm where Pizza Ranch will be donating ALL tips and 10% of sales to Arts & Mentoring Project. Funds donated will help fund scholarships for students and purchasing items students will need or utilize during their lessons.

*With that, we will need some student and family help that evening. If you are willing to help, look for more info the first night of classes next week or reach out to Jenn*

A feature for our Student Intern!

Keegan Otter

“I am 14 years old. I love to sing and dance. I took dance for over 5 years and loved it. Now I do colorgaurd! This fall, I assisted Jenn in dance with grades prek-6th grade. And I did a lot of dancing in the musical, Frozen Jr.”

You’ll see Keegan around helping with teachers and assistants, as well as anywhere he is needed to fill in. Keegan helped us last session and was eager to come help this session. He is always willing to help out when asked and we are so appreciative of his positive and fun attitude in the classroom.

Have you signed up for dance or cheer yet? It is not too late!
Head to our website www.artsandmentoringproject.org to find more information, schedules, and to register.

A bonus feature for one of our assistants!

Meet Phoebe Sheldon!

“Hey! My name is Phoebe & I am an Elementary Para at PAS.

I’ve loved being front and center on a stage since I was little. I started cheer and dance when I was 6 years old and loved it ever since! I did cheer all throughout high school, and did many solo and group dances in between then. Last summer I was the director’s assistant for Frozen Jr. and it was such a fun experience.

I love being able to be a positive influence in kids lives and I’m so excited to be an assistant teaching cheer with my HS cheer coach, Mariah!”

We are so excited for Phoebe to come back and help out! Phoebe was a student at Reggie Gorter’s Performing Arts Studio way back before it was dissolved and turned its attention to AMP, so it is so exciting watching it come full circle for her! We love how much students love Phoebe and how she can connect with younger students and provide them with a positive atmosphere. Also, having cheer come full circle for her is so great to see and that Mariah and Phoebe will be so beneficial for those interested in cheer in High School; this will be a great stepping stone for students.

Have you signed up for dance or cheer yet? Head to our website, www.artsandmentoringproject.org to find more information, scheduling, and registration.

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