COLUMN: Arts and Culture – Backyard Theatre Company to present final performance of the season

The Steinbach Arts Council’s Backyard Theatre Company (BTC) is thrilled to present its final production of the season, Uncoordinated Battles. This high-energy action comedy combines big laughs, interesting characters, and an important message about teamwork. Written and directed by Jeremy Plett, with production direction by Akecia Peters, the production will take the stage on April 14 at 7 p.m. at the SRSS Theatre. Performers from BTC’s Intermediate and Advanced theatre programs will showcase their theatre skills on stage, with special performances by BTC Musical Theatre and Dramatic Discovery students.

About the play: When three rival villains launch simultaneous attacks on the city, the world’s most confident spy team is forced to split up — and everything goes wrong. Outmatched and out of sync, the elite agents must team up with the overlooked newbies they’ve been ignoring if they hope to save the day.

Tickets are $10 for youth and adults. For tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

The Steinbach Arts Council thanks Nature’s Farm for sponsoring the Backyard Theatre Company program.

SAC Presents Broadway Moments

March 19-21 | 7 p.m. | SRSS Theatre

$30 Regular, $15 Students

Broadway Moments is a concert-style musical revue celebrating over a decade of community musical theatre in Steinbach. This high-energy production brings together emerging artists and seasoned local performers to showcase the music, voices, and storytelling that define SAC’s musical community.

Audiences can look forward to show-stopping songs from past SAC favourites including Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, The Sound of Music, and Anne of Green Gables, alongside beloved Broadway classics such as Les Miserables, Annie, and more.

Whether you’re a longtime musical theatre fan or experiencing it for the first time, this family-friendly evening promises heartfelt ballads, energetic ensemble numbers, and plenty of moments you’ll be humming on the way home.

For tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Thanks to Steinbach Credit Union for sponsoring this show.

World-class pianist Valerie Dueck returns home for immersive “From Night to Light” concert

April 11 | 7 p.m. | Grace Mennonite Church

$25 Regular, $12.50 Students

World-class pianist Valerie Dueck returns home with From Night to Light, an immersive solo piano concert celebrating Canadian and women composers. The program is enhanced with poetry and striking visual imagery, creating a multi-sensory journey that moves from night, moon, and constellations to light and daydreams of utopia. Audiences will be transported through music that inspires reflection, wonder, and imagination.

This special homecoming performance offers a unique experience for music lovers and artists of all disciplines. Join Valerie for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling as she brings her global journey full circle, back to the community where it all began.

For tickets, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Thanks to Steinbach Credit Union for sponsoring this concert.

Steinbach Arts Council brings free professional theatre to local families

April 10 | 7 p.m. | Pat Porter Active Living Centre

Get ready for a heartwarming adventure about friendship, courage, and discovering the world beyond your window! Meet Tad, a curious tree frog tadpole with a voice like a bird, and Birdy, a lovebird who knows everything except how to be happy. When these two unlikely friends meet in a messy bedroom, they couldn’t be more different. Birdy is content to stay put, while Tad dreams of exploring what lies beyond. But as their friendship grows, both begin to see the world, and themselves, in a whole new way.

Filled with laughter, music, and imagination, Tad and Birdy is a delightful story about hope, change, and finding the courage to spread your wings. Tickets for this professional theatre production for families are free, thanks to the generous support of our sponsor Steinbach Credit Union. Don’t miss this joyful experience for kids and adults alike!

Tickets are free for this show – advanced registration is required online at SteinbachArts.ca or by calling 204-346-1077. No tickets at the door.

Thanks to Steinbach Credit Union for sponsoring this show.

Steinbach Arts Council to celebrate an evening dedicated to possibility, generosity, and impact

The Steinbach Arts Council invites you to our annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, May 1. Featuring gourmet local cuisine, fine wine, local entertainment, and a curated auction. Funds raised directly support subsidized programs, bursaries, free youth programming, and the growth of therapeutic arts initiatives in our region.

Thank you to our generous Gala Sponsors. A full list of sponsors is available on our event website.

To reserve your table, contact sydney@steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077

SAC’s expanded spring program opens for registration!

Spring Classes are back for the second year! This spring, there’s something for everyone. Take classes in:

Kids Drawing and Painting: Ages 5-6

Everything Art: Ages 7-8 & 9-12

Youth Mixed Media: Ages 12-17

Beginner Watercolour: Ages 16+

Hand Building with Clay (Saturday): Ages 5-12

Beginner Pottery (Saturday): Ages 16+

Open Pottery Studio: Ages 16+

Youth Improv: Ages 12-17

*Culinary Kids: Ages 5-8 & 9-12

Beginner Yoga: Ages 16+

Zumba: Ages 16+

Strength Circuit: Ages 14+

Apply for bursaries toward your SAC classes:

The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund and Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund. Learn more at SteinbachArts.ca/Bursaries.

*Thanks to Bread Main & Butter for sponsoring our Culinary Arts Program

Spring Break Camp offers a creative environment for students during the school break

Spring Break Camp offers an exciting, high-energy experience where kids aged 5–12 can dive into visual arts, music, theatre, dance, and culinary arts. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover new passions and talents!

Don’t miss out—sign up today to join us from March 30 to April 2.

Visit SteinbachArts.ca/SBC or call 204-346-1077.

Thanks to Canadian Tire for sponsoring this camp.

Join Workshops At SAC

Papercutting Art Workshop (16+)

Participants will explore this meditative cultural art form, diving into the various styles of Swiss, Chinese, and Mexican papercutting and learning techniques to create their own take-home piece.

Saturday, April 11 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | SAC | Fee: $70

Stained Glass Workshop (18+)

Learn the ancient technique of stained glass making and create two beautiful pieces during this full-day workshop.

Saturday, April 25 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (1 hr lunch from 12-1) | SAC | Fee: $105

Our Culture & Heritage Workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery and Feeds.

SEMF Festival Information

The 2026 Southeast Manitoba Festival (SEMF) is taking place throughout March, bringing together young performers from across the region for adjudicated sessions in music, dance, theatre, and more.

2026 SEMF Remaining Schedule:

• Senior Piano: March 16–20 at the Steinbach Cultural Arts Centre

• SEMF Gala Awards Night: March 25 at the SRSS Theatre

To learn more about the festival, visit SEMF.ca. We encourage the public to come experience the festival. Admission is $3 for all the disciplines mentioned above.

The 2026 festival is made possible by the generous support of local partners, including Steinbach Dental Clinic, Nature’s Farm, Dr. Sheila Harms2026 & Warren Trimble, Days Inn, and RK Electric.