COLUMN: Arts and Culture – SAC brings back free parent and tot workshops

The Steinbach Arts Council is opening its doors to young families with the return of its free parent and tot art workshop series. Designed for children ages one to four and a parent or guardian, this interactive program explores creative movement, music, visual arts, theatre, and culinary arts in a fun, supportive setting.

Led by experienced local instructors, each workshop includes a healthy snack to promote wellness and early creative development. Sessions run on select Fridays throughout the 2026–2027 season, including dance on Oct. 30, music on Nov. 6, and visual arts on Dec. 4. Advance registration is required.

This workshop series is made possible with support from Healthy Child Coalition – South East and Southern Health Santé Sud.

Immersive theatre of The Crucible comes to Mennonite Heritage Village

This October, the Steinbach Arts Council (SAC) and Real Live Entertainment present Arthur Miller’s classic drama, The Crucible, directed by Alan Fehr. Running Oct. 2 to 3 and 9 to 10 at 6:15 p.m., this unique, immersive production takes audiences out of the auditorium and onto the historic grounds of the Mennonite Heritage Village. Attendees will walk through outdoor paths and historic buildings as the 1692 Salem witch trials unfold around them.

Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students. Don’t miss this dynamic showcase of local talent—get yours at SteinbachArts.ca/LIVE or call 204-346-1077.

Thanks to our sponsor, Steinbach Credit Union, and our community partner, Mennonite Heritage Village.

Steinbach Arts Council continues registrations for fall classes and workshops

Our diverse, seasonal classes and year-round programs are designed to enrich your life, support your well-being, and connect you to our community. Explore our full-year programs like Backyard Theatre Company, BTC Musical Theatre, and Steinbach Children’s and Youth Chorus for long-term learning. View all our programs in dance, visual arts, pottery, fitness and wellness, culinary, language classes, workshops & more.

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

Thanks to Nature’s Farm for sponsoring our Backyard Theater Company program, and to Bread Main & Butter for sponsoring our Culinary Arts programs.

Apply for a bursary towards your Sac class: The Steinbach Arts Council is dedicated to removing barriers for families and opening doors for children through the Steinbach Dodge Creative Kids Bursary Fund, Roxanne Klassen Memorial Fund, and Vera Friesen Memorial Fund.

To learn more, visit SteinbachArts.ca/bursaries.

Steinbach Arts Council announces full 2026-2027 live performance lineup

SAC officially releases its complete lineup for the upcoming 2026-2027 season, offering the community an exciting mix of live music, theatrical productions, comedy, and family entertainment.

From world-class artists and symphonic traditions to local drama and engaging children’s theatre, this season brings a rich variety of performances close to home. In addition to individual tickets, audiences can save money by purchasing a Season Ticket Package, which includes admission to all five core Concert Series performances. With limited seating available across the season, SAC encourages audiences to secure their tickets early.

2026-2027 live performances:

• The Crucible (Community Drama) – Oct. 2 to 3 and Oct. 9 to 10, 2026 (Sponsored by SCU | Community Partner: Mennonite Heritage Village)

• Once Upon a Dream: Musical Theatre Concert – Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

• Homegrown with Matt Falk (local entertainment, food, and drink) – Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 (Sponsored by Loewen Body Shop| Food & Beverage by Smitty’s and The Public)

• Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Tour (Holiday Pops) – Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026 (Sponsored by Three Way Builders)

• Silly Billy (Family Theatre) – Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027 (Made possible with support from the Steinbach Hatchery & Feeds and Mark & Bonnie Loewen)

• Laila Biali: Joni Mitchell and the Canadian Songbook Reimagined (Pop-Jazz) – Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027 (Sponsored by Herbsigwil Farms)

• Junction Quartet: Classical Connections (Classical String Quartet) – Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027

• Darryl Friesen & Chris Kayler: Fables and Fantasy (Classical Piano Duets) – Sunday, March 7, 2027

• Growing Carrots (Family Theatre) – Friday, March 19, 2027 (Free admission, sponsored by SCU)

Season ticket packages and individual performance tickets are available now. To secure your tickets or learn more about the complete 2026-2027 season, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.

Workshops at SAC

Join our engaging workshops designed for individuals of all skill levels, where participants will explore various artistic techniques and cultural traditions through hands-on activities.

Beginner stained glass workshop (Ages 18+)

Learn the ancient technique of cutting glass to craft two beautiful pieces in a relaxing, hands-on environment.

Schedule: Saturday | Sept. 19, 2026, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

Whimsical pottery teapot series: Slip casted teapots (Ages 18+)

Decorate pre-cast teapots and cups with whimsical elements, carvings, and glazes to create your own unique tea set.

Schedule: Saturdays | Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Oct. 10, Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7, Nov 28, Dec 5, Dec 12, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Preservative canning workshop (Ages 16+)

Learn how to safely preserve your late-summer harvest by water bath canning tomatoes and crisp pickles.

Schedule: Thursday | Oct. 1, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The people in your story: Bringing characters to life (Ages 18+)

Explore creative writing techniques through guided exercises to bring real or imagined characters to life on the page.

Schedule: Saturday | Oct. 17, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Beginner watercolour (Ages 16+)

Master simple yet effective watercolor techniques like washes and layering with step-by-step guidance.

Schedule: Saturday | Oct. 24, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pottery date night workshop (Ages 18+)

Enjoy a creative evening out for couples featuring wheel throwing, hand-building, and a pizza dinner.

Schedule: Friday | Oct. 30, 2026, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Holiday pottery ornament workshop (Ages 18+)

Design up to 12 custom clay Christmas ornaments using slab-building techniques.

Schedule: Saturdays | Nov. 7 (11 a.m. to 12 p.m.) & Nov. 21, 2026 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Free bannock and jam workshop (Ages 10+)

Learn to make traditional bannock and fresh fruit jam while exploring the cultural significance behind the dish.

Schedule: Thursday | Nov. 12, 2026, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Thank you to Southern Health-Santé Sud and Healthy Together Now for partnering with us through the “Creating Connections in Our Community Grant”

Beginner oil painting workshop (Ages 16+)

Build confidence in working with oils by exploring key techniques like color mixing, blending, and composition.

Schedule: Saturday | Nov. 21, 2026, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Our culture and heritage workshops are made possible with support from Mark & Bonnie Loewen and Steinbach Hatchery & Feeds

For the full list of workshops and to register, visit SteinbachArts.ca or call 204-346-1077.