Southwest Performing Arts

Southwest Performing Arts 501(c)(3) org made up of Lakers parents + faculty that believe in the power of performing arts

We are excited to welcome Eddie Paul to Southwest as our 2026-2027 Spring Musical Director!Eddie is a theatre educator, ...
06/08/2026

We are excited to welcome Eddie Paul to Southwest as our 2026-2027 Spring Musical Director!

Eddie is a theatre educator, director, actor, and drum set percussionist. He has B.A. in Acting & Directing from DePaul University and a M.A. in Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where he also received his K-12 teaching license in Theatre Arts.

Eddie has over two decades of professional experience acting on stage, directing youth productions and developing after-school and school day classroom theatre programs in the Twin Cities and Chicago.

So glad you’re here, Eddie!

Southwest is excited to introduce our new Dance/Movement Specialist, Mariah Johnson, M.Ed.Mariah has taught dance throug...
06/08/2026

Southwest is excited to introduce our new Dance/Movement Specialist, Mariah Johnson, M.Ed.

Mariah has taught dance throughout the Twin Cities and 14 years serving in Minneapolis Public Schools.

She brings enthusiasm, artistry and a deep love of movement to her work. She is passionate about helping young people explore movement, creativity and self-expression while creating a positive environment where they can build confidence and discover their artistic potential.

We are excited to welcome her to our community!

Whether Ms. French was dancing, directing, instructing, inspiring, creating or building community one thing is for sure ...
06/03/2026

Whether Ms. French was dancing, directing, instructing, inspiring, creating or building community one thing is for sure she always did it with class, skill and grace!

It is with deep appreciation we say thank you for everything she has offered the performing arts at Southwest High School. She will be missed!

Her next chapter is best summed up in her own words:
“I am transitioning into a new season as a contracted arts educator and energy worker. My work now weaves together visual arts, sound healing, jewelry design, crystal energy work, youth-centered (or person centered) learning, and community care under my own name.
I am building back what I once laid down to return to the classroom - but this time, I am expanding the classroom.
My classroom is no longer limited to four walls.
My classroom is worldwide.
My classroom is wherever creativity, healing, culture, and community meet.”

Thank you Ms. French for everything you’ve poured into our students! Your expanded classroom sounds wonderful-so many more humans you get to inspire. We wish you the best of luck in your next chapter!

A big heartfelt thank you as our 2025-26 year comes to an end.  PAC has many people to thank and so much to be grateful ...
06/03/2026

A big heartfelt thank you as our 2025-26 year comes to an end. PAC has many people to thank and so much to be grateful for!

To our fearless leaders:
Mr. Wixson, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Waln & Ms. French…thank you for inspiring our youth everyday! Listening to the students share their stories about your impact on them brings tears to our eyes. These kids come in as budding musicians, singers, actors and dancers and come out blooming with confidence, compassion and a felt sense of belonging. Because of your calling our students get to be mentored by the best. Thank you!

Dr. Bennett your continued support of the performing arts makes the students feel seen and important, like they matter. There is nothing more important than that. And we will forever be grateful for your banger rendition of “Fly me to the moon!”You are the ultimate performer!

Sponsors your continued financial support literally keeps our (spot) lights on. Thank you SO much for your continued generosity, because of you the show gets to go on!

Parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors thank you for supporting your kids with rides, encouragement, applause, volunteering. I promise you they look for your sweet face in the audience and feel so grateful for your presence!

PAC thank you for your time and talent. This group of parents are next level wicked smart, generous and just plain lovely!

Seniors we are so proud of you! We’ve been watching and cheering for you for 4 years. It was been a pleasure watching you grow into your discipline. Thank you for mentoring the younger students, never underestimate the impact you’ve made on them. They look up to and admire you. Congratulations on your graduation, we are SO happy for all the new people who get to meet you!

Students thank you for bringing so much bliss into our lives. Watching you shine on stage, in your element, with a community of people who love music & dance as much as you has brought us parents immeasurable amounts of joy.

Want to get involved with PAC next year? We’d love to have you! Email PAC President Nikki at [email protected] for more info.
Thats a wrap!

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”Come hear the jazz ensembles for their Annual Courtyar...
05/28/2026

“Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue”

Come hear the jazz ensembles for their Annual Courtyard Concert.

You’ll hear everything from Bad Bunny to Duke Ellington as we celebrate jazz here at Southwest. In case of rain, we’ll be in the auditorium.

Can’t wait to see you there!

Drop Dead! The Spring Blackbox opens this Thursday and we can’t wait to see you there for this comedic, murder mystery!P...
05/28/2026

Drop Dead! The Spring Blackbox opens this Thursday and we can’t wait to see you there for this comedic, murder mystery!

Performances are in the Blackbox at 7pm this Thursday, Friday and Saturday!

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

Tonight’s forecast: 99% chance of dramatic gasps!

We’ll see you tonight!

05/22/2026

We dare you not to clap along!

05/22/2026

SW Orchestras on fire!

Wow, just wow! Hats off to our SW Orchestras-they slayed last night at the bandshell!  You make us so proud!Thank you to...
05/22/2026

Wow, just wow! Hats off to our SW Orchestras-they slayed last night at the bandshell! You make us so proud!

Thank you to Mr. Wixson, the parents, grandparents, family, friends and neighbors that came out to support our talented musicians. We literally couldn’t do this without you!

It’s that time again for the annual Lake Harriet Bandshell Pops Concert:Thursday 5.21.266:30pmPack a picnic, grab your f...
05/20/2026

It’s that time again for the annual Lake Harriet Bandshell Pops Concert:

Thursday 5.21.26
6:30pm

Pack a picnic, grab your favorite humans or canines and enjoy the sounds of our Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra.

One of the best Spring nights of the year!

Address

3414 West 47th Street
Minneapolis, MN
55410

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Southwest Performing Arts posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Southwest Performing Arts:

Share