ABOUT US
We are a performing arts school accessible to all local twin cities students ages 3-18.
We provide unique, wide-ranging performing arts classes to develop all skills related to the performing arts through workshops and long term classes, for part-time and member students, taught by world class teachers.
Imagine, Play, Perform!
ITW provides exceptional training, but we also:
Explore creativity
Through fun educational drama and improvisation, movement, voice techniques and ensemble building activites.
Use creative tools
To enhance social skills, memory, group participation, motor movements, and interpersonal communication.
Build a strong future
Of public speakers, fast critical thinkers, problem solvers, group leaders and risk takers.
Educate minds and bodies
About the world around, and how to utilize those tools as a form of expression and collaboration .
History
The original ITW was started by Gillian Oman in 1993 in Dublin, Ireland. She continues to foster incredible artists at the multiple locations across Dublin. Our Minneapolis location is built to mirror the success, creativity, and cohesiveness of Gillian's company. We opened our MN location in honor of her and her work with kids for the past three decades. You can find more information about the original Independent Theatre Workshop here: ITW DUBLIN
OUR MISSION
Here at ITW, our mission is to make fun and growth-guaranteed performing arts classes affordable, local, and professional. We do this with professional, globally trained leaders, monthly workshops, along with opening opportunities for students to attend live performances. We provide students with an environment that breeds creativity and exploration through our bodies and minds.
Our Studios
Located in Minneapolis, MN.
We host a Dance Studio, Drama Studio, Singing Studio, and Speech Studio. Pictures and information coming soon.
MARIAH HIMMELWRIGHT: Founder of ITW Minneapolis
Mariah began her journey with training at: The Children's Theatre, Stages Theatre Co, and regional dance classes
She went on to compete in the speech team for Southwest Senior High before transferring as a theatre major to Perpich Center for Arts Education
She graduated with an Arts Management and Theatre Studies degree from the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay. While there, she worked on numerous shows with titles including: assistant director, assistant stage manager, props master, costume assistant, set construction, costume construction.
During her senior years, she advanced as a Director for Good Kids by Naomi Iizuka, along with performing in shows such as Communicating Doors by Alan Ayckbourn, Uncommon Women and Others by Wendy Wasserstein, Theophilus North, by Thornton Wilder, and Matthew Burnett, Assistant Director for Months on End by Craig Pospisil, and Collegiate Sisterhood of Lake Pawtuckaway by Peter Ullian
Mariah went on and taught and assisted workshops and summer camps with Educational Improvisation LLC for 2 years with Peggy Eserkaln
She then jumped across the globe and landed an internship in Dublin Ireland teaching summer camps and workshops at the Independent Theatre Workshop under Gillian Oman.
She returned to Dublin after graduation for a 6 month placement with ITW teaching classes, Assistant Directing Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr. While at ITW Mariah also substituted for many classes, while working with the Agency and administration.
Mariah is also a member of the Artist as Citizen Leadership Network- through ASTEP (Artists Striving to End Poverty) where she constantly strives to connect art with activism and using the arts and drama to connect our community and bring change to our systems.
Most recently she has worked with MPLS Community Ed, teaching after school classes at Justice Page Middle School, Lake Harriet Community Schools Upper and Lower campus.
Along with classes, Mariah also directed, been head of costume, and co-directed shows at these schools. Including: Disney’s The Lion King; Disney’s High School Musical; Dear Edwina; Shrek the Musical; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Into The Woods Jr.;
She has a love for stage makeup, improvisation, speech, and magic.- all fun gifts she brings to each class.
Mariah has been working with children for over a decade, she has a real love for the youth of the community and wants to bring her skill set to them, to help them have fun while they grow!