2024 Fall Programming/Classes
Sundays
Class: Performance Skills and Physical Theater
Time: 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Location: DSAMn Conference Room (St. Paul)
Class Description: For people with Down syndrome in 9th grade through adult. In this class, students will focus on both physical comedy and comedic storytelling. Using theater-games, miming, and improv-games, students will hone their skills of confidence and creativity. We will also focus on basic performing skills. This is a great introduction course for first-time students and is more laid back compared to our Saturday class! It is also fun for returning students. The location for the class will alternate between the DSAMN conference room and office.
Cost = $100.00 per session (8 weeks)
Sundays 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Session Dates: September 29th - November 24th (no class October 20th)
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/sundayadulttheater
Class: Middle School Theater
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: DSAMn Conference Room (St. Paul)
Class Description: For people with Down syndrome in 5th grade through 8th grade. In this class, middle schoolers will be introduced to the basics of acting and performing arts. Through theater-games and story-creation, students will gain skills that benefit them inside and outside the classroom. Acting includes exploring emotions and playing pretend in a safe space. Possible benefits of this class are boosted confidence, skills in collaboration, and creative expression. The class will conclude with an informal showing of stories created by the students.
Cost = $100.00 per session (8 weeks)
Sundays 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Session Dates: September 29th - November 24th (no class October 20th)
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/performingartsmiddle
Class: Career Skills 101, Unified
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Brookview Community Center (Golden Valley)
Class Description: This unified class is for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities 9th grade through adult who have identified their goal is to work in the community. This class is also open to community members currently working with, or interested in working with this population. (Perfect for current or aspiring job coaches and teen/adult siblings interested in exploring careers in special education or social service. This class is offered in partnership with MDI. Their Unified Work Academy classes help people unlock employment opportunities by focusing on building the personal and professional skills needed to land and keep a job in the community. These classes are modified for DSAMn to best fit the needs/learning profile of adults with Down syndrome. Students will cover topics like personal mission statements, professional greetings, first impressions and appearance, punctuality and attendance, teamwork and more.
Cost = $50.00* per session (8 weeks).
Sundays 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Session Dates: October 6th - November 24th
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/careerskills101
*This fee covers materials and location rental. MDI has generously donated instructor time and curriculum.
Tuesdays
Class: Cooking Class
Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Location: Richfield High School Culinary Arts Lab/Commercial Kitchen (Richfield)
Class Description: For people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities 9th grade through adult. Join friends each week to prepare and eat a snack or meal. No prior kitchen experience is required! Class includes take home recipes to recreate in your own kitchen. Cost includes food/materials.
Cost = $75.00 per session (8 weeks)
Tuesdays 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Session Dates: October 22nd - December 17th (No class November 26th)
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/culinaryarts24
Class: Sexual Health & Abuse Prevention
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00PM
Location: Online
Class Description: The Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota is proud to partner with Mad Hatter Wellness to present an 8-week sexual health and abuse prevention course for individuals with Down syndrome ages 16 and older.
Cost = $100.00 per session (8 weeks)
Tuesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Session Dates: September 24th - November 12th
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/madhatterclass
Thursdays
Class: Improv and Physical Comedy
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Online
Class Description: In this high energy class, students will learn theatrical techniques in comedy and physical theater. Using theatrical techniques including mime, clowning exercises, and Improv games, students will explore the parts of them that are uniquely hilarious. This class is for students with Down syndrome, there is no experience or specific ability required.
Cost = $50 per session (8 weeks)
Thursdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
October 3rd - December 5th (No Class October 31st or November 28th)
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/comedyonline
Saturdays
Class: DSAMn Acting Troupe! Advanced Acting & Performance
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: DSAMn Conference Room-St. Paul
Pre-requisite: must have taken a previous DSAMn theater class or have significant previous performing experience.
Class Description: In this class we are working on creating performances featuring scenes written by DSAMN performers. This class will culminate with a work-in-progress performance on December 14th. Our final performance for this class will take place in the Spring of 2025. We ask that folks sign up who are committed to attending the majority of classes, especially leading up to our performances. This class emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Please email Lizz@dsamn.org with any questions about pre-requisites.
Cost = $125.00* per session
Saturdays 10:00am - 12:00pm
Session 4: September 28th - December 7th (No class November 30th)
Rehearsal: December 12th 5:00 - 7:00pm
Mid Year Performance: December 14th
Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.co...
Virtual Drop In Weekly Programming
Feel free to join when you can during these ongoing virtual drop in programming.
Musical Theater Club - Mondays at 4:00pm
Creative Writing Club - Mondays at 5:00pm
Adult Social Hour - Wednesdays at 4:00pm
NEW!!! Shakespeare for teens & adults - Wednesdays at 5:00pm (Begins October 2nd)
In this drop-in club, students who are fans of Shakespeare or curious about the topic will learn more about one of the greatest writers of all time! We will watch excerpts from films and practice speaking and interpreting Shakespearean text. Content warning: possible mature themes that are present in Shakespeare. We will work to modify these when possible to keep the content accessible!
Register Early & invite friends!
DSAMn classes need a minimum enrollment to run. We may need to cancel low-enrollment classes. If you register for a class that is cancelled you will notified and fully refunded within 5 business days of cancellation.
All classes are for people with Down syndrome in 9th grade through adult unless otherwise noted.
Additional programming may be added as available.
Program Scholarships and Financial Support
Cost should not be a barrier to participation in any DSAMn program. All our programs are offered on a sliding fee scale based on Federal Poverty Level Guidelines. Families living at or below 200% if FPL are eligible for the sliding scale.
If fees are an issue for any family even if you do not meet the guidelines above, please email dsamn@dsamn.org - we can help.
Health Policy
At this time masking is optional at all of DSAMn's programs and events. We ask that if you are sick with any symptoms to please stay home or attend virtually if available. If you have recently recovered from an illness please wear a mask to protect others in our vulnerable population. Masking requirements subject to change based on local requirements.
