Seamus Schwaba of the Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

Seamus Schwaba: Meet the Teen Behind Winona, Minnesota’s Newest Community Theater

Meet Winona’s own teenage theatre prodigy, Seamus Schwaba. 🎭 Discover the magic behind Sugarloaf Theatre – Winona, Minnesota’s newest community theater. Don’t miss our exclusive interview! 🎟️🌟

Quick Summary: Seamus Schwaba in Winona, MN

Seamus Schwaba, a 17-year-old prodigy from Winona, Minnesota, started the Sugarloaf Theatre about a year and a half ago.

  • The inspiration behind starting Sugarloaf Theatre and its role in the community.
  • Upcoming projects like “Sleeping Beauty vs the Not so Evil Fairy” and how to get involved.
  • Seamus’s love for Winona and his local recommendations for cool hang-out spots to fuel creativity!
Play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

Spotlight on Winona, Minnesota

🎉 Inspired by our ‘Give the Gift of Local’ blog series which featured local businesses during the holiday season, we thought it would be fun to spotlight other local faces and places – each with an amazing story that makes our Winona, Minnesota a lovely place to call home. 🌟

🛍️ Remember, choosing to shop local doesn’t just happen in December, it’s a year-round celebration of our community! By supporting local folks, we’re investing in our neighborhood, strengthening our local economy, and fostering a sense of unity. 🤝

Wanna help out this young, local creative artist? 🤔 It’s actually as simple as a share! 💕🎉

🔍 So join us in discovering these hidden hometown heroes and help us make a meaningful impact right where we live – by supporting those who make our community vibrant! ❤️

🤝 Do you know a small business or interesting person we should feature? Email us! 📧 Please note: businesses in this series have NOT paid us to be featured. We are just recommending cool local places run by great folks!

🏡 Jack and I have traveled the world, but we’re proud to make our home in Winona, MN. It’s where we record our daily podcast and write all our travel blogs. ✍️🎙️ We love sharing news from local businesses and makers, so let’s get at today’s article! 🌟🛒

Behind the scenes with Seamus Schwaba and the cast of the Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

Seamus Schwaba: The Teenager Behind Sugarloaf Theatre

Hi everyone, it’s Kitty! 👋😺 I’m excited to introduce you to Seamus Schwaba, a 17-year-old creative dynamo from Winona, Minnesota. He’s not just any teen; Seamus is a true Renaissance young man in the world of theater and arts. Founding Sugerloaf Theatre – Winona’s newest community theater – he has brought a fresh wave of creativity to our community.

✔ Read more: Things To Do in Winona, Minnesota: The ULTIMATE Guide From a Local!

Like Wisconsin’s own Orson Welles, Seamus is a jack-of-all-trades in the dramatic arts. He’s an actor, playwright, director, filmmaker, and composer. His talent and passion are reshaping the local theater scene, inspiring others with his innovative vision. In this interview, we dive into the world of this extraordinary young artist who is redefining what it means to be a creative force in Winona. Join us as we explore his journey, his inspirations, and his dreams for the future of Sugarloaf Theatre.

Rehearsals of a Play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

Kitty’s Interview with Seamus Schwaba

😺 Kitty: Start by telling us a bit about the Sugarloaf Theater company.

🎭 Seamus: I started Sugarloaf Theatre about a year and a half ago, because I was looking for a place to produce the musical I had written, Deep in the City. As I was working on preparation for that show I realized that Winona really needed a community theatre organization like Sugarloaf Theatre because there really weren’t many opportunities for adults and teens in the community to participate in theatre just for fun. I also realized that coming out of the pandemic people really needed something to reconnect and to make them feel like they were part of something again, so I decided to turn Sugarloaf into an official community theatre organization. 

Seamus Schwaba. Play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

😺 Kitty: Why is community theater important?

🎭 Seamus: In my opinion the most important thing with theatre is the community of it. Theatre should be a place where everyone can feel accepted. I’ve been in theatre environments that weren’t as positive before, so I’m very proud of the fact that we try our very best to make Sugarloaf Theatre a place where community members of all ages can learn and have fun together. I’m so grateful to all the cast, board, and production team members who have helped to make Sugarloaf a safe and positive environment for everyone just by being the amazing people that they are. I am also proud of the role I’ve played to make it what it is today. 

Play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

😺 Kitty: What have you staged so far?

🎭 Seamus: Every year Sugarloaf Theatre does a summer musical and a winter theatre for young audiences play where we have our adult and teen actors perform for children and families in the community. Summer of 2022 we did Deep in the City which was an original pop musical that I wrote based on a Greek myth. Summer of 2023 we did Snoopy the Musical. Both shows performed for sold out audiences. I think we chose Snoopy because it told an upbeat story that could bring a lot of people joy. Our theatre for young audiences show for 2023 was The Rainbow Fish, which has a wonderful message about friendship and sharing for the kiddos who came to see it! 

Play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

😺 Kitty: What’s coming up and how can folks get involved?

 🎭 Seamus: 2024’s theatre for young audiences show is an original play that I wrote called Sleeping Beauty vs the Not so Evil Fairy. It’s a parody of fairy tales. I figured it would be fun to parody something kids are familiar with. Auditions for Sleeping Beauty vs the Not so Evil Fairy are coming up on January 10. All adults and children over the age of 12 are invited to audition for the show. If folks are looking to bring some laughter and smiles to the kids in the community in a fun way this is the perfect opportunity!

In order to audition all you have to do is go to Sugarloaf Theatre’s link tree and sign up. Every auditionee will sign up for a 5 minute time slot where they will recite a monologue of their choice and do a little reading from the script.  The show will perform for community members on March 16 at 2:00 and 6:00 pm and March 17 at 2:00 pm. The cast will also have the opportunity to perform for the students of Bluffview Montessori in the afternoon on March 15. 


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😺 Kitty: Are tickets available in advance? If so, how do folks get them?

 🎭 Seamus: Yes! Tickets will be available soon. You can find them on our link tree!

Cast members of a play performed by Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

😺 Kitty: Why do you love calling Minnesota home?

 🎭 Seamus: I love the city of Winona so much! It’s a beautiful place to live in so many ways. The people here are so kind and there are so many wonderful things to do

😺 Kitty: Tell readers about what you do for a living?

 🎭 Seamus: Well, I’m 17 so I live with my parents and Sugarloaf is sort of my full time job, but on the side I do teach piano lessons, and I’m hoping to start doing some gigs soon where I can perform piano/guitar music. 

Scene directed by Seamus Schwaba and the cast of the Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

😺 Kitty: As a local, what are your fave restaurants, cafes or things to do? What do you recommend to friends or family visiting the area?

 🎭 Seamus: I love Blooming Grounds Coffee House. It’s a great place to go with friends and I also go to Jimmy Jams Comic Book Store a lot. All the little businesses in Winona is what makes it the wonderful community that it is. 

✔ Don’t miss: Caffeine Chronicles – Best Winona Coffee Shops 

The iconic Winona MN sign by Lake Winona

😺 Kitty: As a local, what’s your fave spots for hiking or enjoying the outdoors?

 🎭 Seamus: I’m a big fan of the lakes in Winona. I love to walk, bike, and jog around them. 

✔ Don’t miss: Savor the Flavor – Winona, Minnesota’s Best Restaurants

😺 Kitty: Any other fave spots in town or recommendations for family fun (with kids) in the area?

 🎭 Seamus: This is so hard because there are so many great places to go. I’d definitely say the parks are fun though. There are some great parks for kids to go to in Winona. 

Seamus Schwaba and the cast of the Sugarloaf Theatre in Winona, MN

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey with Seamus Schwaba, it’s clear that this remarkable teenager isn’t just creating theater; he’s weaving the very fabric of community in Winona, Minnesota.

Sugarloaf Theatre stands as a testament to his vision, passion, and unwavering dedication to the arts. Through his work, Seamus reminds us that age is but a number when it comes to making a significant impact. His story inspires us to pursue our passions, connect with our community, and above all, to remember the joy and unity that the arts bring into our lives.

Seamus and Sugarloaf Theatre aren’t just Winona’s pride; they are bright beacons of creativity and togetherness, shining a light on the power of youthful ambition and communal spirit. Let’s give a round of applause for this young visionary who is truly making a difference, one curtain call at a time. 🎭✨🌟

Wanna Help This Young Artist?

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