Casserly Corner: How Far We’ll Go [Part 2]

As we watch the clock tick its way to midnight, Lundstrum Performing Arts celebrates the hope of a new year and embraces all the possibilities that lie before us. 

No possibility excites Janie Casserly McMonagle more than the new students coming to Lundstrum for the spring session. New students bring the opportunity to coach developing and diverse talent, and she loves uncovering what each student brings to the studio. “Every year that’s the most exciting thing,” Janie said.

“Every year [welcoming new students] is the most exciting thing.”
-Janie Casserly McMonagle

Daniel Untied performed at a voice recital.

Welcoming students is a special part of every semester at Lundstrum, but Susan Casserly Kosel is most excited to see that potential payoff on the stage.   “I’m really looking forward to our Coffee House Cabaret in February,” Sue said. The cabaret is an opportunity for her voice students to share their hard work. This year’s theme is “Back to the Fifties,” and Sue’s been busy helping her students select the right song for their big night on February 17th at 7 p.m. Students’ friends and family will gather to hear how far they’ve come.
 

"Families have returned. Generations have returned."
-Kerry Casserly Carter

Family and a supportive community are a vital part of Lundstrum. That’s why Kerry Casserly Carter is looking forward to all the community connections Lundstrum will make in the coming year. Whenever people join Lundstrum, they stay with us. “Families have returned. Generations have returned. Our students are now grown with their own children that they bring back,” Kerry said.

Kerry loves how Lundstrum’s connection to the Twin Cities arts community has stood the test of time, and she appreciates all the support we’ve received and all of the generosity our community continues to bring.

In fact, this love and support from our community is what gives us the courage to dream big. When Amy Casserly Ellis looks to the future, she hopes the realization of a longtime family dream isn’t too far off.

“My sisters and I have held on to the dream of creating a Corner Kids Theater in North Minneapolis,” Amy shares. Amy dreams of a vibrant children’s theater that would present a performance season in addition to classes and training offered by the school. It’s a hope the Casserlys have long cherished, and who knows, maybe this will be the year?

“It will feel like a great accomplishment to create a little jewel of a Northside children’s theater, where students can share their training and talent with the larger community,” Amy shared.

At Lundstrum, we never stop working towards our best selves. We never stop seeking out opportunities to make the world better. We never stop dreaming.

The Junior Conservatory performs a medley from "Pajama Game."

Casserly Corner is our monthly blog series drawing on the experience of the five Casserly Sisters, the driving creative force behind Lundstrum. Working as instructors in performing, singing, and dancing, The Sisters offer over 125 years of combined professional experience to draw on.