This summer, Lundstrum’s own Minika Warden was accepted into the inaugural GreenRoom Fellowship Program hosted by the Ordway. The GreenRoom is a paid, intensive musical theater training fellowship created by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists. This new educational program is open to Minnesota actors, dancers, and singers who are 18 years and older and interested in expanding their performing arts skills into musical theater. The goal of the six-week program, is for ten selected fellowship positions to combine collaborative, experiential learning with 1-on-1 mentoring and coaching. “The fellowship at the Ordway was a BIPOC fellowship made by BIPOC’s to give us tools and tricks of the trade,” Minika explained recently.

GreenRoom Fellows are given intensive training in performing arts technique, in addition to advice on everything from the business side of performing to building an audition binder. Minika said the best thing she learned was, “When you think you’ve done something bad, you always have to find two positives out of the situation.” That mentality turns every opportunity into a learning moment.

Minika’s been studying musical theater for years. She started her training at Lundstrum when she was young. “I’ve been raised here and have gone through every single level that Lundstrum offers,” Minika said, explaining her growth from a student in Lundstrum’s conservatory program to a teacher. Minika currently teaches Lundstrum students in performing arts workshop, sing & dance, jazz and tap classes.

Minika knows how important those classes can be for young performers. “The training I had [at Lundstrum] is what set me up to even be an option for the fellowship,” Minika explained.

The fellowship finished in August with a closing ceremony at the Ordway. Each fellow was highlighted individually before all fellows performed together in a group piece. Minika is grateful for her time in the fellowship saying, “Vocally, I feel a lot more confident. I’m able to go audition now and feel confident when I audition.”

Lundstrum faculty and staff are so proud of Minika for being accepted into the fellowship and for her growth as a performer. We’re also excited that arts peers like the Ordway are expanding opportunities for performers of color, so all our community’s beautiful artists can be a part of the Twin Cities’ vibrant theater scene.

The GreenRoom fellowship has received funding for next year, and Minika encourages others to apply for this great opportunity.