Students across theater, musical theater, dance, music and visual arts disciplines at Perpich Arts High School presented a student-driven production addressing gun violence prevention on October 5, 2026, at Perpich and Landmark Center in St. Paul. The Perpich Center for Arts Education reported the information.
The production, titled Listen to Children – Preventing Gun Violence, was largely student-run, giving performers and directors ownership of the creative process. Theater instructor Tory Peterson coordinated administrative details with Protect Minnesota and Applause Community Theater, allowing students to lead artistically. Peterson said the experience provided an opportunity for pre-assessment of student strengths and weaknesses to guide their arts education.
Dance student Simone Ueland said choreography explored how people become desensitized to gun violence until tragedy forces attention. Theater student Rylee Bieniek appreciated the scripts’ direct approach and cast connections. Musical theater student Geo Stevens directed a play for the first time, navigating logistical challenges with a large cast and limited rehearsal time. Musical theater students Serenity Sanders and Maxxine Goihl stepped outside comfort zones, with Sanders overcoming shyness in her first stage role and Goihl finding deeper connection through character conversations.
Protect Minnesota and Perpich Arts High School presented the production with support from Applause Community Theater.
For more information, visit perpich.mn.gov.