“MoCo is my second home. I have met so many incredible friends here and the teachers inspire me.” —MoCo Arts student
MoCo Arts in Keene provides an outlet for students' artistic self-expression by offering classes in dance and theatre, and by running summer programs in the same disciplines. This non-profit, multi-arts studio offers 75 classes a week across the full range of dance styles and genres.
Over 2,000 students in the Monadnock region benefit from these programs. Students may participate in summer institutes of varying lengths, ranging from one to four weeks. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available.
C.A.K.E. (Creative Arts at Keene) allows students to explore their identities by connecting with one another through the arts. Students in second through twelfth grade have the opportunity to study creative writing, dance, drama, music, video production, and more.
Festival Week gives students a chance to showcase their final work. Visual art is presented at the Festival Eve Gala, while Festival Day focuses on performing arts projects.
Meanwhile, at cupCAKE summer camp, students from four years old through second grade are encouraged to think outside the box. They express their creativity through dance, visual art, multi-arts, and musical theatre, and explore their interests by answering questions like, “If you could create your own world, what color would the sky be?”
In addition to serving over 2,000 students in a creative capacity throughout the Monadnock region, MoCo increases awareness of the essential, positive effects of arts education on youth development.
Recognized for excellence in their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr., MoCo Arts received eight NH Theatre Award nominations in 2012, including Best Youth Production, Best Youth Actor, Best Community Choreographer, and Best Production.
Reagan Messer serves as MoCo's executive director and director of dance, while additional leadership is provided by dedicated board members, talented volunteers, staff, and teachers.
MoCo received an Operating Grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, which helps provide funding support for programs.
