How Youth Theater Builds Confidence, Connection, and Futures in Ely

Art Lives Here – Week 3 | Northern Lakes Arts Association

At the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater, something extraordinary is happening—something that goes beyond costumes and stage lights. Here, young people aren't just putting on performances; they are stepping into themselves, discovering new confidence, resilience, and belonging.

At the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), we know that youth arts education changes lives. Research from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Brookings Institution backs this up: students engaged in the arts show higher academic achievement, stronger emotional development, and a greater sense of empathy for others. They are more likely to graduate high school, attend college, and participate actively in their communities.

But the most powerful evidence isn’t in the numbers—it’s in the voices of the young artists growing up right here in Ely.

From Shy to Shining: Natalie's Journey

Natalie Johnson leads the Revolting Children in a dynamic scene from NLAA's 2025 production of Matilda the Musical.

When Natalie Johnson first set foot onstage at NLAA, she wasn’t sure she belonged. "I was really shy," she recalls. "I didn’t know if I could do it."

Yet theater at NLAA offered more than stage directions. It offered a space to take risks, to be seen, and to be heard.

"NLAA gave me a place where I felt safe," Natalie says. "Now, I’m not just more confident on stage—I’m more confident in life."

Her journey mirrors what national research confirms: students involved in the arts develop critical self-esteem that carries into every aspect of their futures.

Discovering New Heights: Asa’s Breakthrough

Asa Toddie captivates the audience as Matilda in NLAA's 2025 production of Matilda the Musical, delivering a powerful performance on stage.

For Asa Toddie, taking on the title role in Matilda the Musical was more than a performance—it was a personal challenge.

"Playing Matilda forced me out of my comfort zone," Asa says. "At first, it was scary. But the more I pushed myself, and the more support I felt from Ian and the cast, the more I realized what I was capable of."

Arts education consistently shows that it fosters resilience—encouraging students to overcome fear, embrace mistakes, and grow stronger through perseverance. Asa’s experience is living proof that with the right encouragement, young people can reach heights they never imagined.

Building Belonging: Nels’s Discovery

Nels Majerus attentively listens as Noah Warner narrates a scene in our 2024 production of "Into the Woods," playing the Baker's Son.

For Nels Majerus, theater offered a different kind of lesson: belonging.

Between performances, Nels remembers lying on the stage with fellow castmates, listening to soft music, laughing, and talking through the show.

"It was so random, but it was the best," he says. "Theater made me braver and more outgoing. It’s a place where you can really just be yourself."

In a small rural town like Ely, where opportunities for connection can sometimes feel few and far between, the arts create vital spaces for young people to bond, express themselves authentically, and find their people.

Turning Dreams Into Futures: Alison’s Leap

Alison Poppler shares a joyful moment with fellow dancers during a Reflections Dance Company rehearsal.

Alison Poppler’s journey with NLAA began in Reflections Dance Company but took a dramatic leap forward when she was cast in Bright Star alongside professional performers.

"Never in my life did I think I’d get to learn from such talented people—and work beside them—at just fifteen years old," Alison says. "That experience changed everything for me."

What national research shows—that arts involvement increases college aspirations and leadership skills—is visible in Alison’s story. NLAA didn’t just give her technical skills; it shaped her confidence, her dreams, and the way she moves through the world.

"I’ve made it my goal to take the kindness I learned from that cast and bring it to every workspace I enter," she says.

Why It Matters — Here and Now

According to the National Governors Association, investment in rural arts programs doesn’t just benefit individual students. It strengthens entire communities—boosting local economies, fostering civic pride, and retaining the next generation of leaders.

In Ely, where isolation can sometimes feel close at hand, the arts act as a lifeline—forging friendships, creating memories, and preparing young people not just for the next show, but for life beyond the stage.

Natalie, Asa, Nels, and Alison remind us that when we invest in the arts, we invest in courage, connection, and capacity. We invest in a stronger, more vibrant Ely.

The youth company dazzles the stage with their vibrant performance in the 2024 production of Finding Nemo Jr, set against a sparkling oceanic backdrop.

And national research backs this up: According to Americans for the Arts, students involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Arts participation also correlates with higher test scores, better attendance, and increased college aspirations. For rural youth especially, arts education isn't just enrichment— it is a proven driver of opportunity, confidence, and success.

If you’ve seen the way Natalie, Alison, Asa, and Nels have grown through NLAA’s programs, imagine what could be possible for your young artist. This summer, give your child the chance to discover their voice, build lifelong friendships, and experience the confidence that comes from stepping into the spotlight. Our youth arts camps are welcoming, supportive, and open to kids of all experience levels.

Spots are almost completely full, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Don’t miss the chance to be part of a summer where creativity, connection, and confidence come alive.

Register for Youth Theatre Camps Here!

Register for Youth Art Camps Here!