An Incredible, Educational Partnership: Sorensen Magnet School and Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre

Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s Musical Theatre Training Institute (MTTI) has just completed a major opportunity to inspire young performers. 314 to be exact! The program was selected by Sorensen Magnet School for the Arts & Humanities for one of just two Artist Residencies during the 2025–2026 school year. This exciting partnership underscores the theatre’s deep commitment to arts education and its passion for nurturing the next generation of talent.

Photos: DEVIN WEEKS/Coeur d'Alene Press 

The Heart of Sorensen: The Artist-in-Residence Program

Sorensen Magnet School has a story worth celebrating. Back in 2006, the school faced declining enrollment and challenges with test scores. Instead of giving up, it transformed into a magnet school focused on the arts and humanities. Today, it’s one of the few public schools in Idaho with such a unique mission, weaving arts into everyday learning.

The hallway entrance to the gym was lined with a long, knitted streamer created by the students. Each section reflected an individual’s unique expression, joined together to form a stunning masterpiece that stretched more than 40 feet. It beautifully showcased both the creativity of each student and the unity of the group as they worked together to create something truly special.  It was no surprise that we saw exactly this type of community during the all-school performance we had the privilege of seeing.

At the core of Sorensen’s mission is its Artist-in-Residence program, which brings professional artists into classrooms to enrich the school’s arts-integrated curriculum. These residencies give students hands-on experiences that spark creativity and open their eyes to new possibilities in the arts.

"This was one of my favorite two weeks so far this year!" - Overheard in the gym after the performance

A Musical Theatre Adventure Awaits

​​​​​​​During the two weeks of October 6-17, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s Director of Education, Shoshana Rubli (pictured), ​​​​​​lead a two-week Musical Theatre Intensive for students across all grade levels at Sorenson Magnet School. This immersive program dove into the essentials of musical theatre: acting, singing, and dance. It’s not just about learning performance techniques; it’s about building confidence, fostering creativity, and encouraging teamwork.​​​​​​​  

The residency wrapped up with a 10-minute Musical Theatre Revue with music from The Greatest Showman, where every student gets their moment to shine. This showcase was nothing short of spectacular. The sheer organization that took place in order to pull it off!  Every single grade had their spotlight as they transitioned in the gym around the perimeter, up on the stage and in the bleachers. The teachers were involved, too, helping to usher in the parents and audience members and directing their classes during the performance to hit their marks. This was a TEAM effort!

Community Support Makes It Possible - THANK YOU!

Sorensen’s Art in Residence program thrives only thanks to the tireless efforts of families, staff, and supporters. Through the school’s annual auction, the community rallies to fund these transformative experiences. Each residency not only brings joy to students but also shows them what it means to pursue a creative career or simply a life filled with artistic passion.  We are so grateful, here at Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre to have been able to partner with Sorenson to make every student feel like they were on center stage.

For Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, collaborating with Sorensen Magnet School is a natural fit. The theatre has long been dedicated to bringing professional musical theatre to the region while fostering a love for the arts in young people. The MTTI residency is set to be a fun, impactful experience, creating lasting connections between students, educators, and the joy of the stage. Whew! We are done - until next year!!

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