Kayla Schiltgen - Curriculum Vitae

[email protected]

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Dance, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 2005-2010. Choreography represented the U of M at North Central ACDFA. Choreography selected for ACDFA gala concert.
Modern, Improvisation, Composition: Erin Thompson, Toni Pierce-Sands, Joanie Smith, Matthew Janczewski, Paula Mann, Laura Selle Virtucio, Carl Flink
Jazz: Karla Grotting, Linda Talcott-Lee
Ballet: Tina Anderson
Dance History, Theorizing Dancing Bodies: Ananya Chatterjea
Music for Dance: Michelle Kinney

Minor in Youth Studies, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 2005-2010. Course work: sociology, theater activities in youth work, facilitating outdoor experiences, independent study-impact of arts on youth, study abroad-leadership and social change in Northern Ireland.

Minor in Leadership, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities 2005-2010. Course work: personal leadership, leadership, you and your community, field experience, leadership for global citizenship.

TRAINING
Dance: Various studios and workshops (1989-present) 
Action Theater: Sten Rudstrom
Improvisation and Composition: HIJAK
American Folk Dance: Tamarak Dance Association
Tap: Matthew Wagner, Amber Burns, Carol Halverson
Jazz: Carol Halverson, Matthew Wagner, Rebecca Katz Harwood, Amber Burns, Naomi Christenson
Hip-Hop: Stephanie Harmon
Clogging: Cheryl Keller
Swing: Steven Schiltgen
Screendance & Film: Experimental Video for Storytelling (Laleh Mehran, 2024), Screendance in the Natural Landscape (Katrina McPherson, Colin McPherson, 2023), Introduction to Screendance (Katrina McPherson, University of Utah-Graduate School, 2020), Adobe Premiere Essentials (2020-2021), Filmmaking with Your Smartphone (Nick Clausen, FilmNorth, 2019)
Theater: Jan Mandell, Meisner technique (Rylee Kuberra, 2024), Action Theater (Sten Rudstrom, 2024)
Voice: Peg Sutherland, Intro. To Voice (Univ. of Mn.)
Other: Springboard for the Arts Art-Train, meetings with Springboard for the Arts career consultants, Springboard for the Arts Work of Art Toolkit Workshops, Art Marketing (Molly Solberg), Make Public (Maria Bowler), Rug hooking (Liv Aanrud).

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SCREENDANCE FILMS (generative) (available for viewing upon request)
object permanence (screendance short film, 14:33 & multi-channel video installation (durational loop)) director, cinematographer, editor, dancer, sound design. Installation: RAD Fest: Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival (Kalamazoo, MI, February 2025), North Shorror (Saint Louis County Depot, Duluth, MN, 2024). Short film: Duluth Superior Film Festival (Duluth, MN, 2023). Walker Art Center (Mpls, MN, 2022). Online premiere (2022).

just now (series of 5 interactive screendance shorts-each under 45 seconds, solo) choreographer, dancer, cinematographer, editor, sound design. Presented via Schiltgen’s & Upstream Minnesota’s social media pages (2023).

the Is have it (screendance, solo, 08:00) choreographer, editor, sound design. End of the Road Film Festival (Ely, MN, 2023), North Dakota Environmental Rights Film Festival (ND, 2022), Wolf Tree Film Festival (MI, 2022), In Shadow Screendance Festival (Portugal, 2021), International Meeting on Video-Dance & Video-Performance (Spain & France, 2021), Duluth Superior Film Festival (Duluth, MN, 2021), DanceBARN Screendance Festival (Fergus Falls, MN, 2021). Virtual premiere & artist chat (2021).

Long Drag (screendance, trio, 12:00) director, choreographer, cinematographer, editor. Commissioned by Rhythmically Speaking, The Cohort 20/21, The Shed at The Lab Brewery (Mpls, MN, 2021).

with River (screendance, solo, 05:00) choreographer, dancer, editor. Inbox@Artbox (Mpls, MN, 2020)

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LIVE DANCE (generative) (video of works available upon request)
is this magic? (live dance w/screendance film projection, solo, 45:00) choreographer, dancer, video, editor, sound design. Performances followed by artist talk back. Studio 21 (Grand Marais, MN, July 2025), Minnesota North College-Vermilion Campus (Ely, MN, October 2025), Lagom (Two Harbors, MN, 2024), The Lab at NorShor Theatre (Duluth, MN, 2024), CANDY BOX Dance Festival, the Southern Theater (Minneapolis, MN, 2024).

wednesday morning (live dance w/screendance film projection, solo, 08:00) choreographer, dancer, cinematographer, editor, sound design. Choreographers’ Evening Walker Art Center (Mpls, MN 2024), Dances on the Lakewalk (Duluth, MN, 2024).

recipe for something (live dance, solo, 08:20) choreographer, dancer, sound design. Choreographers’ Evening, Walker Art Center (Mpls, MN, 2021), Dances on the Lakewalk (Duluth, MN, 2021).

Deep Water (series of 3 works) Long Drag (screendance, trio, commissioned by Rhythmically Speaking, 15:00) choreographer, cinematographer, editing | Short Haul (live dance, group work for 5, 10:00) choreographer | Shantyman (live dance, solo, 07:00) choreographer, dancer. Rhythmically Speaking The Cohort 20/21 at The Shed at The Lab Brewery (Mpls, MN, 2021), Good Night at the Southern Theater (Mpls, Mn, 2020), Minnesota Fringe Festival (Mpls, MN, 2019).

Annie & Laura (live dance, solo, commissioned by writer Tina Higgins Wussow, 10:00) choreographer, dancer. Zeitgeist Theater (Duluth, MN, 2020).

Come Go With Me (live dance, trio, 08:00) choreographer, dancer. Choreographers’ Evening Walker Art Center (Mpls, MN, 2019), Dances at the Lake Festival (Mpls, MN, 2019), Dances on the Lakewalk (Duluth, MN, 2019).

Catching Up (live dance, group work for 5, commissioned by Eclectic Edge Ensemble, 10:00) First Jazz View, Tek Box (Mpls, MN, 2017).

Those Who Eat Together (live dance, duet, 20:00) choreographer, dancer. A duet reflecting upon “family meals” & their disappearance with the hastening of daily life. Minnesota Fringe Festival (Mpls, MN, 2012).

Spit It Out (live dance, solo, 5:00) choreographer, dancer, sound design. Explores creative pressure & expectation. Dances at the Lake Festival (Mpls, MN, July 2012).

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GRANTS, AWARDS, FELLOWSHIPS
2026 Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Experiences Grant
2025 MCKNIGHT ARTIST FELLOW-CHOREOGRAPHY
2025 (December) Arrowhead Regional Art Council Artist Equity Grant
2025 Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Experiences Grant
2024 (December) Arrowhead Regional Art Council Artist Equity Grant
2024 Work selected for Walker Art Center Choreographers’ Evening (wednesday morning)
2024 Minnesota State Arts Board Support for Creative Individuals
2024 (January) Arrowhead Regional Art Council Artist Equity Grant
2023 Finalist Jerome Minnesota Film, Video & Digital Artist Development Grant
2023 UPSTREAM MINNESOTA ARTIST FELLOWSHIP, in partnership with Springboard for the Arts
2022 Minnesota State Arts Board Support for Creative Individuals
2022 Work selected for 50th Anniversary of Walker Art Center Choreographers’ Evening (object permanence)
2021 Work selected for Walker Art Center Choreographers’ Evening (recipe for something)
2020 Arrowhead Regional Art Council Artist Access Grant
2019 Work selected for Walker Art Center Choreographers’ Evening (Come Go With Me)
2015 SAGE AWARD - BEST PERFORMANCE for Lost Voices in Jazz: The Choreographers of the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company, Karla Grotting in collaboration with the Eclectic Edge Ensemble, Minnesota Sage Awards for Dance ( Minneapolis, MN)

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WORK IN DEVELOPMENT (generative)
anemoia (working title): multi-channel screendance installation. This work considers seeing alternate realities in our memories. A derelict rural environment serves as metaphor. To be installed in vacant buildings around Two Harbors. Premiering Winter 2027. Project support from Minnesota state Arts Board.

she thinks evil (working title): multi-channel screendance installation. Currently in research. This piece explores oppressive structures within our perception rendering women and nature inconspicuous. Project support from Minnesota State Arts Board and Arrowhead Regional Arts council.

untitled VHS (working title): ongoing research. Kayla improvises alongside her family's collection of untitled home videos. Work-in progress showing August 2025 as part of the Minnesota Ballet's Performing Artist Series.

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PRESS
Fergus Falls to host dance performance and workshop, Fergus Falls Journal, 2025
Experimental dance show, workshop coming to Detroit Lakes Sept. 20, Detroit Lakes Tribune, 2025
Arena Dances Studio Stories NEW BREED series with Kayla Schiltgen - Season 19, Episode 193, 2025
Best Bets, Duluth News Tribune, 2025
Katya talks with interdisciplinary artist Kayla Schiltgen about her performance at Lagom by Dept. 2 this week, KTWH, 2024
Local Artist Presents Experimental Dance Solo, North Shore Journal, 2024
Dance Performance at Lagom Is this Magic?, Lake County Press, 2024
Coffee Conversation: “Is this Magic?” Experimental Dance Solo at the NorShor Theatre, Fox21, 2024
‘Is This Magic’ bringing experimental dance to the NorShor for one night only, The Lift, WDIO, 2024
“is this magic?,” Good Morning Northland, WDIO, 2024
Best Bets, Duluth News Tribune, 2024
Local Artist Holds Creative Movement Classes at Two Harbors Public Library, North Shore Journal, 2024
“Tender Offerings”: Gathering + Art Show + Art Activity at Two Harbors Public Library, North Shore Journal, 2023
Dispatch: What 50 years of the Walker Art Center's Choreographers' Evening Means for Choreography Today, 2022
Local Artist Premieres New Screendance, North Shore Journal, 2022
Celebrating 50 Year of Eclectic Minnesota Dance at the Walker Art Center, Star Tribune, 2022
Two Harbors Artist Showcases Dance at Walker Art Center, Duluth News Tribune, 2021
Schiltgen’s Screendance Goes to Film Festivals, North Shore Journal, 2021
Local Choreographer Presenting at Walker Art Center, North Shore Journal, 2019
Holding the Community You're In: A Choreographers' Evening Round Table, Walker Art Center, 2019

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SELECTED CONCERT DANCE PERFORMANCE (interpretive)
The Little Match Girl Passion, Choreographer & Dancer, with live music by Borealis Chamber Artists, Minnesota American Choral Directors Conference (Mahtomedi, MN, November 2025), Pilgrim Congregational Church (February 2025)

Fold music video for Dean Sibinski, MN (2022)

MASKED, experimental documentary film by Arrowhead Artist Joellyn Rock, Tweed Museum, Duluth, MN (2021)

Eclectic Edge Ensemble (EEE), Karis Sloss , 6 seasons (2013-2018) | 15th Anniversary Concert, works by Zoe Sealy, Danny Buraczeski, Cynthia Gutierrez-Garner, Karis Sloss, the Lab Theater, Mpls, MN (2018) | First Jazz View, Tek Box, Mpls, MN (2017) | Foot Flight by Night, The Lab Theater, Mpls, MN (2017) | First Nights of a Foot Flight, The Southern Theater, Mpls, MN (2016) | Snow Bound!, EEE with Mad Munchkin Productions, The Lab Theater, Mpls, MN (2016) | Lost Voices in Jazz: Choreographers of the Minnesota Jazz Dance Company, EEE with Karla Grotting, work by Clarence Teeters, Jeffrey Mildenstein, William Harren, David Voss, Zoe Sealy, Danny Buraczeski, SAGE AWARD,  O’Shaughnessy Theater, St. Paul, MN (2015) | Season 11, The Lab Theater, Mpls, MN (2014)

Erinn Liebhard, Circulation: Connecting Through Embodying Rhythm cabaret, Patrick’s Cabaret, Minneapolis MN (2016)

Restriction/Perfection, Becca Cerra, sculpture & dance, Tek Box, Mpls, MN (2016)

Alternative Motion Project, Kristin Howe & Joanna Lees, 4 seasons (2012-2015) | Amp 4, The Lab Theater, Mpls, MN (2015) | Amp 3, The Southern Theater, Mpls, MN (2014) | Amp 2, The Southern Theater, Mpls, MN (2013) | Amp 1, Old Arizona, Mpls, MN (2012)

Timetrack Productions, Paula Mann |Here and After, Tek Box, Mpls MN (2012) | Oh, the Humanity, Red Eye Theater (2011) | I Love Tomorrow, Apprentice (2009)

Kinetic Evolutions, Sarah LaRose Holland, 3 seasons (2009-2011)

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SELECTED CHOREOGRAPHY & DIRECTION (interpretive)
Mass For the Endangered, Choreographer, Borealis Chamber Artists, Duluth, MN (2026)
Cinderella, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2025)
RENT, Choreographer, Zeitgeist Theater, Duluth, MN (2025)
The Little Match Girl Passion, Choreographer, Borealis Chamber Artists, Duluth, MN (2025)
Legally Blonde, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS (2024)
Chicago, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN(2023)
Tuesdays with Morrie, Director, Boat Club Productions, Duluth, Mn (2022)
Aida, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2019)
Mamma Mia, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2018)
Addams Family, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2017)
Footloose, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2017)
Mary Poppins, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Areas HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2016)
Little Mermaid, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, St. Paul, MN (2016)
Oklahoma, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2015)
Nice Work if You Can Get It, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2015)
Three Canterbury Tales, Director, Section Finalist, Mahtomedi HS, Mahtomedi, MN (2015)
Once Upon a Mattress, Director and Choreographer, Mahtomedi HS, Mn, Mahotmedi, MN(2014)
Cinderella, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2014)
Bye Bye Birdie, Director and Choreographer, Mahtomedi HS, Mathomedi, MN (2014)
Big Bad Musical, Director and Choreographer, Andersen Elementary, Bayport, MN (2014)
Big Bad Musical, Director and Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Mn, Maplewood, MN (2014)
Addams Family, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Areas HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2014)
A Bright Clear Sky, Director, Mahtomedi HS, Mahtomedi, MN (2013)
Treasure Island, Director, Mahtomedi HS, Mahtomedi, MN (2013)
Hello Dolly, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, St. Paul, Mn (2013)
Annie, Choreographer, Math and Science Academy, Woodbury, MN (2013)
Legally Blonde, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2013)
Aladdin Jr., Choreographer, Mahtomedi Middle School, Mahtomedi, MN (2013)
Once Upon a Mattress, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2013)
Wonderland, Director, Choreographer, Costumer, Andersen Elementary, Bayport, MN (2013)
Wonderland, Director, Choreographer, Costumer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2013)
Wonderfultown, Choreographer, Mahtomedi HS, Mahtomedi, MN (2012)
Annie, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, St. Paul, Mn (2012)
Damn Yankees, Choreographer, worked with Chrissy Fournier to stage original Fosse choreography of Whatever Lola Wants, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2012)
Once Upon a Mattress, Choreography, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2012)
Pirates!, Director and Choreographer, Matoska International, White Bear Lake, MN (2012)
Pirates!, Director and Choreographer, Oneka Elementary, Hugo, MN (2012)
Pirates!, Director and Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2012)
Anything Goes, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2012)
Joseph and The Technicolor Dreamcoat, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN(2011)
Godspell, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2011)
Fiddler On the Roof, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, St. Paul, MN (2011)
Five Flags, Director, Washington County 4-H, Lake Elmo, MN (2011)
Blood Brothers, Choreographer, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2011)
Hansel and Gretel, Director and Choreographer, Matoska International, White Bear Lake, MN (2011)
Hansel and Gretel, Director and Choreographer, Oneka Elementary, Hugo, MN (2011)
Hansel and Gretel, Director and Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2011)
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2011)
Cats, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN(2011)
Die Fledermaus, Choreographer, University of Minnesota Opera, Minneapolis, MN (2011)
Something’s Afoot, Choreographer, Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake, MN (2011)
Footloose, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN(2010)
Footloose, Choreographer, Math and Science Academy, Woodbury, MN (2010)
Children of Eden, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2010)
Burger Buddy, Director, Washington County 4-H, Lake Elmo, MN (2010)
West Side Story, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2010)
Sound of Music, Choreographer, Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake, White Bear Lake, MN (2010)
Beauty and the Beast, Choreographer, Columbia Heights High School, Columbia Heights, MN (2010)
Elmer Gantry, Choreographer, Regional Premier, University of Minnesota Opera, Minneapolis, MN (2010)
Pied Piper, Director and Choreographer, Oneka Elementary, Hugo, MN (2010)
Bye Bye Birdie, Choreographer, Ashland Productions, Maplewood, MN (2010)
Christmas Carol, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, Roseville, MN (2009)
Thumbs Up, Director, Washington County 4-H, Lake Elmo, MN (2009)
Oliver, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, st. Paul, MN (2009)
Magic Flute, Choreographer, University of Minnesota Opera, Minneapolis, MN (2009)
Wizard of Oz, Choreographer, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN (2009)
Urinetown, Choreographer, Spotlight Award Winner, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2009)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Choreographer, Farnsworth Elementary, Saint Paul, MN (2009)
Santa Clause, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, Roseville, MN (2008)
Robots Rebooted, Director, Washington County 4-H, Lake Elmo, MN (2008)
Music Man, Choreographer, Rosetown Playhouse, Roseville, MN (2008)
Jesus Christ Superstar, Choreographer, Park HS, Cottage Grove, MN(2008)
Beauty and the Beast, Choreographer, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN(2008)
Oklahoma, Choreographer, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2008)
Guys and Dolls, Choreographer, Tartan HS, Mn (2008)
Circus Prom, Direction, Washington County 4-H, Lake Elmo, MN (2007)
Grease, Choreographer, White Bear Lake Area HS, White Bear Lake, MN (2007)

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SELECTED THEATER PERFORMANCE (interpretive)
White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Narrator, Duluth Playhouse (Duluth, MN, upcoming Febraury 2026)
Every Brilliant Thing, Narrator, Duluth Playhouse (Duluth, MN, 2025)
Glass Menagerie, Laura, Duluth Playhouse (Duluth, MN, 2023)
Smokey Joe's Cafe, ensemble, Duluth Playhouse (Duluth, MN, 2018)
Foot Flight By Night (a retelling of a Midsummer Night’s Dream), Peter Quince, dancer (Minneapolis, MN, 2017)
Snow Bound! (puppetry & dance), puppeteer, dance ensemble (Minneapolis, MN)
Urinetown, featured dancer, ensemble, dance captain (Maplewood, MN)
West Side Story, featured dancer, dance captain (North Saint Paul, MN)
Le Renard (opera), cat (Minneapolis, MN)
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, ensemble, dance captain (North Saint Paul, MN)
The Wiz, Ozian #1, winkie, tornado, ensemble (Minneapolis, MN)
Jesus Christ Superstar, featured dancer, ensemble (North Saint Paul, MN)
Seven Deadly Sins (opera), ensemble (Minneapolis, MN)
Footloose, ensemble (North Saint Paul, MN)

VISUAL ART (generative)
Cedar Coffee Company: 8 new works celebrating Minnesota's North Shore & favorites from the past. Cedar Coffee Company ( Two Harbors, MN, 2025)
Tender Offerings: Visual art exhibit, community gathering & community art project. Ely Historic State Theater (Ely, MN, 2024), Two Harbors Public Library (Two Harbors, MN, 2023).

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RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Trip the Light Arts, Artistic Director, Business Owner (2013-2016)
Teaching dance classes and private lessons for beginner students, procuring studio space, producing student showcase, bookkeeping, marketing.

Mahtomedi High School Theater Director (2013-2015)
Artistic direction for full season which included 3 theatrical productions and a fundraiser. Producing shows, organizing volunteers, working with technical staff, direction, choreography, marketing, working with student directors.

Youth Program Coordinator, Choreographer, Director, Ashland Productions (2011-2014)
Choreography, direction, developing youth programs, planning and directing summer theater camps, develop and launch youth leadership group.

Education Director, Youth Performance Company (2010-2011)
Organizing classes, hiring staff, teaching theater and dance classes, facilitate in school residencies.

Arts-In Program Director, Washington County 4-H (2007-2011)
Program development, direction, choreography, training youth directors, facilitate devising sessions with youth, hire production staff, lead production team.

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RELEVANT SERVICE
Two Harbors + Duluth Creative Cohort, Facilitator, 2024
Friends of the Waterfront, Creative Documentation, 2023
Freshwater Dance Collective, Creative Documentation, 2023
Duluth Dance Co-op, Teacher, 2018-2020

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SPECIAL SKILLS
working with ages 2-90, working with first time movers, working with large groups, leading a production team, devising, communication, collaboration, improvisation, costuming, puppet construction, sound design, videography, film editing, puppetry, utilizing a small budget, wide variety of dance styles, event organization