Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA)

Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) Inspiring creativity in Ely, MN! NLAA brings bold theater, transformative youth programs, and inclusive arts experiences to the Northwoods.

From the stage to the studio, we make art that connects, uplifts, and belongs to everyone. Find our offices in the Vermilion Community College or call us at (218) 365-5070

06/23/2026

WHAT’S THE BUZZ? TELL ME WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Tonight, the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar gathered for the first rehearsal of the summer.

The journey to opening night begins now.

July 17-26
Vermilion Fine Arts Theater
Ely, Minnesota

Tickets are on sale now at northernlakesarts.org

This season is sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support is provided by grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and IRRRB.

Twenty-eight young artists.Thirty-six years of youth theatre.Today was the first day of Newsies JR.Over the next two wee...
06/22/2026

Twenty-eight young artists.

Thirty-six years of youth theatre.

Today was the first day of Newsies JR.

Over the next two weeks, students from Ely, the Iron Range, and across Minnesota will rehearse, learn, and create a full musical together.

What began 36 summers ago as a youth theatre program has become a tradition that has introduced generations of young people to the arts, the stage, and one another.

This year’s camp is led by members of our 2026 Broadway in the Boundary Waters company.

We are excited to welcome this year’s cast and begin another summer of storytelling.

Newsies JR will be performed July 3 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the Vermilion Fine Arts Theater.

Tickets available at the door and at NorthernLakesArts.Org/Tickets

Season support is provided by Boundary Waters Connect.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support is provided by grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and the IRRRB.

“Spell-binding, indeed.”That’s how one audience member described Oklahoma! after Opening Weekend.Others have called it:•...
06/21/2026

“Spell-binding, indeed.”

That’s how one audience member described Oklahoma! after Opening Weekend.

Others have called it:

• “The singing was just fantastic.”

• “The choreography was terrific.”

• “Beautiful singing and creative choreography.”

• “The only criticism is that it ended too soon.”

If you’ve been waiting to see Oklahoma!, now is the time.

The next performance is today at 2 PM.

Filled with unforgettable songs, energetic dancing, and a cast doing some of their best work of the summer, it’s easy to see why audiences are leaving the theater humming the music all the way home.

Only a few performances remain before the show closes on June 28.

Tickets:
northernlakesarts.org/tickets
218-235-9937
At the door

This season is sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect.

Pay What You Can performances are supported by the Vermilion Campus Foundation.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support is provided by grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and IRRRB.

After Opening Night, audience members had this to say:“The choreography was terrific. Far above what one would expect fr...
06/20/2026

After Opening Night, audience members had this to say:

“The choreography was terrific. Far above what one would expect from a small-town production.”
— Lindsey Lang

“Beautiful singing and creative choreography. Very strong performances across the board.”
— Sara Skelton

Don’t miss Opening Weekend of Oklahoma!

Performances continue today at 2 PM and 7 PM, and tomorrow at 2 PM.

Join us for unforgettable music, dynamic dancing, and a cast delivering some of their best work of the summer.

Tickets:
NorthernLakesArts.org
At the door
Or by calling 218-235-9937

This season is sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect.

Pay What You Can performances are supported by the Vermilion Campus Foundation.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support is provided by grants from the the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and IRRRB.

Today is Juneteenth.On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years af...
06/19/2026

Today is Juneteenth.

On June 19, 1865, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate freedom, honor history, and reflect on the ongoing work of building a more just nation.

As an arts organization, we recognize the enduring contributions of Black artists, musicians, writers, performers, and cultural leaders whose work continues to shape American culture.

Happy Juneteenth.

Northern Lakes Arts Association

A standing ovation. On opening night.“It was wonderful! So professional. The dancing was fantastic and the entire cast d...
06/19/2026

A standing ovation. On opening night.

“It was wonderful! So professional. The dancing was fantastic and the entire cast did a great job. I highly recommend it!” — Mary Jo Karasti

“The show was amazing!” — Rose Davis

“It is truly a great show, amazing talent and production.” — Michelle Moore

Only 8 performances remain.

June 20 at 2 PM & 7 PM
June 21 at 2 PM
June 25-28

Tickets: northernlakesarts.org
Or call 218-235-9937

Presented by Northern Lakes Arts Association and Boundary Waters Connect.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support provided by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, IRRRB, Vermilion Campus Foundation, and our generous sponsors and donors.

Tonight, the prairie comes alive.Oklahoma! opens tonight, and there are only 60 seats left for Opening Night.Filled with...
06/18/2026

Tonight, the prairie comes alive.

Oklahoma! opens tonight, and there are only 60 seats left for Opening Night.

Filled with songs you already know, unforgettable dancing, and a story about love, community, and choosing the future you want, Oklahoma! is the kind of show best experienced in a room full of people.

Our invited audiences have already called it:

• Worth every dollar of the ticket
• Filled with beautiful, energetic dancing
• Packed with rich, powerful voices
• So moving it left them with chills

Opening Weekend is filling quickly:

• June 18 (Tonight): 60 seats left
• June 20 at 2 PM: About 100 seats left
• June 20 at 7 PM: About 100 seats left
• June 21 at 2 PM: About 100 seats left

If you’ve been thinking about coming, don’t wait too long.

June 18-28
Only 9 performances.

Tickets: northernlakesarts.org
218-235-9937
Or at the door while seats remain.

This season is sponsored by Boundary Waters Connect.

Pay What You Can performances are supported by the Vermilion Campus Foundation.

Photos by Brett Ross at Boreal Roots Media
And
Vladimir Perez Vacalla

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Additional support provided by grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, IRRRB, and our generous community sponsors.

Tomorrow, Oklahoma! opens.There are a lot of reasons we love summer in Ely.One of them is getting to watch a group of ar...
06/17/2026

Tomorrow, Oklahoma! opens.

There are a lot of reasons we love summer in Ely.

One of them is getting to watch a group of artists arrive as strangers and leave as a company.

Tomorrow, they share their work with an audience for the first time.

If you’ve been thinking about coming, we’d love to have you there.

June 18-28
Only 9 performances.

Tickets:
northernlakesarts.org
218-235-9937
Available at the door

Presented by Northern Lakes Arts Association and Boundary Waters Connect.

Photo by Brett Ross at Boreal Roots Media

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, and local community supporters.

Address

1900 E Camp Street
Ely, MN
55731

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 10pm
Tuesday 9am - 10pm
Wednesday 9am - 10pm
Thursday 9am - 10pm
Friday 9am - 10pm
Saturday 9am - 10pm
Sunday 9am - 10pm

Telephone

+12182359937

Website

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