Youth and Children's Productions
Experience the Next Generation of Performers
At Schoolhouse Arts Center, our youth theatre programs are designed to help young performers grow both on and off the stage. Through rehearsals, performances, and collaboration with their peers, students build confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
We offer five tuition-based educational productions each year, providing opportunities for students of all experience levels. Every student who registers is cast in the show. Our programs emphasize learning and growth rather than competition, creating an encouraging environment where young performers can develop their theatre skills while working together toward a common goal.
Students gain experience in:
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Acting and character development
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Vocal performance and music literacy
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Movement and stage presence
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Teamwork and collaboration
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Creative problem-solving
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Confidence and public speaking
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Responsibility and commitment
Our school-year productions feature rehearsal schedules spread out over several months to accommodate students' academic and extracurricular commitments, while our summer camps offer immersive two-week theatrical experiences.
2026 Youth Productions
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Chicago: Teen Edition
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SIX: Teen Edition
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The Sound of Music Youth Edition (Summer Camp)
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Shrek KIDS (Summer Camp)
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Winnie the Pooh KIDS (Fall Program)
Through every production, our goal remains the same: to provide a welcoming, supportive environment where every child can learn, grow, and experience the magic of live theatre.
Winnie the Pooh Kids
Grades 1-6
Performances: November 6-8, 2026
Auditions: September 9, 4:00-5:30 PM
Join Pooh and friends on a delightful adventure through the Hundred Acre Wood. Young performers will develop acting, singing, teamwork, and confidence while bringing this beloved story to life on stage.
Auditions: September 9, 4:00-5:30 PM. All registered students are cast; auditions are used for role placement only. Rehearsals begin September 12 and meet Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tuition must be paid in full one week before auditions.
See the registration form for tuition, character descriptions, and complete program details.
Summer Youth Productions 2026
Shrek The Musical Kids
Grades 1–6
Performed: August 21–23, 2026
Congratulations to the cast of Shrek The Musical Kids! After two weeks of rehearsals, these talented young performers brought the beloved story of Shrek to life with enthusiasm, teamwork, and plenty of laughter. Their dedication and courage on stage made for a memorable weekend of theatre.
The Sound of Music:
Youth Edition
Grades 6–12
Performed: August 7–9, 2026
Congratulations to the cast of The Sound of Music: Youth Edition! After two weeks of rehearsals, these talented young performers shared their passion, dedication, and creativity with audiences and brought this beloved story to life. We are incredibly proud of all they accomplished together.
Couple dancing, the girl is wearing a long white gown and the boy is wearing a trench coat and a cap.
A group of nuns singing.
A group of children singing, circling around a young woman wearing a blue dress.
Couple dancing, the girl is wearing a long white gown and the boy is wearing a trench coat and a cap.