Youth on Stage

To help young people to learn to display confidence, creativity and leadership, while bringing imagination alive

Youth on Stage Program

Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Youth on Stage program has been an annual offering to the community since 2001. The program teaches youth, ages six to fourteen, basic acting and performance techniques through their participation in classroom sessions and in live performance under the guidance and direction of seasoned actors and directors from Grosse Pointe Theatre and guest artists. The program offers an opportunity for parents and older siblings to participate in the Youth on Stage shows by helping with sets, costumes, props, makeup and back stage crews. Grosse Pointe residency is not a requirement. Youth on Stage provides a safe, cooperative environment where boys and girls can develop a positive self-image while learning various aspects of theatre including:

  • Audition Preparation
  • Rehearsal Process
  • Acting Techniques
  • Character Analysis & Development
  • Improvisational Skills
  • Speech Projection and Clarity
  • Mental and Physical Preparation for Roles
  • Technical Aspects of Theatrical Productions

24/25 Youth on Stage Productions

This season’s Youth on Stage Performances are listed below.
Adult Tickets are $15 and Child Tickets are $10
SpongeBob Musical, Youth Edition goes on sale on Feb 10 at 12 PM
Click the Show to Purchase Tickets

Parcells Auditorium
April 11 – 13, 2025

Parcells Auditorium
April 12, 2025
1:00 pm

About the Sensory Friendly Performance Program

The 1 p.m. performance on Saturdays during our Youth on Stage productions will be a Sensory Friendly Performance.

  • Saturday, November 2 at 1 p.m. Frozen, Jr.
  • Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. Spongebob, Youth Edition

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities. This performance is also perfect for young, first-time theatre goers.
For this performance we will offer:

  • Advanced social narrative with pictures
  • House lights will remain on
  • Reduced special effects and lighting
  • Reduced sound levels
  • Ability to move around as needed
  • Quiet space in the lobby
  • Personal headphones, cushions or fidgets welcome
  • Allergy-free snacks
  • Visual schedule and simplified synopsis available at performance

Current Programs

Available Youth on Stage programs are listed below.

Please review the current Youth on Stage Policy Packet before registering for classes.

You can enroll your child in available programs by clicking the Register button.


 

2025 Summer Camp Programs

This year we will be offering 3 camps divided by age group.
Participants must be the minimum age by the time the camp begins.
Camps run Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM.

July 7-11: Children 11 to 14 yrs old
July 14 – 18: Children 8 to 10 yrs old
July 21- 25: Children 6 to 7 yrs old

Registration opens March 1, 2025 at 10 AM.

Course listing thumbnail

$325

Summer Camp - Show Stoppers: 6th-9th grade in Fall 2025 (11 - 14 yrs old) - July 7 - 11

Join Youth On Stage for a week-long theater camp! Students will spend each day developing theater skills with other young actors and YOS staff. This immersive experience introduces the basics of theater while allowing students to explore their dramatic talents.

Located at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, campers will participate in theater games, improvisation, scene study, and rehearsals. The week culminates in a performance on the last day for friends and family.

Open to students entering 5th-9th grade in Fall 2025 (11 – 14 yrs old).
Student must be 11 by the date of program start.
Last Day to Cancel for Partial Refund: Monday, June 9 by 5pm

Limit 50 Students

Mon. - Fri. 9 AM - 3 PM

July 7 - 11

$15 Registration Fee

Course listing thumbnail

$325

Summer Camp - Rising Stars: 3rd - 5th grade in Fall 2025 (8 - 10 yrs old) - July 14 - 18

Join Youth On Stage for a week-long theater camp! Students will spend each day developing theater skills with other young actors and YOS staff. This immersive experience introduces the basics of theater while allowing students to explore their dramatic talents.

Located at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, campers will participate in theater games, improvisation, scene study, and rehearsals. The week culminates in a performance on the last day for friends and family.

Older campers are welcome to attend this camp. Younger campers must sign up for Young Rising Stars July 21 – 25.
Open to students entering 3rd-5th grade in Fall 2025 (8 – 10 yrs old).
Student must be 8 by the date of program start.
Last Day to Cancel for Partial Refund: Monday, June 16 by 5pm

Limit 50 Students

Mon. - Fri. 9 AM - 3 PM

July 14 - 18

$15 Registration Fee

Course listing thumbnail

$325

Summer Camp - Young Rising Stars: 1st & 2nd grade in Fall 2025 (6 - 7 yrs old) - July 21 - 25

Join Youth On Stage for a week-long theater camp! Students will spend each day developing theater skills with other young actors and YOS staff. This immersive experience introduces the basics of theater while allowing students to explore their dramatic talents.

Located at Christ Church Grosse Pointe, campers will participate in theater games, improvisation, scene study, and rehearsals. The week culminates in a performance on the last day for friends and family.

Older campers are welcome to attend this camp. 
Open to students entering 1st & 2nd grade in Fall 2025 (6 – 7 yrs old).
Student must be 8 by the date of program start.
Last Day to Cancel for Partial Refund: Monday, June 23 by 5pm

Limit 50 Students

Mon. - Fri. 9 AM - 3 PM

July 21 - 25

$15 Registration Fee

Rising Stars (Ages 6 -9) Programs

$125

Dance - Rising Stars (Ages 6 - 9)

Dance is a key part of the theatrical experience, and brings stories to life in new and exciting ways. In this class, our Rising Stars will learn the basics of dance from an instructor with years of experience on the stage and in the studio. This fast-paced, high-energy class will build skills and confidence in students of all ability levels.

Must be 6 years old on or before the first day of class
Showcase rehearsal and performance will be the week of April 6
The last day to cancel is by 5pm on Monday February 24, 2025

Limit 15 Students

Tuesdays 4:30 - 5:15 PM

Mar 4 - Apr 1

$15 Registration Fee

$125

Character Building- (Rising Stars 6 - 9)

Dive into the magical world of theatre with our enchanting 6-week course for young performers! Inspired by the delightful Spongebob Squarepants Musical, this class will take your child on a journey of self-discovery and creativity.

Our Rising Stars will learn the art of bringing characters to life, exploring the motivations and emotions that drive Spongebob, Patrick and their friends. Through engaging activities and guided imagination, students will explore these well-loved roles.

Students will learn confidence and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of storytelling. The course culminates in a performance for family and friends, where our young actors will showcase their newfound talents!

Must be 6 years old on or before the first day of class
Showcase will be the week of April 6
The last day to cancel is by 5pm on Thursday February 27, 2025

Limit 15 Students

Thursdays 4:30 - 5:15 PM

Mar 6 - Apr 3

$15 Registration Fee

Showstoppers (Ages 10 – 14) Programs

$125

Technical Theatre - SpongeBob Musical - Showstoppers (Ages 10 - 14)

One of the most rewarding parts of theatre is being on the production crew. Lights, sound, props, and set pieces bring the magic of theatre to life! In this class, students will gain exposure to all of these elements and more. This class will culminate with the students working during our spring production of SpongeBob Jr., giving students hands-on experience in the craft of theatre production.

Tech week and performances are Apr 6 – 13

*Student must be 10 yrs old on, or before the first day of class
The last day to cancel is by 5pm on Tuesday February 25, 2025

Limit 15 Students

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Mar 5 - Apr 2 & Apr 6 - 13

$15 Registration Fee

$125

Costuming - Showstoppers (Ages 10 - 14)

Unlock the magic of theatrical costuming in our hands-on class for 10-14 year olds! Students will explore how costumes bring characters to life and convey crucial information about time, place, and genre. Throughout the course, young designers will develop skills in costume conceptualization, pattern-making, and garment construction. As they learn, participants will apply their newfound knowledge directly to our spring production of SpongeBob SquarePants Jr., creating costumes from concept to completion. This immersive experience not only teaches valuable design and construction skills but also enhances overall theatrical understanding, making your child a more versatile and valuable member of any production team. Your young artist will love transforming ideas into stunning costumes that tell stories on stage!

PLEASE NOTE: Participation during the week of April 6-13 (tech week and performances) is optional for this class.

Student must be 10 years old on or before the first day of class
The last day to cancel is by 5pm on Thursday February 27, 2025

Limit 15 Students

Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Mar 5 - Apr 2

$15 Registration Fee

$125

Comedy Improv - Showstoppers (Ages 10 - 14)

Unleash your child’s creativity and confidence with our Comedy Improv Class for 10-14 year olds! This dynamic program teaches young performers the art of thinking on their feet, crafting hilarious scenes, and working collaboratively – all while having a blast. Beyond the laughs, improv cultivates essential skills that translate beautifully to traditional stage shows. Students will develop quick thinking and adaptability, allowing them to handle unexpected moments with grace. They’ll also refine their ability to create compelling characters and deliver dialogue with natural flair, enhancing their overall stage presence. The course culminates in a performance for family and friends, where our young actors will showcase their newfound talents!

Student must be 10 years old on or before the first day of class
Showcase rehearsal and performance will be the week of April 6
The last day to cancel is by 5pm on Wednesday February 26, 2025

Limit 15 Students

Thursdays 5:30 - 6:30 PM

Mar 6 - Apr 3

$15 Registration Fee