YouthStage boasts fully produced musicals for students in grades 5-12. Within our youth productions, KidStage (grades 5-8) and TeenStage (grades 8-12) opportunities are offered during the Fall and Winter/Spring, and YouthStage (combined grades 5-12) opportunities are offered during the summer. Directed and designed by local theater professionals, these productions feature students playing all the roles. Over the course of the rehearsal process, actors develop their individual craft and learn to thrive collectively as part of an ensemble, all while building a polished final show, presented to family and friends on the Julia Morgan stage!
Age Ranges and Opportunities
YouthStage is divided into the following grade groups and company members get these amazing opportunities (please note, grade ranges are subject to change based on show titles):
KidStage
Grades 5-8
Train with professional Directors, Musicians, Vocal Coaches and Choreographers
Explore both traditional and non-traditional performance styles as part of an ensemble
TeenStage
Grades 8-12
Train with professional Directors, Musicians, Vocal Coaches and Choreographers
Explore both traditional and non-traditional performance styles as part of an ensemble
Other YouthStage Programs
Grades: 6-12
Stagecraft: Explore behind the scenes elements and receive hands-on experience in lighting, costuming, scenic, sound, props, make-up, and stage management. Students will put their learned skills to work on projects for current productions and will be the first to be offered volunteer positions on production teams for future shows.
Musical Theatre Revue: Guided by a seasoned director and music director, students spend 10 weeks creating, writing, choreographing, designing, and rehearsing their own production, culminating in a performance on the Julia Morgan stage. This is a great opportunity for future playwrights and students who crave more creative influence.
How do I become a KidStage or TeenStage member?
Young actors are admitted to the program by audition. Those interested can sign up to audition online if a current session is open for applicants.
If admitted, the student becomes a member of the company and does not have to audition for future productions, provided they remain in good standing with the program. They can simply enroll to be a member of the cast for upcoming productions as they become available online. Once enrolled, auditions (we like to call them “try-ons”) are held for specific roles during the few weeks of rehearsal.
For more information or questions about KidStage or TeenStage: email Youthstage@berkeleyplayhouse.org
Curtain Call: A Photo Journey Through Our Productions
Financial Aid
We believe all youth deserve the opportunity to engage in and thrive through the arts. Berkeley Playhouse is committed to ensuring access to our education programs for low-income students, especially from underserved and/or underrepresented communities by providing financial assistance for theater education tuitions. FA applications are available upon registration.
Core Values
Community
- We value equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in this community.
- Every member of the cast is an equally important part of the ensemble.
- We respect the space we are using.
- We acknowledge the history of the land we are on.
Courage
- We value the process of moving through the nervousness of performing and auditioning.
- We encourage a growth mindset in learning how to work with notes and constructive criticism. As opposed to a forced, boastful confidence, we recognize that true confidence is knowing that one is always growing and learning.
- We value showing up bravely and making bold choices as we express ourselves through theater.
Creativity
- We encourage all members of the cast to contribute creative ideas.
- We value ALL roles and encourage actors to learn to find the joy and creative opportunities in any role, even when moving through casting disappointment.
- We value the hard work, preparation, and practice it takes to make theater, both in and out of rehearsal.
Communication
- We practice being courageous by speaking our truth as well as standing up for others.
- We value supporting, encouraging, and appreciating each other.
- We respect the physical and emotional boundaries of our community members, and practice asking for consent.
Casting Philosophy
We practice non-traditional, identity-affirming casting in ALL our education programs. All students are eligible to play any role, regardless of gender or background.
Additionally, Berkeley Playhouse distinguishes itself from other youth theater education programs by developing a curriculum that focuses on the group as an ensemble and finds ways to feature and highlight each individual student regardless of their role. Casting disappointment is a natural and expected part of theater, however we emphasize that any role can be exciting, regardless of line-count. We do not recast, but will always work with students to make sure they feel great about their part in the show as the script evolves over the course of the session and new opportunities arise.
