Back to EDUCATION

YOUTHSTAGE

  • The Sharon Playhouse's YouthStage is your launchpad to the spotlight! We welcome aspiring actors, singers, and dancers of all levels to experience the magic of fully-staged productions, helmed by top-notch theater professionals.

    SUMMER YOUTHSTAGE

    The Sharon Playhouse offers 5 unique performance-based programs in the summer for ages 5-16.  These rehearsal based immersive experiences are so much more than “theater camp.”  They are vibrant training grounds where young people learn how to express themselves creatively, develop life skills, and make lifelong friends.  Each of these are tuition-based programs.  The Sharon Playhouse professional technical staff works on all of the YouthStage shows, bringing expert production values to every performance.  Registration begins in Mid January/Early February  for the following summer.

    • MUNCHKIN MUSICAL (ages 5-7)

      This one-week experience, called Sharon Playhouse Stars, is for ages 5-7 and culminates in a homegrown musical based on children’s stories, adapted by Sharon Playhouse teaching artists.  This original production is presented in The Bok with professional sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound.

      • Past Munchkin Musicals include: The Good Egg andthe Talent Show by Jory John, adapted by Sarah Cuoco, The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, adapted by Sarah Cuoco, and The Tortoise and The Hare, adapted by Sarah Cuoco.

    • KIDS MUSICAL (ages 8-11)

      This one-week experience is for ages 8-11 and culminates in a fully produced musical (professional sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound) in The Bobbie Olsen Theater at The Sharon Playhouse.

      • Past Kids Musicals include: 101 Dalmations Kids, Willy Wonka Kids, Aladdin Kids, Seussical Kids, Winnie the Pooh Kids, A Year with Frog and Toad Kids.

    • KIDS PLAY (ages 9-12)

      This one-week experience is for ages 9-12 and culminates in a fully produced play (professional sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound)  in The Bobbie Olsen Theater at The Sharon Playhouse.

      • Past Kids Plays include: Sassy Cinderella 

    • KIDS REVUE (ages 10-14)

      This one-week experience called Kids Cabaret is for ages 10-14 and culminates in a one of a kind song and scene revue conceived by Sharon Playhouse teaching artists. This original revue is presented in The Bobbie Olsen complete with professional sets, props, lights and sound. 

      • Past Kids Revues include: Raise Your Voice 

    • YOUTH MUSICAL (ages 11-16)

      This two-week experience is for ages 11-16 and culminates in a fully produced musical (professional sets, props, costumes, lights, and sound)  in The Bobbie Olsen Theater at The Sharon Playhouse

      • Past Youth Musicals include: Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Frozen Jr., Shrek, Jr., Newsies Jr., and High School Musical Jr. 

    THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY YOUTHSTAGE PRODUCTION

    The Sharon Playhouse produces an annual youth  holiday show.  Local performers ages 11-18 are eligible to audition.  Auditions are announced in October and take place in early November.  Rehearsals start in mid-November and performances take place in mid-December in The Bok at The Sharon Playhouse.  There is no tuition for actors cast in this production.

    • Past Youth Holiday Shows include: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Elf Jr., The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe., and A Christmas Carol

We are thrilled to announce the 2025 Summer YouthStage season!  We are extremely proud to offer nine weeks of YouthStage for ages 5 to 20.

PLEASE NOTE: Sharon Playhouse YouthStage is an elevated program designed for young performers who are passionate about the process of putting on a full-scale production. This program requires commitment, enthusiasm, and a love for the stage—perfect for those ready to work hard and shine! If your child is looking for a more relaxed, low-key experience, we recommend enrolling in our Fall, Winter, or Spring classes.

Please read the following details carefully.  

REGISTRATION INFORMATION:

  • The ONLY method of enrollment (other than applying for financial aid) for the Summer YouthStage Program (ages 5-16) will be by purchasing a spot in the shows with a credit card on our website.

  • The ONLY method of participating in The Launchpad Company (ages 15-20) will be by auditioning alongside our 2025 MainStage auditions.

  • All youth must be within the indicated age bracket for any given show on the first day of that program. Due to high demand, no exceptions will be made to this policy.  

  • All sales are FINAL. Once spots are purchased for any given program, no reimbursements will be made, regardless of changes in plans or availability.  

REGISTRATION SCHEDULE:

In an effort to streamline the Summer YouthStage enrollment process so that it is equitable and user-friendly, each show will have its own registration day. Please mark your calendars accordingly.

  • Financial Aid Application Window: January 8-15, 2025

  • Sharon Playhouse Stars: Tuesday, January 21 at 11:00 AM

  • 101 Dalmatians, Kids: Thursday, January 23 at 11:00 AM

  • The Great Amusement Park Mystery!: Monday, January 27 at 11:00 AM

  • Kids Cabaret: Wednesday, January 29 at 11:00 AM

  • Finding Nemo, Jr: Friday, January 31 at 11:00 AM

SHARON PLAYHOUSE SUMMER YOUTHSTAGE PHOTO RELEASE POLICY (NEW FOR 2025):

Participation in the Sharon Playhouse Summer YouthStage program requires consent for photo and video documentation. By enrolling, participants and guardians agree to the following:

1. Consent to Document: The Sharon Playhouse may photograph, film, or record participants during activities and performances.

2. Use of Media: These materials may be used for publicity, social media, advertising, grant applications, and archival purposes.

In order to enroll in the 2025 Summer YouthStage Program, families and participants must agree to this Photo Release Policy.

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION FOR SHARON PLAYHOUSE SUMMER YOUTHSTAGE:

The Sharon Playhouse is committed to making its summer programs accessible to as many students as possible. Need-based financial aid covering 50% of tuition is available. The application deadline for financial aid for 2025 was Wednesday, January 15. Applications for financial aid for the 2025 Summer YouthStage Program are now closed.

WAITLIST:

  • In the event that any of our Summer YouthStage productions sell out and you would like to be on the waitlist, please fill out the following form.  Please complete one form per individual.  We will be in touch if and when a spot opens up in a production.  Thank you for your interest in the Sharon Playhouse Summer YouthStage Program!

  • Waitlist entries for Summer YouthStage productions will only be accepted after each show’s registration opens and fills up—time-stamped entries prior to the registration date and time will not be valid.

  • To join the waitlist, please complete the following form: 2025 Summer YouthStage Waitlist

ANOTHER EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR AGES 8–18!

In addition to YouthStage productions, kids and teens can audition for our family-friendly MainStage production!

Key Details:

  • Due to contract restrictions, we cannot announce the title of this show until February 3, 2025.

  • Commitment Dates: Tuesday, July 8 – Sunday, August 10.

  • Participation Fee: $300 to participate if cast in the MainStage production.

  • Overlap Policy: Kids/Teens cannot participate in Finding Nemo, Jr. or The Great Amusement Park Mystery! if cast in the MainStage production, as the schedules conflict.

How to Get Involved:

  • You are encouraged to register for YouthStage productions and audition for the MainStage production.

  • If cast in both, you can choose which show you’d like to participate in.

  • If you choose the MainStage production after registering for a YouthStage production, you will receive a reimbursement for YouthStage tuition.


 

Where Sharon Playhouse STARS are born!

Conceived and Directed by
SARAH CUOCO

SHARON PLAYHOUSE STARS

Give your child the chance to shine in Sharon Playhouse’s heartwarming, homegrown musical adventure! This exciting opportunity lets young theater artists build confidence, make new friends, and bring a story to life on stage using their voices, bodies, and imaginations. Don’t miss the magic as our tiny stars step into the spotlight in The Bok at The Sharon Playhouse. It’s an unforgettable performance that will leave audiences smiling and kids beaming with pride!

Overall Dates: June 23 - 28 

Participants must be 5, 6, or 7 years old as of June 23, 2025

Rehearses Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PerformanceS: Saturday, June 28 at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM

Cost: $450

 
 

An ocean full of adventure, laughter, and heart!

Book, Music and Lyrics by: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
Book Adapted by: Lindsay Anderson
Music and Orchestrations Adapted and Arranged by: Myrna Conn
Based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar Film written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds and Directed by Andrew Stanton

FINDING NEMO, JR.

Embark on an ocean adventure with Disney’s Finding Nemo, Jr! Based on the beloved Pixar movie, join Marlin on an unforgettable journey to find his son, Nemo. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin sets off across the ocean, facing fears and making new friends along the way. With the help of the optimistic Dory, laid-back Crush, and the quirky Tank Gang, Marlin learns that sometimes the greatest adventure is discovering what you're capable of. The magic of the ocean will come to life on stage in The Olsen at The Sharon Playhouse!

Overall Dates: June 30-July 12

Participants must be 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16 years old as of June 30, 2025

Rehearses Monday-Friday, 9:30am-4:30pm

Performances: Friday, July 11 at 2pm, Saturday, July 12 at 3pm and 7pm

Cost: $725

 
2025 Show Logos (17).png
 

THE GREAT AMUSEMENT PARK MYSTERY!

Hold onto your hats and get ready to solve a spine-tingling whodunit at Porcu-Playland, the quirkiest, most thrilling porcupine-themed amusement park ever! When the statue of Poppy the Porcupette, the park's beloved mascot, mysteriously vanishes, chaos erupts among the 12 wacky staff members, each with a secret to hide. Packed with hilarious twists, unexpected surprises, and audience sleuthing, this roller coaster of an adventure will keep everyone guessing. Can the mystery be solved before it’s too late?

Overall Dates: July 14-19

Participants must be 9, 10, 11, or 12 years old as of July 14, 2025

In an effort to maximize capacity and student engagement, this production will have two separate casts:

Morning Cast Rehearses Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-12:30 pm
Morning Cast Performance: Saturday, July 19 at 11am 
Afternoon Cast Rehearses Monday-Friday, 1:30-5:00 pm
Afternoon Cast Performance: Saturday, July 19 at 4pm 

Cost: $425

 
 

Where young talent takes the spotlight!

Conceived by
Sharon Playhouse Teaching Artists

KIDS CABARET

Step into the spotlight with Kids’ Cabaret—where young stars create theater magic in just one week! Students dive into acting, singing, and dancing, bringing dynamic scenes, catchy songs, and lively dance numbers to life, all inspired by Broadway and pop favorites. Families, don’t miss the chance to cheer on these rising stars as they shine in a thrilling final performance in The Olsen at The Sharon Playhouse. It’s a show-stopping event packed with energy, talent, and heart—fun for the whole family!

Overall Dates: July 28-August 2

Participants must be 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14 years old as of July 28, 2025

Rehearses: Monday-Friday, 9:30-3:30pm

Performance: Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 AM

Cost: $495

 
2025 Show Logos (17).png
 

Spotted: the best adventure ever!

Music and Lyrics by: Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller, Dan Root
Book Adapted and Additional Lyrics by: Marcy Heisler
Music Adapted and Arranged by: Bryan Louiselle
Based on the Screenplay by Bill Peet
Based on the novel The One Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith

Directed By: Sarah Cuoco

101 DALMATIANS, KIDS

Get ready for a tail-wagging good time with Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, Kids! This fur-raising adventure, based on the beloved animated film, follows Roger and Anita, who live in London with their lovable dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita. When the wicked Cruella De Vil plots to steal their puppies for a new fur coat, it’s up to the clever canines of London to save the day! With lovable characters, humor, and adventure, this pawsitively amazing adventure will light up The Olsen stage at The Sharon Playhouse!

Overall Dates:  August 11-16

Participants must be 8, 9, 10, or 11 years old as of August 11, 2025

Rehearses Monday-Friday, 9:30-3:30pm

Performances: Saturday, August 16 at 11am and 2pm

Cost: $495

 

Introducing The Sharon Playhouse LaunchPad Company
A Pre-Professional Summer Production for Teen Performers

The Launchpad Company is an exciting new opportunity for aspiring theater artists aged 15–20, designed to launch their careers in the arts. Dedicated to the legacy of Mary Graf, this tuition-free program celebrates her passion for the arts by providing participants with a $250 stipend for their work. Auditions will be held alongside MainStage auditions, and the inaugural production will be the comedic musical sensation, Once Upon a Mattress!


 

Get ready to laugh your crown off!

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer

Directed by Michael Kevin Baldwin

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

Winnifred the Woebegone isn’t your typical princess—she’s a spirited, quirky swamp-dweller with a heart of gold, determined to win the love of Prince Dauntless. But standing in her way is the scheming Queen Aggravain, who’s crafted an outrageous, seemingly impossible test to keep Winnifred out of the royal family. Will Winnifred’s charm and determination triumph over the queen’s devious plans? Packed with humor, heart, and unforgettable songs, Once Upon a Mattress is a musical fairy tale adventure that will leave audiences cheering!

Overall Dates: August 4-24, 2025

Participants must be 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 by August 4, 2025

Rehearsal Schedule: Exact rehearsal schedule TBD. Participants must be fully available between August 4-24 to participate.

Performances: Friday, August 22 at 7PM, Saturday, August 23 at 2PM and 7PM, and Sunday, August 24 at 3PM

 
2025 Show Logos (17).png

Back to EDUCATION