The Program
What This Is
Youth Theater Collective is not a traditional theater class.
It is a leadership and collaboration lab that uses theater as its working medium.
Students learn by doing real work, together, over time. Creative decision-making, operational responsibility, and collective accountability are embedded into every phase of the program.
How It Works
Youth Theater Collective operates as a year-long program with clearly defined roles, timelines, and outcomes.
A full-year structure with shared expectations and milestones
Two major production cycles:
Winter: student-led one-act performances
Spring: a fully staged mainstage musical
Students apply into defined roles and pathways
Leadership is earned, supported, and intentionally scaffolded
This structure allows students to take meaningful ownership while learning how collaborative systems function in real creative environments.
Pathways
All pathways are valued equally and contribute directly to the success of each production.
Performance
Stagecraft & Technical Theater
Production & Front of House
Students may deepen expertise within one pathway or grow into leadership across multiple areas over time.
The Adult Role
Adults do not direct student behavior or creativity.
Adults hold responsibility for safety, structure, timelines, and ethical boundaries.
This balance ensures student agency while maintaining professional standards, physical safety, and program integrity.