theater
arts
Center Stage Youth Theater Program
Center Stage Youth Theater Program offers young actors an exciting opportunity to explore the art of performance through productions that resonate with universal themes and values. Grounded in the principles of Jewish storytelling, the program emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and community while engaging participants in productions that entertain and inspire.
Grounded in Jewish Arts & Culture
Theater has long been a vital medium for exploring human experiences, a tradition deeply rooted in Jewish culture. From biblical narratives to modern plays by Jewish playwrights like Neil Simon and Wendy Wasserstein, storytelling is central to the Jewish ethos. This program draws on that legacy by encouraging participants to reflect on the moral, ethical, and emotional lessons embedded in the stories they perform.
Program Objectives:
- Foster Creativity: Encourage self-expression and imagination through acting, singing, stagecraft, and storytelling.
- Build Skills: Develop confidence, teamwork, and communication skills that benefit participants on and off the stage.
- Highlight Jewish Values: Explore productions that align with themes like justice, compassion, resilience, and the pursuit of knowledge—core tenets of Jewish tradition.
- Create Connections: Cultivate a sense of belonging and shared purpose by engaging youth in collaborative artistic endeavors.
A Stage for Everyone:
Whether stepping into the spotlight or working behind the scenes, this program welcomes participants of all experience levels and abilities to be part of a creative, supportive, and vibrant artistic community. Join us to tell stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.
We are so excited to announce the Minnesota JCC’s 2025–2026 Youth Theater Season—a year of magical stories, memorable music, and unforgettable performances! Whether your child is stepping on stage for the first time or returning to share their talents, this will be a season to remember.
Questions? Email youththeater@minnesotajcc.org.
Fall Show
Jane Austen’s Emma
Music & Lyrics by Paul Gordon
Auditions required for role placement; all registered actors will be cast.
Witty, charming, and full of heart—this fresh take on Jane Austen’s beloved matchmaker brings Regency-era romance to life with a playful contemporary score.
Grades: 7-12
Auditions: Sept 18 & 25, 6:30–8:30pm
All actors will be cast! Registration link will be sent with cast list.
Rehearsals: Oct 5 – Nov 13
Sundays 1:30–3:30pm • Tues/Thurs 6:30–8:30pm
Tech Week: Nov 16–19 (Parent Preview Nov 19 at 8pm)
Performances: Nov 20 at 7pm • Nov 22 at 7pm • Nov 23 at 3pm
Spring Show
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
Lyrics by Howard Ashman • Music by Alan Menken
Auditions required for role placement; all registered actors will be cast.
Dive “under the sea” for this splashy, fin-tastic adventure full of beloved songs, colorful characters, and a heartwarming message about finding your voice.
Grades: 3-6
Auditions: Jan 20 & 22, 6:30–8:30pm
Rehearsals: Jan 25 – Mar 19
Sundays 1:30–3:30pm • Tues/Thurs 6:30–8:30pm
Tech Week: Mar 22–25 (Parent Preview Mar 25 at 8pm)
Performances: Mar 26 at 7pm • Mar 28 at 7pm • Mar 29 at 3pm
MORE INFO COMING SOON.
Summer Show
Into the Woods
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Auditions required; casting is selective.
Fairy tales collide in this Tony Award-winning musical where wishes come true—but not always as expected. A dazzling journey of magic, humor, and heart.
Grades: 3-12
Dates: Coming soon!
MORE INFO COMING SOON.