KIDSTAGE productions are directed and designed by theatre professionals, and performed by students. All KIDSTAGE production programs strive for the highest educational experience possible. Rehearsals are handled with skill and patience and designed to educate participants about the professional approach to producing theatre. General grade/age ranges are listed for each program and may vary slightly from year to year, depending on what is most appropriate for the selected production.
Students participate in all areas of KIDSTAGE productions. Students seeking behind-the-scenes roles may be involved through our TAP (Teen Access to Professionals) Program, working in management, direction, design, orchestral performance, or technical theatre. The technical staff of Village Theatre's Mainstage shows supports the directors and designers of the KIDSTAGE productions. All students involved in KIDSTAGE productions must go through either an audition or interview process.
Ensemble
Teen Select
Company Originals
SummerStock
Summer Independent
Grades: 4-8
Locations: Issaquah and Everett
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: 2-3 afternoons a week (times vary), some weekends too, for 6-8 weeks.
The KIDSTAGE Ensemble is a school year production program and an excellent opportunity for young performers to experience the power of working as a team in a theatre ensemble. Singing, dancing, acting, and character work are part of the rehearsal process. Strong friendships are formed, and actors practice the values of cooperation, teamwork, and problem solving. The cast works with adult theatre professionals who direct, design, and produce the show. Prior participation in KIDSTAGE classes is recommended.
Grades: 7-12 (Issaquah) 8-12 (Everett)
Location: Issaquah and Everett
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: 2-3 days a week (times vary), some weekends too, for 6-8 weeks.
TeenSelect is a school year production program for our most advanced students. Directed, designed, and produced by adult theatre professionals, the intensive rehearsal process includes script analysis, character development, learning choreography and staging, and strengthening the vocal instrument. The result of this program is a fully-produced musical. Prior participation in KIDSTAGE classes is recommended.
Grade 8 - Age 20
Location: Issaquah and Everett
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Five month program varies according to needs.
For the advanced performer and emerging theatre artist, KIDSTAGE Company Originals is a unique process and performance opportunity. Student performers and writers, grade 8 to age 20, collaborate in a workshop process with professional writers, composers and lyricists to create original material, which then is shaped into a new musical which is brought to life on stage as either a staged reading or even as a fully produced performance. The Company consists of experienced young actors, writers, composers and lyricists, interested in further developing skills in theatre performance and in creating their own original characters and stories. The rehearsal process includes script analysis, character development, and strengthening the vocal instrument and can often include learning choreography and staging. Prior participation in KIDSTAGE classes is recommended.
Ages: 8-18
Locations: Issaquah and Everett
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: M-F 4-5 hours a day as called, mid June to early August.
SummerStock provides an opportunity for over 40 young people, ages 8-18, to join together to perform on the mainstage with the support of Village Theatre professionals. SummerStock is the perfect answer for the passionate performer looking to stay happy and very busy in the summer. The musical is fully directed and designed by theatre professionals and features a live orchestra, beautiful sets, costumes, lighting, and sound.
SummerStock also provides a number of non acting opportunities for students through the TAP Program in Orchestral Performance, Direction, Design and Management.
Age: Under 20 (typically 13 and above)
Location: Issaquah and Everett
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: M-F Evenings, as called, early June to mid July.
The Summer Independent program is a professionally-mentored program unique to Village Theatre. It the pinnacle experience for students who come with a background in live theatre, and it provides autonomy, resources, and mentorship to select, mount, and produce their own full-scale show from start to finish. Students take on every aspect of production, from performing, directing, and stage management, to designing and building sets, creating costumes, running sound and lights, marketing, production management, and more. Village Theatre's entire professional staff — from the shops to the marketing office to the stage managers and beyond — are involved in mentoring the artistic team, all of whom are considered professional interns. The Summer Independent program is an entry point to professional theatre for the entire production team and Summer Independent performers are challenged with the goal of reaching the highest professional standards possible.
The program is a breeding ground for tomorrow's top talents. In the last few years, Summer Independent participants have gone on to college at The Juilliard School, Boston Conservatory, University of Washington, Carnegie Mellon University, Western Washington University, Pennsylvania State, Point Park College, Whitman College, New York University, Yale, Cornish College for the Arts, and Cal Arts. Many have performed professionally both locally and nationally at venues such as Village Theatre Mainstage, Seattle Opera, The Paramount Theatre, A Contemporary Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, On and Off-Broadway, movies, and television. Past Summer Independent shows have included: Pippin, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Fantasticks, Lost In Yonkers, Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd, Spitfire Grill, and West Side Story.
The Summer Independent artistic team members, ideally, have previously participated as TAP students and/or have some experience working on productions at Village Theatre Mainstage or KIDSTAGE.
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