Young People's Theatre
Exceptional theatre created by young artists.
A leader in the performing arts for more than 30 years.
Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is a creative home where young artists make extraordinary theatre. Through training, collaboration, and performance, we cultivate artistry, empathy, and a lifelong passion for storytelling.
Our Values
- Artistic Excellence
- Youth Empowerment
- Community & Belonging
- Personal & Artistic Growth
- Education Through Experience
For more information about Auditions, Donations, Finance & Scholarships and more , contact Program Director Josiah Haan.
Our Story
Young People’s Theatre began in 1993 when a passionate theatre artist relocated to the area from Michigan. With a deep love for children’s theatre and a vision to create a space where young performers could grow, she approached the local community college about starting a youth theatre program. They said yes, and from humble beginnings in a cafeteria, YPT’s first performances came to life.
In its earliest years, YPT offered just one class per year, focusing on helping young actors learn and develop their skills. Word spread quickly, often through friends and families who encouraged one another to join and the program grew. Before long, the classes expanded into full productions, and YPT became known for its thoughtful approach to developing well-rounded artists. Students didn’t just perform; they learned about directing, stage management, props, music, and the many elements that make theatre possible.
From its start, YPT was built on a strong sense of community. Parents were integral to every production building sets, running the box office, supervising rehearsals, and supporting every performance. Saturday meetings brought families together, and lifelong friendships were formed. The program became more than a place to perform; it was a place to belong.
Over the years, leadership evolved, with each new director adding their own vision while maintaining the high expectations and collaborative spirit that define YPT. The focus remained clear: to nurture young people not only as performers, but as kind, hardworking, and creative individuals.
Today, Young People’s Theatre continues to honor its roots while growing to meet the needs of a new generation. The program still values excellence, teamwork, and the joy of storytelling offering a space where children can be bold, authentic, and part of something truly special.
YPT’s legacy is one of community, creativity, and connection where the love of theatre continues to inspire and transform young lives.
Information about Young People's Theatre
Individual Tickets
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$12 per ticket
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Individual Tickets for the upcoming season will be available on August 1.
Season Tickets
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$45 per package
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Season Ticket Packages are available from July 1 and include tickets to all five Performing Arts shows, Center Stage, and Young People's Theatre performances.
Please note: If campus must close due to inclement weather or another unforeseen incident, all performances will also be canceled. Email tickets@stchas.edu for all questions regarding tickets, including exchanges and refunds for canceled performances.
Want to try out for our next production? Email us to be added to the audition notification list. Active audition opportunities will be listed here with a link as they become available.
Audition Information and Registration
Auditions take place twice a year, once in August and once in January. For all audition-related questions, email performingarts@stchas.edu.
Be yourself, directors want to see you!
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Walk in with confidence and a smile.
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Warm up your voice and body before arriving.
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Know your song, don’t rely on lyrics.
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Act the story, don’t just sing it.
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Listen carefully to directions.
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Keep going if you make a mistake.
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Be kind and supportive to others.
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Wear something professional and comfortable that helps you move.
Most importantly - have fun!
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Positive attitude
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Headshot and résume (optional but encouraged)
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Completed Sign-Up Genius form before entering the audition room. (This includes a link to your karaoke track. We will play it through our speaker during your audition.)
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Completed Conflict Form
When you arrive, you’ll check in at the sign-in table
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Expect to see lots of other kids who are just as excited (and maybe a little nervous!) as you are.
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There will be people in the room watching and cheering you on - including the directors and staff.
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You’ll sing for about 30 seconds to show off your voice and personality.
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Then, everyone will learn a short piece of choreography together.
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The whole audition process takes about 1 hour.
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Learn a little choreography from the musical.
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Perform cuts of music from the show.
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Scene work with a partner.
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All students in grades 3–12 are welcome to audition for the mainstage productions!
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YPT Jr. shows are open to students grades 3-9.
Support the magic of youth theatre by joining one of our Donor Circles:
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Monthly newsletter from Artistic Director, Josiah Haan
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Name in program
All benefits above
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Invitations to Circle Events
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Early YATP class registration
All benefits above
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2 complimentary tickets per show
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Personal backstage tour
All benefits above
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Cast-signed show poster
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Full-page program ad
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10 complimentary tickets
All benefits above
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Season poster signed by cast
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Thank-you celebration in your honor
YPT thrives because of our amazing volunteers!
There are many ways to get involved and support the magic that happens on stage and behind the scenes:
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Run Crew: Assist backstage during rehearsals and performances.
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Props Crew: Help gather, create, and organize props.
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Costumes Crew: Support fittings, sewing, and costume care.
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Set Crew: Paint, build, and assemble scenic pieces.
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Events Crew: Assist with parties, fundraising events, ticket sales, ushering, and help secure donations.
There’s a place for everyone to contribute!
A Community for Everyone
YPT isn’t just a place for youth to grow it’s a place where entire families find belonging. Many of our parent volunteers have been with us for years, some even decades. They joined after watching their children fall in love with theatre, or when other local programs faded away. Some were YPT performers themselves as kids, and now their own children are on stage, continuing the tradition.
In interviews with current parent volunteers, we heard again and again how meaningful it is to be part of the YPT community:
“It’s more than just helping out it’s about being part of something creative, something joyful.”
“My kids are surrounded by positive role models, and I’ve made lifelong friends.”
“I never thought I’d be learning how to sew a costume or build a set now I can do both!”
Volunteering at YPT gives parents a chance to be creative, connect with other families, and support their kids in a truly hands-on way. From sharing meals in the lobby before rehearsal to learning how to wield a paintbrush or organize props, it's an experience that brings families closer.
Tips from experienced YPT parents:
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Make crock pot meals for dinner before or after rehearsal.
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Don’t be afraid to be the “new family” everyone is welcome!
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Be open to trying new things. You might discover a hidden talent (or two)!
Student Volunteers
At YPT, our student volunteers are at the heart of the magic! As youth artists, you don’t have to stop at acting there are so many creative ways to get involved behind the scenes. Some students discover a love for costume design, painting props, or helping build sets. Others lend a hand backstage, making sure every performance runs smoothly. No matter your skills or interests, there’s a place for you to shine. We love all kinds of volunteers because every artist, builder, and helper plays a part in bringing our stories to life.
Discover your next step on stage or behind the scenes!Young Artist Training Program offers theatre, dance, performance, tech, and design classes for all experience levels.
At Young People’s Theatre, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the magic of theatre regardless of financial circumstance.
Class & Production Fees
Our program fees vary depending on the class or production:
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Class Fees: $25 – $250 per session
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Show Fee: $150-275 per production
In addition to program fees, students may need a few personal items for rehearsals and performances. While prices vary by brand and quality, here are some average costs to help families plan:
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Tap Shoes: $35 – $70
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Jazz Shoes: $30 – $60
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Stage Makeup Kit: $25 – $40
We encourage families to reuse or borrow items when possible, and YPT staff are happy to provide guidance on where to find affordable options.
Scholarships & Financial Assistance
YPT is proud to offer scholarships and financial assistance to ensure that no student is turned away due to cost. Our scholarship program is funded through generous community support and designed to make participation accessible for all families.
If you’re interested in applying for a scholarship or learning more about financial support, please reach out to our administrative team for details by contacting Josiah Haan.At YPT, we are committed to making theatre an inclusive, welcoming experience where every young artist has the chance to learn, create, and shine.
Take a look back at our incredible productions!
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Shrek the Musical
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Annie Jr.
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White Christmas
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Charlotte's Web
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Bright Star
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Matilda the Musical
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Golly Gee Whiz
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Anastasia
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Through the Looking Glass
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Into the Woods
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Seussical the Musical
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YPT Jr. Broadway Revue
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Godspell
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The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
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Footloose!
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Cinderella
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Oliver!
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Elf the Musical
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Tuck Everlasting
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Now. Here. This
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Beauty and the Beast
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The Hunchback of Notre Dame
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Peter and the Starcatcher
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Newsies
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White Christmas
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Some Enchanted Evening
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Wizard of Oz
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The Nutcracker
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You Ain't Nothing But a Werewolf
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The Little Mermaid
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A Christmas Story the Musical
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Lumberjacks and Weddingbelles
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Fiddler On the Roof
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Scrooge!
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Tumbleweeds
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Seussical the Musical
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Miracle on 34th Street
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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
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Shrek the Musical
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White Christmas
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The Legend of Sleeping Beauty
Meet Our Team!
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Josiah Haan - Artistic Director & Production Director/Designer
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Ryne Halstead - Technical Director & Co-Production Designer
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Abby Myers - Administrative Assistant & Production Stage Manager
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Suzanne Salmo - Music Director
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Abby Turner - Choreographer
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Hailey Smith - Scenic Charge Artist
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Haylie Gombos - Social Media & Marketing Coordinator
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Lauren Porter - Director of Fundraising & Outreach
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Sarah Skelly - Assistant Costume Designer & Coordinator
Upcoming Performances