Youth Theatre Productions & Camps for St. Louis-Area Kids

Places, everyone! Youth Theatre at the J is an inclusive and educational program for grades K-9. In addition to learning about theatre, we strive to help students build confidence, improve communication, and increase skills they will take with them far beyond the stage. Theatre provides an unforgettable experience for your child. It offers a unique teamwork adventure that requires everyone’s full attention and participation to bring the show to life.

What makes the J Youth Theatre Program so unique?

Everyone who auditions is cast in every show
We welcome first-time actors, as well as those who are more experienced
Rehearsals are concentrated on Sunday afternoons until right before the production
You become part of the Youth Theatre family, creating bonds, collaborating with friends and sharing your progress and successes as performers

To ensure all students have an engaging and welcoming learning environment, the J offers three theatre programs: a two-week summer camp and showcase for grades 2 to 6, a spring/fall Kids program for ages 5 to 8, and a spring/fall Juniors program for ages 8-15. We invite you to explore them all! (Not sure which program is the best fit for your 8-year-old? Reach out to Youth Theatre Director Robyn Hartley, 314.442.3239, for more information.)

Youth Theatre Summer Experience: A Two-Week Musical Theatre Summer Camp (Grades 2-6)

June 15-26, 2026: Heroes & Villains

Prepare to face off in a two-week grand battle of musical theatre masterpieces as you step into the world of the great Broadway heroes and villains! We will sing, dance, and swim our way through the Pride Lands of Simba and Scar, to the Emerald City with Dorothy and the Wicked Witch, visit the castle of the Beast with Gaston, and swim under the sea with Ariel and Ursula.

Learn More Through J Day Camps

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Youth Theatre KIDS (Ages 5-8)

Performances November & April. Through the vehicle of musical theatre, young students broaden their understanding of how to follow directions, listen well, wait their turn, engage their imagination, channel their energy, and step into the spotlight! This program will be tailored to the needs and strengths of these younger students and will provide a space for them to explore all the magic of the arts.

This program meets weekly to learn material that teaches the foundational skills in auditioning and performing. The season ends with a fun show that sets them up for great success as they prepare to move into the JUNIORS Program.

Next Production: Disney Frozen KIDS

Program Session Dates: August 16-November 17, 2026
Staenberg Family Complex

Registration: Until full OR until Sunday, August 16
Auditions: Sunday, August 16, 12:30-1:30pm*
*All children registered for the program are cast. Auditions are for experience and case placement.
Regular Rehearsals: Sundays | August 23-November 8 | 12:30-1:30pm
Tech Week: Sunday | November 15 | 10am-1:30pm (tentative)
Performances: Monday-Tuesday | November 16-17 | 6pm

Tuition: $240 for J Members | $290 for Non-Members

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Youth Theatre JUNIORS (Ages 8-15)

Performances December & May. This program is designed to be a catalyst for confidence, organization, communication, and a host of other skills in the lives of students. The learning environment is friendly to both those with performing experience and those who are brand new! Students will build knowledge in the various elements that make up musical theatre – singing, dancing, and acting. Through practicing each element in isolation and then combining them all, these growing artists will tap into their unique abilities and discover a world of potential that lives within them. The season ends as they take the stage to showcase their accomplishments in a full theatrical production complete with costumes, sets, and live music!

Next Production: Disney Descendants The Musical, JR.

Program Session Dates: August 16-December 13, 2026
Staenberg Family Complex

Registration: Until full OR until Sunday, August 16
Auditions*: Sunday | August 16 | 2-6pm
*All youth registered for the program are cast. Auditions are for experience and cast placement.
Regular Rehearsals: Sundays | August 23-November 29 | 2-5pm
Tech Week: Sunday-Tuesday | December 6-8 | Times Vary
Performances: Thursday, December 10, at 7pm | Sunday, December 13, at 11am

Tuition: $340 for J Members | $390 for Non-Members

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Additional Information

Not sure which program is the best fit for your 8-year-old? Reach out to us at the contact info below for more information.
Our programs are open to all those who wish to explore the world of theatre. Let our Youth Theatre Coordinator know of any support needs your child may have, and we will be happy to accommodate.
Everyone who auditions has a place in the show! Simply register for the program through your J account and you are set.
We know auditions can be stressful, especially if you are brand new to the world of theatre. Fret not! We will be sure you have all the tools to help your child feel prepared and equipped.
Weekly rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons. A couple of additional rehearsals will happen in the week leading up to the performance so the students are well-prepared for opening night.
Students should wear clothes they can easily move in to rehearsals. We also highly recommend students wear jazz shoes in rehearsals. We advise against wearing sandals and other slip-on shoes in rehearsal.
Auditions and rehearsals are closed to parents. We know the kids are super fun to watch and we can’t wait for you to see them on stage! But we do need all attention to be on the directors throughout rehearsal, so we ask you to remain outside of the rehearsal space to minimize distractions.
Most costumes for the performance are provided by the J. However, we do ask families to provide an item or two. We keep the costs very low and always provide clear directions on where to find the items. Many times the items might already be in your child’s closet!

Contact

J Box Office Email Us 314-442-3283	Youth Theatre Artistic Producer Yoni Kruvi 314.442.3239	Advertising Information Email Us

BOX OFFICE HOURS: MON-THU 10am-noon in person \| MON-FRI 10-4pm by phone