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Jewish Community Center

Youth Theatre

Thank you to Ignite Theatre Co. for costume provision

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Spring 2025 Production

Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Based on the record-breaking West End production and the beloved film and featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is one blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.”

Performances
Wednesday, May 14 | 7pm
Thursday, May 15 | 7pm
Sunday, May 18 | 11am & 3pm

Purchase Tickets

NEW* KIDS Program 2025

An exciting NEW program for 5-8 year-olds! 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! Priority Registration opens May 19.

Auditions
Sunday, August 17
12:30-1:30pm

Rehearsals
Sundays, August 24 – November 9
12:30-1:30pm

Performances
Wednesday, November 12
Thursday, November 13
TBD

Price
$250 member
$275 general public

 

 

This program is a catalyst for confidence, organization, communication, and a host of other skills in the lives of students. Performers 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.

Auditions
Sunday, August 17
2-5pm

Rehearsals
Sundays, August 24 – November 30
2-5pm

Tech Week
Sunday – Tuesday, December 7-9
Times Vary

Performances
Wednesday, December 10
Thursday, December 11
Sunday, December 14
TBD

Price
$350 member
$375 general public

Contact: Robyn Hartley, 314.442.3239, rhartley@jccstl.org

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. To ensure all students have an engaging and welcoming learning environment, the J offers two theatre programs. We invite you to explore both!

Kids – Ages 5-8

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

Juniors– Ages 8-15

Performances December and 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!

Additional Information

  • Not sure which program is the best fit for your 8 year old? Reach out to our Youth
    Theatre Coordinator for more details.
  • 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 rehearsal. 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!

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

For more information about Youth Theatre or have questions, please contact Youth Theatre Director, Robyn Hartley, 314.442.3239.

Youth Theatre Sponsors

J-Associates_logo_PMS-2597

Aurelia Konrad Charitable Foundation
The Kuhn Foundation
The Moll Family
The Rosenzweig Family
The Conner Family

boy-theatre

girl-theatre

Past Productions

Peter Pan Jr. – Spring 2018

Lion King Jr. – Spring 2017