Young Company
Youth Theatre Programs all year long
Welcome to Old Town Playhouse's Young Company. We are the educational arm of OTP and offer year-round classes, workshops, camps, and performance opportunities for youth ages five to eighteen. Our classes offer a uniquely authentic theatre learning experience guided by our passionate and experienced staff. We are eager to share this theatrical passion with our Young Company students.
After School Programs
Productions
Ages 9 - 18
The OTP Young Company produces four shows each year. Two of these are MainStage productions (one in November and one in February) and one is a Studio production in April. Our November and April shows are plays (no dancing or singing) and our February show is a musical (lots of dancing and singing!). Participants should have a general understanding of theatre basics and must audition for the opportunity to be cast. Auditions and rehearsals start approximately 3 months before performances. Our older teens can look forward to a Summer musical production with an accelerated rehearsal schedule June-July.
Theatre Classes
Ages 5 - 13
During the year, OTP Young Company offers a selection of classes in acting, music, and movement exploration. Technical classes explore the backstage aspects of theatre. Classes are generally one day per week for 9-10 weeks and are offered in fall and spring sessions. These programs are a great way for your child to start exploring the world of theatre! Classes culminate for a collaborative production including all levels of on-stage and back-stage students.
School Year Day camps
Ages 6 - 12
No school today? Come spend the day at Old Town Playhouse for a Young Company day camp. Throughout the day, students participate in a variety of activities to broaden their theatrical skills such as playwriting to encourage creative thinking, prop and set construction to explore the technical side of theater, and theatre games to build their physical and vocal skills. The day ends with the opportunity for the campers to perform for each other.
Summer Camps
Full days for Ages 8 - 16
From mid-June to late August, The Young Company offers full-day summer camps designed to educate and stimulate that aspiring young actor in your family. These camps typically run Monday - Friday 9:00 - 3:30 and are offered in one, two, and four-week sessions. During these camps, students will work at a fun, accelerated pace to produce a MainStage quality show, often including full costumes, sets, and lights. At the end of each camp session, the students will perform their show for a ticketed audience and participate in a meet and greet with friends and family afterward. Be sure to sign up early! The Young Company Four Week Summer Performing Arts Camp and One Week Intensive Musical Theatre Camps are the "hot tickets" of the summer here in Traverse City and are always full-to-bursting.
Half days for Ages 5 - 8
Our half-day summer camps are specifically designed for our youngest Young Company members and offer a playful approach to theatre basics. These camps are offered in one-week sessions and run from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Monday through Friday, from mid-June through July. In these camps, students can expect to explore general theatre education while writing an original theatrical show. On the last day of camp, students will perform their show for an invited audience of parents, family, and friends.