TEEN MENTORSHIPS
Guiding youth drawn to careers in the theatre arts
Welcome to Our Teen Mentorship Program
Ages 16-19
Our Teen Mentorship Program is designed for youth ages 16-19 who are interested in exploring careers in the theatre arts beyond acting, by partnering with mentors who are working theatrical professionals.
The first opportunity in the theatre that most young people see is on stage as an actor – whether they are in a show or see a show. The reality though is that most jobs in the theatre are not on stage, but in the directing, designing, writing, composing, choreographing, fundraising, and marketing of a show. Our Teen Mentorship Program was created to help youth discover and traverse these career paths.
To be considered for participation in a mentorship opportunity students need to apply through our online application process. Each selected participant receives a $400.00 STIPEND at the end of their mentorship.
OUR PROGRAM HAS TWO MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR 2022/23 HAS PASSED.
Thank you to everyone who applied!
Applicants will hear from us in Mid to late May to schedule an interview.
Check back in May 2023 for details on our 2023/24 season mentorships.
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2022-2023 Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship Bios
In alphabetical order
Faith Barrett -
As a dancer and performer, Faith Barrett is most excited to learn about the expression of music through the Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship. Previous STC credits include: The Snow Queen, Annie Jr, The Velveteen Rabbit, Swimmy, The Nightingale, On the Railroad, Owl Moon, The Dot, Peace 4 the Ages, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Tuck Everlasting, and The Little Mermaid Jr. In addition to her work at Stages, she has been dancing on the Escalate Dance competition teams for the past seven years. Faith would like to give special thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for their support!
Jace Cruz -
Jace Cruz is a member of the high school drama club at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis. It is there that he found his passion for performing and theater. He loves meeting new people, and finding those similar interests. He plans to pursue theater education in college, and find his way into the field professionally. He is excited to explore the behind-the-scenes side of this artform through this mentorship, and gain a deeper understanding of the theatrical arts. He would like to give a special thanks to his grandma for telling him to keep pushing.
Alec Newhouse -
A passionate Godzilla fan, Alec Newhouse graduated from LionsGate Academy in 2022. It was there that he found his love for theater, performing in numerous shows, and studying behind-the-scenes theater in his stagecraft class. In particular, he loves to make people laugh. As he moves into his next phase of life he plans to stay involved with theater in a multitude of ways. He’s excited to learn more about the sound design process through this mentorship (and plans to implement Godzilla in there somehow!!).
Yuki Rogers -
Yuki Rogers was just introduced to the world of theater during her freshman year through the Drama Club at Patrick Henry High School. From there she took off, stage managing two of their productions, plus assistant stage managing Stage North’s The Family Line at the Capri Theater, as well as running lightboard for Stages’ Theatre’s All American Boys. She now also works for the Capri Theater, and is working as a counselor for a summer theater program at Henry. For her second year in theater she’s excited to delve deeper into the behind the scenes world in the Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship. She would like to give a special thanks to Patrick Henry’s theater director Christopher Micheal, without whom she would not have had all of these life changing opportunities.
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Alec Newhouse -
A passionate Godzilla fan, Alec Newhouse graduated from LionsGate Academy in 2022. It was there that he found his love for theater, performing in numerous shows, and studying behind-the-scenes theater in his stagecraft class. In particular, he loves to make people laugh. As he moves into his next phase of life he plans to stay involved with theater in a multitude of ways. He’s excited to learn more about the sound design process through this mentorship (and plans to implement Godzilla in there somehow!!).
Yuki Rogers -
Yuki Rogers was just introduced to the world of theater during her freshman year through the Drama Club at Patrick Henry High School. From there she took off, stage managing two of their productions, plus assistant stage managing Stage North’s The Family Line at the Capri Theater, as well as running lightboard for Stages’ Theatre’s All American Boys. She now also works for the Capri Theater, and is working as a counselor for a summer theater program at Henry. For her second year in theater she’s excited to delve deeper into the behind the scenes world in the Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship. She would like to give a special thanks to Patrick Henry’s theater director Christopher Micheal, without whom she would not have had all of these life changing opportunities.
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2022-2023 First Job in the Arts Mentorship Bios
In alphabetical order
Ozzy Coyer -
Ozzy Coyer is a senior at Hopkins High School, where they have performed in and worked on numerous shows from junior high on, including Willy Wonka Jr, Shrek Jr, Noises Off, and Little Women. They love the whole process of putting on a show, and the collaborative spirit of the experience. Ozzy plans to continue pursuing theater in college, studying both acting and directing. They are very excited to dig deeper into the process of directing through their First Job in the Arts mentorship.
Seth Donaldson -
Seth Donaldson is an avid member of his St. Anthony theater community, having performed in many shows for both St. Anthony Community Theater and St. Anthony High School over the past few years. Having been a performer for nearly all of this time, he is excited to delve into the world of directing and learn more about this side of the artform. He hopes to take those skills into a career in filmmaking, which he plans to pursue in college. Also a musician, he has studied the piano and guitar for many years. Seth would like to thank his parents for supporting and encouraging him in all his endeavors.
Athan Fischer -
Athan Fischer is a senior at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in the musical theatre track. He has been performing since he was nine years old and has appeared in more than thirty productions, including: musical theatre, theatre, and dance. Athan has a long history with Stages Theatre Company, having performed in fourteen productions including The Little Mermaid Jr. and Tuck Everlasting. He is honored to have been selected to participate in First Job in the Arts, where he looks forward to gaining insight into the world of theatre education. Athan hopes to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre and aspires to work in theatre education. He would like to thank all the amazing people at Stages Theatre Company who have ignited his passion for theatre and given him so much support and encouragement over the years.
Jordan Kueng -
A senior at FAIR School for Arts, Jordan Kueng has been immersed in theater since his freshman year. He has been involved in numerous shows there and at Stages, including roles in Tuck Everlasting, and Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. With a focus on directing in First Job for the Arts, they are excited to explore another side of theater through the mind of an expert. They hope to take this knowledge into a career in theater. He would like to give a special thanks to André Samples for telling him it’s never too late, and a special thanks to Talia Kaufman for showing him different pathways and encouraging him to try everything.
Shannon Merritt -
Shannon Merritt is a senior at FAIR High School for Arts in Minneapolis. She has recently moved to the Twin Cities area and is excited to explore the local theatre scene! She has been involved in theatre for years, doing everything from acting to playwriting to set building and more. For her mentorship, she will be concentrating on design, which is also what she plans to pursue as a career after high school.
Raine -
Raine is a 16 year old multimedia artist who enjoys performing and visual arts. Xey enjoy singing, painting, and designing fashion and costumes. Xey are a vocal and instrumental major at The Performing Institute of Minnesota or PiM. He is currently working on costumes for PiM’s Musical Review, Dance Concert, and their fall play Proof. Xey are excited to work with Stages and to make new friends doing it!
Elaine Sandvik -
A junior at Spring Lake Park, Ellie Sandvik hasn’t missed the opportunity to work on a single show at her school since 6th grade. In that time she has performed on stage as well as worked behind the scenes in design and stage management. It is in the field of costuming, however, where she’s found her passion. She plans to go to college for costume design, and then do that work professionally. She’d like to thank her grandfather for introducing her to Broadway and sparking her love of performing arts. She’d like to thank her parents and extended family for encouraging her when she expressed interest in the arts. Finally, she’d like to thank the friends and mentors who have taught her what makes theatre so unique and exciting, no matter how many shows she’s done.
Demetrius Wine-garden -
A prolific artist, Demetrius Winegarden is heading into their senior year at St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts and as they prepare for a career in theater and video games. They have performed in numerous shows for SPCPA, Stages Theatre Company, Concordia University, Rosetown Playhouse, Stage Door Productions, and Youth Theatre Initiative. Demetrius also plays a number of instruments, and enjoys writing music. They love the community and nurturing environment for growth that theater provides. They want to give special thanks to all their friends and family who have been so supportive of their artistic endeavors throughout their life.
Abbi Wood -
Abbi Wood attends PiM Arts High School, where she will be a senior starting in the fall of 2022. Abbi first started theatre when she was 9 years old in 2015, acting in a production of Hansel and Gretel. From then on, Abbi has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, at places like Eden Prairie Players, PiM Arts High School, Emerging Professionals Ensemble, and here at Stages Theatre Company! Abbi’s first technical production role was for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 2021, where she was the stage manager. For that same role, she won an Outstanding In Technical Leadership Award from Spotlight Education of Minnesota and got to help in making the Spotlight Showcase 2022 come to life. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Abbi would like to give a huge shout-out to her Mom and Dad for always supporting her theatre endeavors, even though they know hardly anything about the theatre world.
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Athan Fischer -
Athan Fischer is a senior at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in the musical theatre track. He has been performing since he was nine years old and has appeared in more than thirty productions, including: musical theatre, theatre, and dance. Athan has a long history with Stages Theatre Company, having performed in fourteen productions including The Little Mermaid Jr. and Tuck Everlasting. He is honored to have been selected to participate in First Job in the Arts, where he looks forward to gaining insight into the world of theatre education. Athan hopes to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre and aspires to work in theatre education. He would like to thank all the amazing people at Stages Theatre Company who have ignited his passion for theatre and given him so much support and encouragement over the years.
Jordan Kueng -
A senior at FAIR School for Arts, Jordan Kueng has been immersed in theater since his freshman year. He has been involved in numerous shows there and at Stages, including roles in Tuck Everlasting, and Disney’s Little Mermaid Jr. With a focus on directing in First Job for the Arts, they are excited to explore another side of theater through the mind of an expert. They hope to take this knowledge into a career in theater. He would like to give a special thanks to André Samples for telling him it’s never too late, and a special thanks to Talia Kaufman for showing him different pathways and encouraging him to try everything.
Shannon Merritt -
Shannon Merritt is a senior at FAIR High School for Arts in Minneapolis. She has recently moved to the Twin Cities area and is excited to explore the local theatre scene! She has been involved in theatre for years, doing everything from acting to playwriting to set building and more. For her mentorship, she will be concentrating on design, which is also what she plans to pursue as a career after high school.
Raine -
Raine is a 16 year old multimedia artist who enjoys performing and visual arts. Xey enjoy singing, painting, and designing fashion and costumes. Xey are a vocal and instrumental major at The Performing Institute of Minnesota or PiM. He is currently working on costumes for PiM’s Musical Review, Dance Concert, and their fall play Proof. Xey are excited to work with Stages and to make new friends doing it!
Elaine Sandvik -
A junior at Spring Lake Park, Ellie Sandvik hasn’t missed the opportunity to work on a single show at her school since 6th grade. In that time she has performed on stage as well as worked behind the scenes in design and stage management. It is in the field of costuming, however, where she’s found her passion. She plans to go to college for costume design, and then do that work professionally. She’d like to thank her grandfather for introducing her to Broadway and sparking her love of performing arts. She’d like to thank her parents and extended family for encouraging her when she expressed interest in the arts. Finally, she’d like to thank the friends and mentors who have taught her what makes theatre so unique and exciting, no matter how many shows she’s done.
Demetrius Wine-garden -
A prolific artist, Demetrius Winegarden is heading into their senior year at St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts and as they prepare for a career in theater and video games. They have performed in numerous shows for SPCPA, Stages Theatre Company, Concordia University, Rosetown Playhouse, Stage Door Productions, and Youth Theatre Initiative. Demetrius also plays a number of instruments, and enjoys writing music. They love the community and nurturing environment for growth that theater provides. They want to give special thanks to all their friends and family who have been so supportive of their artistic endeavors throughout their life.
Abbi Wood -
Abbi Wood attends PiM Arts High School, where she will be a senior starting in the fall of 2022. Abbi first started theatre when she was 9 years old in 2015, acting in a production of Hansel and Gretel. From then on, Abbi has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, at places like Eden Prairie Players, PiM Arts High School, Emerging Professionals Ensemble, and here at Stages Theatre Company! Abbi’s first technical production role was for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 2021, where she was the stage manager. For that same role, she won an Outstanding In Technical Leadership Award from Spotlight Education of Minnesota and got to help in making the Spotlight Showcase 2022 come to life. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Abbi would like to give a huge shout-out to her Mom and Dad for always supporting her theatre endeavors, even though they know hardly anything about the theatre world.
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Shannon Merritt -
Shannon Merritt is a senior at FAIR High School for Arts in Minneapolis. She has recently moved to the Twin Cities area and is excited to explore the local theatre scene! She has been involved in theatre for years, doing everything from acting to playwriting to set building and more. For her mentorship, she will be concentrating on design, which is also what she plans to pursue as a career after high school.
Raine -
Raine is a 16 year old multimedia artist who enjoys performing and visual arts. Xey enjoy singing, painting, and designing fashion and costumes. Xey are a vocal and instrumental major at The Performing Institute of Minnesota or PiM. He is currently working on costumes for PiM’s Musical Review, Dance Concert, and their fall play Proof. Xey are excited to work with Stages and to make new friends doing it!
Elaine Sandvik -
A junior at Spring Lake Park, Ellie Sandvik hasn’t missed the opportunity to work on a single show at her school since 6th grade. In that time she has performed on stage as well as worked behind the scenes in design and stage management. It is in the field of costuming, however, where she’s found her passion. She plans to go to college for costume design, and then do that work professionally. She’d like to thank her grandfather for introducing her to Broadway and sparking her love of performing arts. She’d like to thank her parents and extended family for encouraging her when she expressed interest in the arts. Finally, she’d like to thank the friends and mentors who have taught her what makes theatre so unique and exciting, no matter how many shows she’s done.
Demetrius Wine-garden -
A prolific artist, Demetrius Winegarden is heading into their senior year at St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts and as they prepare for a career in theater and video games. They have performed in numerous shows for SPCPA, Stages Theatre Company, Concordia University, Rosetown Playhouse, Stage Door Productions, and Youth Theatre Initiative. Demetrius also plays a number of instruments, and enjoys writing music. They love the community and nurturing environment for growth that theater provides. They want to give special thanks to all their friends and family who have been so supportive of their artistic endeavors throughout their life.
Abbi Wood -
Abbi Wood attends PiM Arts High School, where she will be a senior starting in the fall of 2022. Abbi first started theatre when she was 9 years old in 2015, acting in a production of Hansel and Gretel. From then on, Abbi has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, at places like Eden Prairie Players, PiM Arts High School, Emerging Professionals Ensemble, and here at Stages Theatre Company! Abbi’s first technical production role was for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 2021, where she was the stage manager. For that same role, she won an Outstanding In Technical Leadership Award from Spotlight Education of Minnesota and got to help in making the Spotlight Showcase 2022 come to life. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Abbi would like to give a huge shout-out to her Mom and Dad for always supporting her theatre endeavors, even though they know hardly anything about the theatre world.
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Elaine Sandvik -
A junior at Spring Lake Park, Ellie Sandvik hasn’t missed the opportunity to work on a single show at her school since 6th grade. In that time she has performed on stage as well as worked behind the scenes in design and stage management. It is in the field of costuming, however, where she’s found her passion. She plans to go to college for costume design, and then do that work professionally. She’d like to thank her grandfather for introducing her to Broadway and sparking her love of performing arts. She’d like to thank her parents and extended family for encouraging her when she expressed interest in the arts. Finally, she’d like to thank the friends and mentors who have taught her what makes theatre so unique and exciting, no matter how many shows she’s done.
Demetrius Wine-garden -
A prolific artist, Demetrius Winegarden is heading into their senior year at St. Paul Conservatory for the Performing Arts and as they prepare for a career in theater and video games. They have performed in numerous shows for SPCPA, Stages Theatre Company, Concordia University, Rosetown Playhouse, Stage Door Productions, and Youth Theatre Initiative. Demetrius also plays a number of instruments, and enjoys writing music. They love the community and nurturing environment for growth that theater provides. They want to give special thanks to all their friends and family who have been so supportive of their artistic endeavors throughout their life.
Abbi Wood -
Abbi Wood attends PiM Arts High School, where she will be a senior starting in the fall of 2022. Abbi first started theatre when she was 9 years old in 2015, acting in a production of Hansel and Gretel. From then on, Abbi has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, at places like Eden Prairie Players, PiM Arts High School, Emerging Professionals Ensemble, and here at Stages Theatre Company! Abbi’s first technical production role was for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 2021, where she was the stage manager. For that same role, she won an Outstanding In Technical Leadership Award from Spotlight Education of Minnesota and got to help in making the Spotlight Showcase 2022 come to life. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Abbi would like to give a huge shout-out to her Mom and Dad for always supporting her theatre endeavors, even though they know hardly anything about the theatre world.
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Abbi Wood -
Abbi Wood attends PiM Arts High School, where she will be a senior starting in the fall of 2022. Abbi first started theatre when she was 9 years old in 2015, acting in a production of Hansel and Gretel. From then on, Abbi has been involved in theatre, both onstage and off, at places like Eden Prairie Players, PiM Arts High School, Emerging Professionals Ensemble, and here at Stages Theatre Company! Abbi’s first technical production role was for The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in 2021, where she was the stage manager. For that same role, she won an Outstanding In Technical Leadership Award from Spotlight Education of Minnesota and got to help in making the Spotlight Showcase 2022 come to life. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society. Abbi would like to give a huge shout-out to her Mom and Dad for always supporting her theatre endeavors, even though they know hardly anything about the theatre world.
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Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 5/23/2022
Stages Theatre Company’s Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship is specifically developed for young BIPOC like yourself who are drawn to a career in theatrical design (costuming, sets, props, sound, lighting, or multimedia design), giving you an opportunity to work in mentorship with a professional designer.
Throughout this program, you will work with your mentor as they develop their design for an actual production, giving you real world experience in the theatrical arts.
This mentorship, along with the other training provided by the program will serve as an early step into a design career for you. Completion of this mentorship will come with a PAID stipend of $400.
Emerging BIPOC Designers Gain the Opportunity To:
• One-on-one apprenticeship with a professional designer, collaborating on the design of a show with them.
• Receive professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
• Get feedback and guidance from your mentor on a design for your school production.
Emerging BIPOC Designer Responsibilities Are:
• Working with your mentor to complete a series of design tasks that give you an overview of the theatrical design process. A schedule for this work will be developed with you, your mentor, and André Samples (Teen Program Manager). Expect to spend around 30 hours completing this work.
• Attending monthly cohort meetings on the second Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
• Serving in a design role in a production at your school or in your community during the course of the program.
• Participating in an end of year celebration on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
Who is Eligible?
BIPOC students ages 16-19 who are interested in exploring an area of theatrical design as a potential career. Self-transportation is a plus, but we will work with you to accommodate any transportation needs. No commitment to your chosen area of design beyond this program is required.
How Many Positions are Available?
Between both teen mentorships (Emerging BIPOC Designers and First Job in the Arts) we will award up to 15 mentorships for the 2022-2023 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from September 2022-June 2023.
How to Apply?
1. Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE MAY 23, 2022
• You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Teen Program Manager André Samples at asamples@stagestheatre.org
2. Submit a Resume or Portfolio (optional) - Although a resume or portfolio is not required, it can enhance your application. Please upload your supporting documents (as a PDF) within the application below.
3. Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with André Samples (Teen Program Manager) about your interest and candidacy in this program.
4. Mentorships Selected – between 6-9 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
September 1, 2022-June 30, 2023
Selection Criteria:
In our selection process we will be considering several factors. The primary criteria for our cohort will be variety. We will need to select participants from different areas of interest (i.e. directors, costume designers, education, etc.) in order to balance the workload for our staff. We will also be looking to create a cohort that is diverse from a racial perspective, a gender perspective, an experience perspective, and comes from across the Twin Cities’ metro area.
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• Receive professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
• Get feedback and guidance from your mentor on a design for your school production.
• Attending monthly cohort meetings on the second Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
• Serving in a design role in a production at your school or in your community during the course of the program.
• Participating in an end of year celebration on Sunday, May 21st, 2023 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm.
• You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Teen Program Manager André Samples at asamples@stagestheatre.org
2. Submit a Resume or Portfolio (optional) - Although a resume or portfolio is not required, it can enhance your application. Please upload your supporting documents (as a PDF) within the application below.
3. Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with André Samples (Teen Program Manager) about your interest and candidacy in this program.
4. Mentorships Selected – between 6-9 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
In our selection process we will be considering several factors. The primary criteria for our cohort will be variety. We will need to select participants from different areas of interest (i.e. directors, costume designers, education, etc.) in order to balance the workload for our staff. We will also be looking to create a cohort that is diverse from a racial perspective, a gender perspective, an experience perspective, and comes from across the Twin Cities’ metro area.
