Teen Programs
Guiding youth drawn to careers in the theatre arts
Teen programs are designed to provide arts access for all teens – fostering passion for those interested in theatrical careers, and high-quality arts engagement for those who are curious to try something new.
Teen Mentorships
Ages 15-19
Our Teen Mentorship Programs were created to help youth discover and explore career paths in the Arts. Stages Theatre Company currently runs two programs for teens; First Job In The Arts and BIPOC Arts Mentorship.
First Job in the Arts
Ages 15-19
First Job In The Arts was designed for youth ages 15-19 who are interested in exploring careers in the theatre arts beyond acting, by partnering with mentors who are working theatrical professionals. Mentees will also take part in creating their own showcase performance to use the skills they have learned practically.
August - March
Mentorships will take place on one of the first four shows of the season. Students will be placed with a professional theatre artist in their discipline and work alongside them through their process on a show. In conjunction with the mentorship, there will be a cohort meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. The cohort meetings will teach practical skills such as how to run and talk about light and sound boards, budgeting, creating resumes and panels with professional artists working in the Twin Cities.
April - June
The cohort is given a script and a budget to create a short play to be performed at a theatre. Throughout these months, the cohort meetings will become production meetings resulting in a two week build, rehearsal and performance. Through this showcase, the cohort will take the tools they have learned through their mentorship and put them into practical use. A final, public showcase takes place in June.
Each mentee receives a $400 stipend for their work throughout the year.
Meet our First Job In The Arts Mentees for 2025 -26
Rayna Jacobs – Directing
Arnie Morrill – Music Direction
Marlow Johnston – Stage Management
Julian Pudenz – Technical Design
Sebastian Romano – Costume Design
Avidan Prottas – Lighting Design
Merary Campos – Choreography
Niigaan Kendra Andrews – Scenic Design
Sky Smith – Prop Design
BIPOC Arts Mentorship (B.A.M.)
Ages 15-19
The BIPOC Arts Mentorship (B.A.M.) offers BIPOC youth interested in theatre hands-on experience, allowing them to learn from professionals and a cohort of emerging creatives while discovering their interests within the field.
August - March
The mentees join our First Job In The Arts cohort in their monthly meetings. During this time they will engage with working artists in the Twin Cities, run sound and light boards, learn budgeting as a freelancer and how to talk about their work. They will be guided by a mentor throughout the process to ensure they have access to the fields of theatre they are interested in.
April - June
After exploring different facets of theatre, our mentees will choose their own specialty. Once chosen, they are placed with a professional theatre artist mentor in their discipline and work alongside them through their process on a show. The shows will take place in the latter half of the Stages Theatre Company Season.
This mentorship is made possible through the partnership with Bolder Options: https://www.bolderoptions.org/
Connect with Us
Let’s Make Theatre Happen Together
Questions? Contact our team—we’ll help you find your perfect backstage role and get started.