
TEEN PROGRAMS
Guiding youth drawn to careers in the theatre arts
Providing comprehensive, youth-powered, theatrical experiences exclusively for high school students in Grades 9-12.
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.
Here's what we offer!

ALSO: Seeking Interns for Summer Theatre Workshops
In order to support Stages Theatre Company’s robust theatre education program, Stages will be hiring student interns, rising high school juniors up through seniors in college (or age equivalent) to serve as model students and administrative and classroom support for Summer Theatre Workshops running from mid-June through mid-August.

PIZZA & PLAYWRIGHTS:
A New Works Series
Grades 9-12
See a play in process. Eat pizza. Meet the creators.

Get behind the scenes with the highly acclaimed, national and local playwrights & Twin Cities’ theatre makers bringing this season’s most exciting new works to life. In partnership with the Guthrie Theater and The Jungle Theater, high school students will have an insiders’ look at up to three new plays in process (rehearsal, preview or performance), and join the playwrights and other theater creators over pizza to discuss the writing and development process.

Registration in advance is required,
space is limited!
space is limited!
Register for one,
or all of the following productions:
or all of the following productions:
2023/2024 PIZZA & PLAYWRIGHT LINE-UP
Check back here in January 2024 for an announcement about our upcoming Spring Series!
QUESTIONS? Contact André Samples at asamples@stagestheatre.org
PAST EVENTS:
The Jungle Theater’s DINNER FOR ONE by Christina Baldwin
TUESDAY, December 5, 2023
Stages Theatre’s THE DAY YOU BEGIN by Jacqueline Woodson
SATURDAY, October 14, 2023
Guthrie Theater’s FOR THE PEOPLE by Ty Defoe & Larissa FastHorse
SUNDAY, September 24, 2023
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TUESDAY, December 5, 2023
SATURDAY, October 14, 2023
SUNDAY, September 24, 2023

TEEN MENTORSHIPS
Ages 16-19
Stages Theatre Company's 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 get 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 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.
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED for 2023/24
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2023-2024 First Job in the Arts Mentorship Students
In alphabetical order

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Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 8, 2023
Stages Theatre Company’s Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship is specifically developed for young BIPOC 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 Access To:
• One-on-one apprenticeship with a professional designer, collaborating on the design of a show with them.
• Professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
• An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more.
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 third Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
Who is Eligible?
BIPOC students ages 16-19 in high school or on a gap year 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 2023-2024 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from July 2023-June 2024.
How to Apply?
1. Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE MAY 8, 2023.
• 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:
July 2023 - June 2024
Selection Criteria:
In our selection process we will be considering several factors. The primary criterion 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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• Professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
• An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more.
• Attending monthly cohort meetings on the third Saturday of each month September-May from 10:00-11:30.
• 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 criterion 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.
