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!
Seasonal Opportunity:
Internships 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.
TEEN MENTORSHIPS
Ages 15-19
Our Teen Mentorship Program is 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.
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, composing, choreographing, stage management and technical direction of a show. Our Teen Mentorship Program was created to help youth discover and explore these career paths.
Both mentorship programs (First Job In The Arts and Emerging BIPOC Designers) will be part of the Teen Mentorship Cohort. The new Teen Mentorship program gives a more hands-on experience for our young people and works to foster community and provide tools and resources once they have left the program.
The mentorship is divided into two parts, Mentorship and Showcase.
August 2025 - March 2026
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 light and sound boards, budgeting, creating resumes and panels with professional artists working in the Twin Cities.
April 2026 - June 2026
The cohort will be divided into two groups and 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. Cohort members would need to be available June 15 - 26, 2026 for this showcase portion.
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
We are looking specifically for the following to round out our cohort:
X4 Director
X2 Scenic Designer
X2 Lighting Designer
X2 Stage Manager
X2 Sound Designer/Music Director
X2 Costume Designer
X2 Props Designer
X2 Technical Director
X1 Choreographer
2024-2025 First Job in the Arts Mentorship Students
In alphabetical order
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Emerging BIPOC Designers
Ages 15-19
Stages Theatre Company’s Emerging BIPOC Designers Mentorship is specifically developed for young BIPOC artists 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:
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One-on-one apprenticeship with a professional designer, collaborating on the design of a show alongside them.
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Professional training, preparing you to enter the design field of your choice.
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An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more.
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Full design in your field for the showcase performance, putting practical skills to use.
Emerging BIPOC Designer Responsibilities Are:
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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 Roy Richardson. Expect to spend around 30 hours completing this work.
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Attending monthly cohort meetings on the second Tuesday evening of each month September-May from 5:00 - 6:30pm.
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Be part of the Showcase in your chosen field, this requires availability from June 15 - June 26, 2026.
Who is Eligible?
BIPOC students ages 15-19 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 20 mentorships for the 2025-2026 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from July 2025 - March 2026. See above for more information on the breakdown of the cohort.
After the mentorship, Emerging BIPOC Designers will create the design for one of the two showcase productions.
How to Apply?
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Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE APRIL 6, 2025. You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Head of Emerging BIPOC Designers, Roy Richardson at rrichardson@stagestheatre.org.
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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.
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Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with Roy Richardson and Anna Crace about your interest and candidacy in this program.
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Mentorships Selected – between 6-9 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
First Job in the Arts
Ages 15-19
Stages Theatre Company’s First Job in the Arts Mentorship is specifically geared toward emerging artists ages 15-19, (high school students or graduates taking a gap year) who have an interest and desire to explore pathways to careers in professional theater on all sides of the stage.
As a First Job Artist you are paired with a professional theatre artist to receive real-world theatrical experience, tangible on-the-job training, and connections to the professional theatre world outside of high school.
First Job in the Arts staff work to bridge the gap between academic theatre and creating a viable, professional career in a theatre or non-profit setting. Completion of this mentorship will come with a PAID stipend of $400.
FJA Artists Gain Access To:
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Real-world work experience with an individually customized plan geared toward your particular area of interest or desired exploration.
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Professional training, preparing you to enter the theatrical world.
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An inside look at a professional production, including designer meetings, tech week, and more or the administrative side of theater.
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A showcase performance where you will have the opportunity to use the skills you have learned throughout the mentorship in a practical way.
FJA Artist Responsibilities Are:
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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 Anna Crace. Expect to spend around 30 hours completing this work.
-
Attending monthly cohort meetings on the second Tuesday evening of each month September-May from 5:00 - 6:30pm.
-
Be part of the Showcase in your chosen field, this requires availability from June 15 - June 26, 2026.
Who is Eligible?
Students ages 15-19 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 20 mentorships for the 2025-2026 season. Each program will receive at least 6 placements. The mentorships run from July 2025 - March 2026. See above for more information on the breakdown of the cohort. First Job Artists will become the directors, stage managers and designers (alongside Emerging BIPOC Designers)
How to Apply?
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Complete the Online Application Form – DEADLINE APRIL 6, 2025. You may type your answer into the boxes, or send an audio or video recording of your responses to STC Anna Crace at acrace@stagestheatre.org
-
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.
-
Be Interviewed – After applications are reviewed a select number of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview with Anna Crace and Roy Richardson about your interest and candidacy in this program. Interviews will take place
-
Mentorships Selected – between 8-12 positions will be awarded for this specific mentorship.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
July, 2024 - June, 2025