2026 Youth Theatre Programs

Our current youth season includes a summer theatre camp for younger performers and a fully staged musical for teens.

Select a program below for its complete schedule, participation requirements, performance information, and registration or audition details.

The SpongeBob Musical: Theater for Young Audiences Edition
Summer Youth Theatre Camp for Ages 6–12
Camp begins: July 6, 2026
Performances: July 17–18, 2026
Young performers will sing, dance, act, and explore their creativity during this two-week summer theatre camp.
Participants rehearse together before presenting a fully staged performance for family, friends, and the community. Along the way, campers build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and discover the excitement of live theatre in a welcoming environment.
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No previous theatre experience is required.
Summer Theater Experience
A Five-Day Professional Training Intensive
July 20–24, 2026
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Working lunches included

Take your theatre training beyond the traditional rehearsal process.

The Summer Theater Experience gives developing performers the opportunity to learn directly from professionals working in theatre, film, casting, choreography, dance, coaching, and education. Each day introduces a different area of the performing arts through practical instruction, creative exploration, and honest insight into the industry.

Participants will explore subjects such as acting for stage and television, audition preparation, movement, choreography, stage combat, character development, and the skills required to grow as a disciplined performer.
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This intensive is designed for young artists who are ready to challenge themselves, develop new techniques, and gain fresh perspectives from experienced guest instructors. The program is led by Patrick D. Burk and Sam Sevor and features a rotating group of regional theatre and film professionals. 
Chicago: Teen Edition
Summer Youth Theatre Production
Performances: August 14–16, 2026
Teen performers take on a focused rehearsal and production process culminating in a fully staged musical at Main St. 56 Theater.
Participants strengthen their acting, singing, dance, characterization, collaboration, and stage-performance skills while experiencing the discipline and excitement required to bring a major musical to life.
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This program is designed for teens with previous performance experience or those prepared to commit to a more challenging theatrical process.

Programs for Young Performers

Our programming for younger participants introduces the fundamentals of live theatre through age-appropriate rehearsal, music, movement, character work, and creative play.

Young performers learn how to:
  • Express themselves confidently
  • Work as part of an ensemble
  • Listen and respond to direction
  • Develop characters and tell stories
  • Learn basic music and movement
  • Support their fellow performers
  • Prepare for a live audience
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The emphasis is not only on the final performance. The rehearsal process gives participants room to experiment, make discoveries, form friendships, and develop confidence in a collaborative setting.

Teen Musical Theatre - Summer Youth

Batavia Players’ teen productions offer young artists a more intensive theatrical experience.

Teen participants work with directors, music directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, and fellow performers to build a complete production. Depending on the show, the process may include vocal rehearsals, choreography, scene work, character development, independent preparation, technical rehearsals, and multiple public performances.

Teen theatre asks for focus, preparation, and commitment, while providing young artists with the opportunity to take creative risks and develop more advanced performance skills.
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Exact age ranges and experience requirements are published with each individual program.

​Skills Participants Develop

Youth theatre supports artistic development while building practical skills that extend beyond the stage.

Depending on the program, participants may develop experience in:
  • Acting and characterization
  • Singing and vocal performance
  • Dance and movement
  • Script and music preparation
  • Public speaking
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Teamwork and communication
  • Time management
  • Confidence and self-expression
  • Respect for the rehearsal process
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Participants also learn that every production depends on preparation, cooperation, flexibility, and respect for the work of others.

​What Families Can Expect

Each youth theatre program has its own schedule, participation requirements, and production process.

Before registering or accepting a role, families should review all program dates carefully. Regular attendance is important because rehearsals build progressively and each participant becomes part of the larger ensemble.

Program information may include:
  • Participant age range
  • Registration or audition requirements
  • Rehearsal dates and times
  • Performance dates
  • Program or registration cost
  • Attendance expectations
  • Clothing or footwear requirements
  • Materials participants should bring
  • Parent or guardian contact information
  • Drop-off and pickup procedures
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Complete details will be provided on the individual program page or registration form.

​Registration and Auditions

Some Batavia Players youth programs are open through registration, while others require an audition or placement process.

The individual program notice will explain:
  • Who is eligible to participate
  • Whether registration or an audition is required
  • What performers should prepare
  • Important deadlines
  • Program fees, when applicable
  • Rehearsal and performance commitments
  • How casting or role assignments will be handled
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A traditional audition is not required for every youth program. When auditions are used, previous Batavia Players experience is not required unless the notice specifically states otherwise.

A Supportive Theatre Community

Our goal is to create a rehearsal environment where young people feel supported as they learn, collaborate, and challenge themselves.

Participants are expected to treat fellow performers, staff members, volunteers, and the theatre space with respect. Directors and teaching artists work to provide clear expectations, constructive guidance, and age-appropriate instruction throughout the process.
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Young performers do not need to arrive knowing everything. They should arrive prepared to listen, participate, work with others, and try something new.

Accessibility and Accommodations

We want young performers to be able to participate meaningfully in Batavia Players programming.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact us before registration or auditions to discuss an access need or request a reasonable accommodation. Advance notice helps the production team understand the participant’s needs and prepare appropriate support whenever possible.
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Requests for accommodation will not negatively affect audition or program consideration.

​Behind-the-Scenes Opportunities

Youth theatre involves more than performing.

Depending on the production and the participant’s age, young people may also have opportunities to learn about costumes, props, scenic work, stage management, lighting, sound, and other elements of theatre production.

Adults interested in supporting youth programming may be able to help with rehearsals, costumes, sets, front of house, hospitality, or general production needs.
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Volunteer roles involving youth participants may be subject to additional requirements.

Attend a Youth Theatre Performance

Support the next generation of local theatre artists by attending a Batavia Players youth production.
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Our young performers work throughout the program to prepare a complete live performance for family members, friends, and the wider community. Your attendance recognizes their commitment and helps demonstrate the value of youth arts programming in Batavia.

Plan Your Visit

Youth theatre performances are presented at Main St. 56 Theater in downtown Batavia unless otherwise stated.
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Find information about directions, parking, accessibility, concessions, lobby opening times, and ticket policies before your visit.

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