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Experiences For All Ages

The Center is excited to offer educational theatre courses, masterclasses, and programs for students of all ages looking to gain experience on-stage and behind the scenes! Scroll down to learn more about upcoming opportunities!

2025/26 Youth Theatre Season

The Emperor's New Clothes

DEC 11–14, 2025 / 7:30 PM
RELAXED PERFORMANCE / DEC 14 / 2 PM

LET THE FASHION FOOLERY COMMENCE!

In this colorful and comedic Youth Theatre play, two con artists arrive in town with a daring plan to swindle a vain Emperor who just can’t get enough of his own wardrobe. With a cast of hilariously over-the-top royal advisors and a fashion show for the ages, The Emperor’s New Clothes is a laugh-out-loud tale of vanity, honesty, and the courage to speak the truth.

Directed by Nick Pellegrino
By Greg Atkins

13 Jr

MAR 26–28, 2026 / 7:30 PM
RELAXED PERFORMANCE / MAR 28 / 2 PM

MAR 29, 2026 / 2 PM

“COOL” IS SOMETIMES WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT.

Evan’s life is turned upside down when he moves from New York City to a small Midwest town, and right before his Bar Mitzvah. Desperate to fit in, he finds himself navigating crushes, cliques, and chaos in this hilarious coming-of-age musical. With a catchy rock score by Tony® Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 JR. is a high-energy celebration of friendship, growing up, and finding the confidence to be yourself.

Rising Stars / Legally Blonde the Musical

JUN 25-27, 2026 / 7:30 PM
In the Auditorium!

HARVARD’S GOT A NEW RISING STAR

Elle Woods has it all, until she’s dumped for someone “serious.” With determination (and a killer wardrobe), she follows her ex to Harvard Law, only to discover she’s more heart and smarts than anyone gave her credit for. Full of big laughs, catchy songs, and unstoppable girl power, Legally Blonde The Musical is a fabulously fun journey of self-discovery and defying expectations. Performed by our talented Rising Stars on the Auditorium Stage, this empowering musical proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Like, ever.

Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2023 Footloose / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2025 Freaky Friday / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2022 High School Musical / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons
Rising Stars 2024 Newsies / Photos by The Mattesons

Rising Stars Program

Every summer, Midland Center for the Arts searches for the top talent in the Great Lakes Bay Region for an intensive acting or technical theatre experience. This initiative is designed for Rising Stars, High School students (rising ninth graders through current graduating seniors), who will work through an intensive rehearsal process and star in a popular musical geared towards teens. Rehearsals will include a professional-level schedule.

Sign Up for Future Youth Theatre Audition and Class On Sale Emails!