Year-Round Theatre Education and Performance Opportunities for Youth Ages 6–18

For more than three decades, the Plaza Theatre has inspired young performers through its youth theatre programs. What began as the Litefooter Summer Youth Workshop has now grown into the Litefooter Youth Academy, a year-round theatre education and performance program designed to give children and teens more opportunities to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

The Litefooter Youth Academy provides a welcoming environment where young people develop acting, singing, dancing, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills while creating lifelong memories and friendships. Whether a child is stepping onto a stage for the first time or is already an experienced performer, the Academy offers a place to belong, learn, and thrive.

Expanding Opportunities for Young Performers

Beginning with the 2026–27 season, the Litefooter Youth Academy is expanding from a single summer production into a four-production annual program, allowing even more youth to participate throughout the year.

 

Our annual program now includes:

• Fall Production for ages 13–18
• Spring Production for ages 6–12
• Summer Production for ages 6–12
• Summer Production for ages 13–18

How to Participate

To join any Litefooter Youth Academy production, simply attend one of the scheduled audition nights for that production. No previous theatre experience is required.

Audition information, character descriptions, rehearsal schedules, director notes, and other important details will be posted on the Plaza Theatre Auditions page.

Registration Information

Participation in each Litefooter Youth Academy production requires a $100 registration fee.

Every child should have the opportunity to participate in the performing arts regardless of financial circumstances.

Scholarships are available upon request and will be considered confidentially based on need.

▶ Fall 2026

Sherlock Holmes

Directed by Camille Mund  |  Ages 13–18

When a young woman comes into possession of letters that could trigger an international crisis, the world’s greatest detective is drawn into a dangerous battle of wits with Professor Moriarty. Filled with mystery, suspense, humor, and adventure, this thrilling drama follows Sherlock Holmes as he races to uncover a sinister plot that threatens all of London.

Auditions: August 2 & 4, 2026
Performances: November 6–8, 2026

Recommended for: General audiences; contains mild suspense and themes of crime and danger.

To participate, join us for either scheduled audition night.

Sherlock Holmes is presented as a special Litefooter Youth Academy production outside of the regular Plaza Theatre season. Season memberships and season ticket packages are not valid for this production.

▶ Summer 2027

Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition

Directed by Hailey Roberson  |  Ages 6–12

A bold and unconventional swamp princess turns a kingdom upside down in this hilarious musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Filled with memorable songs, quirky characters, and lots of laughs, this family-friendly musical is packed with fun and heart.

Auditions: May 2 & 4, 2027 at 6:00 pm
Performances: June 17–20, 2027
Performance Times: Thursday & Friday at 7:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm

Recommended for: General audiences; fun for all ages.

To participate, join us for either scheduled audition night.

Once Upon a Mattress: Youth Edition is part of the Plaza Theatre’s official season. Applicable season memberships and ticket packages may be used for this production.

What Participants Can Expect

Every Litefooter Youth Academy production provides:

• Audition experience in a supportive environment
• Professional-quality theatrical productions
• Instruction in acting, stage presence, and performance skills
• Opportunities to build confidence and teamwork
• Lasting friendships and unforgettable memories
• The chance to perform on the historic Plaza Theatre stage

No previous theatre experience is required. We welcome students of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Auditions

Auditions are designed to be fun, encouraging, and educational. Depending on the production, participants may be asked to read from the script, sing a short selection, learn simple choreography, or participate in theatre games and exercises.

Before attending auditions, families should review the production-specific audition information, which may include:

• Audition requirements and preparation notes
• Character descriptions
• Rehearsal schedules
• Performance dates
• Registration details
• Director notes and expectations

Our History

The Litefooter program has been a cornerstone of youth theatre education at the Plaza Theatre for many years. Thousands of young performers have taken their first steps onto the stage through Litefooters, with many continuing on to become active performers, volunteers, directors, technicians, and community leaders.

As we continue to grow, the Litefooter Youth Academy remains committed to the same mission that started it all: providing a safe, encouraging, and creative environment where young people can discover their talents, build confidence, and experience the magic of live theatre.

Volunteer Opportunities

The success of the Litefooter Youth Academy depends on dedicated volunteers who help make each production possible.

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Set construction and painting
• Costume assistance
• Backstage support
• Concessions
• Front-of-house assistance
• Production support and special projects

For the safety and well-being of our youth participants, all volunteers are subject to a background check prior to serving with the Litefooter Youth Academy.

Whether you have theatre experience or simply want to support local youth, there is a place for you in the Plaza Theatre family.