Stages is a summer intensive program for high school students who demonstrate a commitment to continuing their study of theatre arts. A diverse collection of first-class productions, hands-on workshops and discussions with professional theatre artists and technicians broadens students’ understanding of theatre and challenges a new generation of theatre artists to be bold, creative and original.
Stages strives to provide a well-rounded overview of the theatre profession, with classes and workshops ranging from performance and directing to writing, design, and marketing. This is not a program just for actors, but for aspiring stage managers, designers, writers, directors, techies, etc.
Stages 2009
The 2009 Stages program has been cancelled. While the program will not be going forward this summer, we remain steadfast in our commitment to cultivating emerging artists and arts professionals and look forward to offering opportunities to engage with young people in the near future.
To be notified about future opportunities to work with Center Theatre Group, please email us with “Stages List” in the subject line.
Stages 2008
Last year, Stages ran June 30 - July 21. Students saw A Chorus Line, Of Equal Measure, The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare Festival/LA) and The Drowsy Chaperone.
From a Participant
I found Stages on the Center Theatre Group website. I went on to see how much student tickets were, but this program for young artists grabbed my attention. I am graduating high school this year and have begun to think what my next step will be. This program, taught by professionals and sponsored by one of the most respected theatre companies in the U.S., looks like the perfect next step. I want to be an actor, and I want to have a successful career in theatre. The stage is where actors really learn their craft, because there aren’t multiple takes or long breaks between scenes. There are just the actors, the material and the audience.
… There is no drama department at my school. If it were not for one teacher, my mentor, who believes that Shakespeare isn’t just “required reading” but a creative outlet for inner city public school students with limited options, the world of Shakespeare would have been unexplored territory for me. The theatre has taught me discipline, that “playing” characters can be hard work, and to believe in myself.
- Gabriel B.
Schools Represented
Hamilton High School
Los Angeles County High School for the Arts
Los Angeles High School
Lynwood High School
Providence High School
School for Arts & Enterprise
Temple City High School
Webb School of California
Guest Artists
Phillip G. Allen, sound design
Brent Blair, acting: Theatre of the Oppressed
Sara Ryung Clement, costume design
B.J. Dodge, acting: Suzuki & Viewpoints
Mark Ledbetter, musical theatre
Jonathan Lee, New Mark Taper Forum tour
Sybil O’Malley, playwriting
Jesus Reyes, directing
Celeste Thompson, lighting design
Marvin Tunney, movement
Sybil Wickersheimer, set design
Portfolio Panelists
Doug Cooney, playwright/director
Carolyn Palmer, actor/producer
Photo Credit
Students in "Access."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
