Lead the Next Generation of Artists
Encore's Youth Leadership Program empowers talented teens (ages 14-19) to direct, choreograph, teach music, and stage manage our Junior Theater Camps. Gain real-world experience creating theater while inspiring young artists in our community.
What is Youth Leadership at Encore?
Our Youth Leadership Program places experienced teen performers in professional leadership roles, guiding 7-12 year old campers through week-long theater intensives. As a youth leader, you'll take creative charge of a full production—from auditions to final performance—while being supported by professional mentorship.
This isn't just volunteering. This is real theatrical leadership experience that builds your resume, develops your skills, and gives back to the community that helped shape you as an artist.
Leadership Positions
Director
Lead the creative vision. Design blocking, guide character development, and shape the overall production. You'll run rehearsals and make artistic decisions that bring the show to life.
Music Director
Teach vocals, lead warm-ups, and ensure musical excellence. You'll break down songs, assign harmonies, and prepare campers for performance-ready singing.
Choreographer
Create all movement and dance. Design choreography that's age-appropriate, exciting, and achievable within our one-week timeline. You'll teach steps and stage dynamic musical numbers.
Stage Manager
Keep everything running smoothly. Manage rehearsal schedules, track blocking, coordinate technical elements, and ensure the production stays on track from day one through performance.
Additional Team Members
Shadow and support the core four. Learn leadership skills while assisting with costume coordination, set design, prop management, and more.
Hear from some of our Youth Leaders!
Here is what will be required of you:
Fulfill all the duties of the leadership position as defined above
Participate in all production meetings leading up to the camp
This will vary depending on your leadership position
Participate in the whole week of camp
Auditions: arriving 30 minutes before to help set up
Rehearsals: Daily 3 hr rehearsal: Arrive at least 15 minutes early and stay until all the campers have left
Performances: arriving 1 hour before to help prepare and set up
Once positions are filled more information will be given on your specific time commitment
Work closely and collaboratively with the rest of the camp team
Times and dates subject to change
Be between the ages of 14-19
Attend all leadership training sessions with our professional mentors
Choose a leadership position:
Costume Design- works with the director and other leaders to design and create costumes for the performers.
Tech Design- responsible for coordinating the technical elements of the production, including scenery, props, lights, and sound. The technical director will work closely with Adam to make sure scenery and other technical needs are met.
Backstage Coordinator-responsible for making sure everything flows backstage and that actors and crew are in their places at the right time; will work closely with Adam.
House Manager- will work closely with Justine on all things related to the lobby and audience. For example: concessions, ushering, decorating, etc
Camp Crew- responsible for helping with whatever is needed by the directors. Duties may include: room set-up with table/chairs, set up speaker for music, help with tape, coordinate snack and bathroom breaks, assist with behavior, answer questions, and any other necessary duties. Available to all of the directors to help with whatever is needed.
Director- responsible for the overall creative vision of the production and bringing out the best in the performers. The director also oversees creative choices on the stage in the areas of costumes, scenery, lighting, and sound.
Music Director- responsible for knowing the music and being able to teach and polish the solo and ensemble parts and harmonies.
Choreographer-responsible for creating and teaching the dances and additional movement as needed by the director.
Stage Manager- responsible for all communications between the director, cast, and crew. Organizes technical and actor cues and makes sure those happen during the show and rehearsals. Any additional tasks needed by the director.
Assistant Director- responsible for partnering with the director to help create the production and assisting with any duties the director needs help with. This person will fill in for the director when needed.
What now?
We have a number of junior performances coming up, details coming soon!
If you are interested in being a part of our Encore Youth Leadership Program, please fill out this application as soon as you can.
We hope to see you there!