THE SHOW: 

The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition  When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

REGISTRATION FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 4-8:

• Register your child for The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition and they are in the show. 

ORIENTATION & CASTING (for CAST and PARENTS): 

• Orientation for cast and parents is Sunday, March 2 at 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.  
• Casting for students continues on Sunday, March 2  from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
• Parents are invited to a Meet and Greet in the Shearer Studio at 4:30 p.m. on the third floor across from the elevator.
• If unavailable, please send an email to sherry@mjtstages.org  for video instructions

REHEARSALS:

• Rehearsals are Wednesday evening 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday morning 9:30 a.m. - noon (you may not be called for all rehearsals and may only be called for a portion of some rehearsals).
• Other Mandatory Tech Rehearsals include 2 Monday evenings, and all day Saturday, and longer time spans.
• The Commitment Calendar shows rehearsal and performance dates and times.

PERFORMANCES: 

• Friday, 6/13/2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, 6/14/2025 @ 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, 6/15/2025 @ 2:00 p.m.

ARTISTIC TEAM:

• Artistic Director: Chris Martin
• Music Director:  Christian Drew
• Choreographer:  Raelynn Bovenzi
• Production Manager: Sherry Vile

COMMITMENT:

• $450 Commitment Fee for musical theater training to develop your talent in singing, movement, and character development in a supportive, nurturing environment culminating in full performances. Includes a costuming fee. A limited amount of partial tuition assistance available.
• Attend all rehearsals to which you are called.
• Families are asked to contribute volunteer hours in a variety of production areas to help make the show a success. 

BRING TO CASTING/ORIENTATION NIGHT:

• Shoes and appropriate clothes to dance in (no flip flops, crocs, boots, etc.) — you will be taught a short dance combination to be performed in a group.  
• A Song will be taught at the casting.
• A water bottle

LOCATION:

• Auditions, rehearsals and performances are held at:  
  STAGES
  West Herr Performing Arts Center, Third Floor
  875 E. Main Street, Suite 380
  Rochester, NY 14605
• Parking located in front of the building on the street, in the parking lot to the side of RBTL, and behind the building off College Ave (follow the walkway on the right side of the building to the front entrance). 

QUESTIONS:

• Contact Sherry,  sherry@mjtstages.org   585- 752-6511 (leave a message and your call will be returned) or email Stages@MJTStages.org

We hope to see you for  The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

Theater Industry Seminar Series: A Masterclass with Ross Thompson

Join us for an exciting and immersive masterclass featuring the talented Ross Thompson from Back to the Future: The Musical, as part of our dynamic Theater Industry Seminar Series. This unique opportunity is designed for students in grades 5 through 12, where Ross will kick off the session with an engaging dance combination during the first 30 minutes, tailored to enhance their skills and creativity.

In the following 30 minutes, parents are warmly invited to participate as Ross shares his inspiring journey through the theater industry. He will offer invaluable insights, advice, and tips for success for aspiring performers and their families. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a professional in the field and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to thrive in the world of theater!
 

Ross Thompson Bio
ROSS THOMPSON (Swing, u/s Biff Tannen, u/s Strickland/Lou Carruthers/Mayor Red Thomas/Sam Baines) is absolutely ecstatic to be touring the country with Back To The Future! Previous stage credits: Matilda, West Side Story, Newsies, Jesus Christ Superstar. Endless gratitude to my parents, Anna, Brenton, Brian, and my friends and chosen family. Much love!

PRODUCTION TEAM:

• Teaching Artist: Ross Thompson
• Production Manager: Lisa Shearer

WHEN:

• Date: Thursday, June 19, 2025
• Time: Students in Grades 5 - 12,  5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
• Time: Parents, 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. (Welcome to stay in the Stages lobby during the dance portion.)

ADDRESS

• West Herr Performing Arts Center, 3rd Floor, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

PARKING

Please note that the west building entrance off College Avenue is now closed and parking is temporarily limited due to construction. Parking options are as follows:

• The parking lane in front of the building on Main Street - Proceed up the stairs to the main building entrance.
• Two College Avenue lots directly behind the building and across the street - Follow the alley walkway along the side building to the front. 
• Please do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.  

DIRECTIONS

• Class will take place in the Stages Theater on the third floor of the West Herr Performing Arts Center.
• Take the elevator in the main lobby up to the 3rd floor. Stages is located just to your left as you exit the elevator.

BE ON TIME

• Please arrive a few minutes early so that we can get started on time.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Wear appropriate, comfortable clothes and shoes for movement (no flip flops, crocs, etc.).

WHAT TO BRING

• Water bottle
• A notebook or device for taking notes

PICKUP

• No one leaves Stages without a parent already present at the theater. Please text your child when you arrive in the parking lot for pickup. No participant should be waiting for a ride at the downstairs outside door.

QUESTIONS:

Call 585-935-7173 (leave a message and your call will be returned) or email Lisa@MJTStages.org.

Lisa Shearer
Director of Production Operations
A Magical Journey Thru Stages
lisa@mjtstages.org
(585) 935-7173

The Story

Alice by Heart is a touching musical inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

As they travel through the tale, Alice by Heart explores the poignancy of first love, coming to terms with loss, and finding the courage to move forward. This world premiere musical encourages us all to celebrate the transformational power of the imagination, even in the harshest of times.

About the Camp

• For students entering grades 8 - 12 in Fall 2025 plus 2025 graduated seniors.
• Registration Fee: $690, full payment due by May 8, 2025
• Location: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Camp Dates & Times 

• Evening rehearsals prior to camp: June 19, 23, 24, 26 (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.)
• Camp Days: June 30 - July 3 (no camp on July 4) and July 7 - 11 (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)
• Orientation and Casting Session: Tuesday, June 3, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  (Additional information will be provided in a follow-up email before the session.)
• If you will not be able to attend the Orientation & Casting Session, you may submit a video audition. Check the Video Audition box on the student information form, and instructions will be emailed to you. Audition videos must be submitted by Friday, May 29, at 5:00 p.m.

Performance Dates & Times

• Friday, July 11, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 12, 1:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 12, 7:00 p.m.

Production Team

• Director: Matt Mayne
• Music Director: Christian Drew
• Choreographer: Rachael Mason
• Production Manager: Lisa Shearer

The Story

It's our show now, kid. The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.

About the Camp

• Learn and perform this 60-minute musical in just two weeks! 
• For students entering grades 4-8 in Fall 2025
• Registration Fee: $550, full payment due by May 8, 2025
• Location: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Camp Dates & Times 

• Camp runs July 14 - July 25 (Monday - Friday), 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Orientation and Casting Session: Monday June 16, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  (Additional information will be provided in a follow-up email before the session.)
• If you will not be able to attend the Orientation & Casting Session, you may submit a video audition. Check the Video Audition box on the student information form, and instructions will be emailed to you. Audition videos must be submitted by Wednesday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m.

Performance Dates & Times

• Friday, July 25, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 26, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 26, 7:00 p.m.

Production Team

• Director: Chris Martin
• Music Director: Lyndsey Lord
• Choreographer:  Savannah Devlin
• Production Manager: Sherry Vile

The Story

Travel back to the Renaissance for an hour of musical comedy gold in Something Rotten! JR. Adapted from the Broadway hit that Time Out New York hailed as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years," Something Rotten! JR. celebrates one undeniable truth: “nothing’s as amazing as a musical!”

In the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

About the Camp

• Learn and perform this 60-minute musical in just two weeks! 
• For students entering grades 6 - 10 in Fall 2025
• Registration Fee: $550, full payment due by June 12, 2025
• Location: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Camp Dates & Times 

• Camp runs July 28 - August 8 (Monday - Friday), 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Orientation and Casting Session:  Sunday, July 13, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
  (Additional information will be provided in a follow-up email before the session.)
• If you will not be able to attend the Orientation & Casting Session, you may submit a video audition. Check the Video Audition box on the student information form, and instructions will be emailed to you. Audition videos must be submitted by July 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Performance Dates & Times

• Friday, August 8, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 9, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 9, 7:00 p.m.

Production Team

• Director: Savannah Devlin
• Music Director: Lyndsey Lord
• Choreographer: Jaycee Birkemeier
• Production Manager: Carolyn Curran

The Story

Celebrate the Circle of Life in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny. Disney The Lion King JR features classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.”

About the Camp

• Learn and perform this 60-minute musical in just two weeks! 
• For students entering grades 2 - 6 in Fall 2025
• Registration Fee: $550, full payment due by June 12, 2025
• Location: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Camp Dates & Times 

• Camp runs August 11 - 22 (Monday - Friday), 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Orientation and Casting Session: Tuesday, July 29, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
  (Additional information will be provided in a follow-up email before the session.)
• If you will not be able to attend the Orientation & Casting Session, you may submit a video audition. Check the Video Audition box on the student information form, and instructions will be emailed to you. Audition videos must be submitted by TBD at 5:00 p.m.

Performance Dates & Times

• Friday, August 22, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 23, 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 23, 7:00 p.m.

Production Team

• Director: JP Peralta
• Music Director: Christian Drew
• Choreographer: Jacqueline Moe
• Co-Production Managers: Carolyn Curran & Sherry Vile

The Story

Disney The Lion King KIDS, featuring classic songs from the Broadway musical and animated feature film, including “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “He Lives in You,” and “Hakuna Matata.” and Celebrate the Circle of Life, brings the African savanna to life with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle and back again in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny. 

About the Camp

• Learn and perform this 30-minute musical introduction to musical theater in just one week!
• For students entering grades 1 - 5 in Fall 2025
• Registration Fee: $350, full payment due by June 12, 2025
• Location: A Magical Journey Thru Stages, West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14605

Camp Dates & Times 

• Camp runs August 25 - 29 (Monday - Friday), 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Orientation and Casting Session: Tuesday, August 12, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
  (Additional information will be provided in a follow-up email before the session.)
• If you will not be able to attend the Orientation & Casting Session, you may submit a video audition. Check the Video Audition box on the student information form, and instructions will be emailed to you. Audition videos must be submitted by Thursday, August 7, at 5:00 p.m.

Performance Dates & Times

• Friday, August 29, 11:00 a.m.
• Friday, August 29, 3:00 p.m.

Production Team

• Director: Sam Nelson
• Music Director: Lyndsey Lord
• Choreographer: Katya Janover
• Production Manager: Lisa Shearer

Interested in gaining practical experience in theater directing, stage management, choreography, music, costuming, lighting, sound, sets, props, or crew? Stages offers students the opportunity to learn and apply their skills, assisting with Summer Camps at A Magical Journey Thru Stages.

Please note this is an application only, but students will be assigned to at least one spot. Students will be selected and assigned to roles by the staff and will receive a notification after the roles have been decided. 

Interested in gaining practical experience in theater directing, stage management, choreography, music, costuming, lighting, sound, sets, props, or crew? Stages offers students the opportunity to learn and apply their skills, assisting with the 2024-2025 Season Shows at A Magical Journey Thru Stages.

Please note this is an application only, but students will be assigned to at least one spot. Students will be selected and assigned to roles by the staff and will receive a notification after the roles have been decided.