The Youth Company is open to young artists ages 8-13. Participants must be 8 by August 17, 2026.

Not at all! Youth Company welcomes all experience levels.

Youth Company participants will be in ensemble, non-speaking roles that are integrated into the world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This could include participation scenes with Titania and Oberon, Titania’s lullaby, and the final dance scene. These roles are visually important and help bring the production to life!

Each Youth Company group participates for one week only. Rehearsals run Monday–Wednesday, and performances are Thursday–Sunday of their assigned weekend. (Labor Day Monday will also be included for folks who are assigned to that week.)

Because Youth Company is a focused, one-week rehearsal and performance process, participants are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances during their assigned week. Thank you for understanding.

Tuition is $250 per performer, which helps cover rehearsal space, costumes, supervision, and support staff. A 10% sibling discount is also available.

Yes, up to 24 scholarships are available to ensure cost is not a barrier. Families can respond to a brief scholarship question on the audition form; requests are reviewed confidentially by the Executive Director.

Rehearsals will take place at the Centennial Black Box Theater and, if the weather is good, may also take place at the Bandshell at Centennial Park.

The performances will take place at the Bandshell at Centennial Park as part of Shakespeare in the Park.

Parents will be asked to provide a simple base layer for their child (i.e. something similar to a white top and black pants). NSF will provide all costumes to be layered on top for Youth Cast participants.

Youth Company is designed as a one-week experience. If space is available after all unique participant spots have been filled, we may offer additional week opportunities. Our goal is to extend this experience to as many young artists as possible.

Our hope is to include as many young artists as possible. Because Youth Company is a one-week commitment, full availability for all rehearsals and performances during at least one of the scheduled weeks is essential. If a participant is not cast, it is typically due to limited availability rather than performance ability.

We truly appreciate the courage it takes to audition, and we’re grateful to every young artist who puts themselves out there!

All Youth Company roles are ensemble, non-speaking roles, and every performer is an equal part of the storytelling. This is a collaborative experience, and no role carries more lines or status than another.

Each week, one performer will be assigned as the Changeling Child (featured ensemble) and one as the Changeling Child understudy. This role remains non-speaking and may be cast with any age or gender. All other ensemble roles are equal in stage time and importance.