StageStruck
StageStruck Youth Theatre
Our Summer productions –
Registration will open soon for all Summer 2026 programs.
About The Productions
Summer 2026
- Alice By Heart
- Students to ages 14 – 18.
- Production Dates – July 30 – August 2 2026
- Rehearsals will be Tuesday/Thursday OR Monday/Wednesday.
- Registration will be open until April 12
- Seussical Jr.
- Open to kids 7 – 18
- Rehearsals will be Tuesday/Thursday OR Monday/Wednesday.
- Production Dates July 16 – July 26 2026
- Registration will be open until April 12
- StageStruck Play
- Title to be chosen based on registration
- Open to kids 10 – 18
- Production Dates July 9 – July 12 2026
- Registration will be open until April 12
- Rehearsals will be Tuesday/Thursday OR Monday/Wednesday.
- Alice By Heart
- $225
- Seussical Jr.
- $225
- A straight play
- $150
- Crew – Working And Running
- $100
- Crew – Running Only
- $60
New Registration Format for Summer StageStruck
Beginning this year, Summer StageStruck registration will work a little differently.
In the past, students simply registered for a specific program or production (for example, the Kids or Junior show). After auditions, students were then placed into rehearsal groups based on a variety of factors.
This year, students will first select a rehearsal track, and then choose which program or programs they would like to participate in.
Step 1: Choose a Rehearsal Track
When registering, families will first choose one of the following options:
- I am open to any rehearsal track
- Monday / Wednesday Rehearsal Track
- Tuesday / Thursday Rehearsal Track
Rehearsal tracks help us organize students into consistent rehearsal groups and allow the theatre to better plan staffing, space, and rehearsal schedules.
Students planning to participate in more than one production must select the “I am open to any rehearsal track” option. This allows the production team to place the student on different rehearsal tracks for each program.
Step 2: Select Program(s)
After choosing a rehearsal track, students may then register for one or more of this summer’s productions, including:
- Alice By Heart
- Seussical Jr.
- A straight play (title to be determined based on enrollment)
Important for Students Registering for Multiple Productions
Students who register for more than one production will be assigned to different rehearsal tracks for each show.
For example:
- Alice By Heart: Monday / Wednesday
- Seussical Jr.: Tuesday / Thursday
Students cannot rehearse on the same track for both productions, as that would cause them to miss rehearsals.
Students participating in two productions should expect to rehearse four nights per week (Monday through Thursday).
This updated system allows us to schedule rehearsals more effectively, reduce conflicts, and give students the opportunity to participate in multiple productions while maintaining strong rehearsal attendance
Summer Show Descriptions
Seussical Jr. - Ages 7 - 18
Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.
Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!
Seussical JR. provides wonderful creative opportunities in terms of set design, lighting and costuming and can easily accommodate a large cast of expandable “Seussian” creatures.
Character Breakdown
Jojo/BoyA “Thinker.” He’s a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose “Thinks” get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his community, using the power and possibilities of his own “Thinks.” JoJo should be one of your strongest singers, and can easily be played by a young girl or boy.
Gender: anyVocal range top: B4Vocal range bottom: Ab3The Cat in the HatThe essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat who is confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed. The Cat does not need to be your strongest singer but should still have good rhythm and timing.
Gender: anyVocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: Bb3Horton the ElephantA gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it’s no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough. Cast a great singer and actor in this important role.
Gender: maleVocal range top: E4Vocal range bottom: A2Mr. MayorMr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn’t always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Cast two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team.
Gender: maleVocal range top: E4Vocal range bottom: C3Mrs. MayorMr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn’t always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. Cast two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team.
Gender: femaleVocal range top: Bb4Vocal range bottom: A3Gertrude McFuzzVery self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn’t rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what’s truly important in her life. Cast a wonderful actor and a great singer in this role, and make sure well with Horton.
Gender: femaleVocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: F#3Mayzie La BirdSelf-centered, vain, and manipulative. She ultimately means no harm, but she’s immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self- awareness – she realizes she isn’t the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg. Cast a performer who is a good singer and great actor and can sell Mayzie’s larger-than-life personality.
Gender: femaleVocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: G#3Wickersham BrothersThe Wickersham Brothers, including Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, and Wickersham 3, are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another’s expense. Cast great movers who work well as a group, and encourage each of your actors to find an individual Wickersham persona.
Gender: maleVocal range top: B3Vocal range bottom: Ab2Bird GirlsThe Bird Girls, including Bird Girl 1, Bird Girl 2, and Bird Girl 3, are a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie throughout the show. Cast girls who are great movers, singers, and work well together as a group.
Gender: femaleVocal range top: B4Vocal range bottom: A3Sour KangarooLoud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She’s got a lot of attitude but isn’t mean – she’s just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is. Cast a great actor with a bring-down-the-house singing voice who is unafraid of making bold choices onstage.
Gender: femaleVocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: Bb3Young KangarooSour Kangaroo’s feisty daughter. She may be pint- sized, but she’s got a big personality and is following in her mother’s footsteps. Young Kangaroo doesn’t have to be the best singer, but she should be a great actor with lots of attitude and pair well with Sour Kangaroo.
Gender: femaleJudge Yertle the TurtleThe authoritative judge who presides over Horton’s trial at the end of the show. Yertle is a great role for a newer performer who may not be quite ready for the responsibility of a larger part. Cast a good singer and actor who can command the stage.
Gender: anyVocal range top: F5Vocal range bottom: F3Vlad VladikoffThe black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos. Vlad is onstage very briefly and doesn’t sing, so this is a good role for a member of your ensemble who can make a big impression in a short amount of time.
Gender: maleThe GrinchArguably the most famous Seuss character of all! He has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR. Cast a good actor and singer who can have fun with the Grinch’s short solo.
Gender: maleVocal range top: B3Vocal range bottom: F3The WhosThe Whos (including First Who Family, Second Who Family, Third Who Family, Fourth Who Family, and Fifth Who Family) are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community. Encourage everyone playing a Who to create his or her own unique character.
Gender: anyEnsembleThe Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, additional Wickersham Brothers and Bird Girls all help fill out the world Seussical JR. These ensemble roles are great places for anyone who would like to be involved in your production. Encourage these performers to create their own individual characters, especially if they are playing multiple roles.
Gender: any
Alice By Heart
Ages 14-18
From the Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, and co-written by Jessie Nelson (Waitress), 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.
Alice Spencer / Alice
A young woman full of questions and wonder. Very driven for what she wants.
Alice’s close friend. Also appears in the show as White Rabbit and March Hare.
Also appears in the show as Queen of Hearts
Also appears in the show as Cheshire Cat
Also appears in the show as Caterpillar and Knave of Hearts
The role of Caterpillar 2 can be cast according to the needs of each production. An additional actor can be cast or perhaps the actor playing Tabatha or Clarissa (or another role) can play the part.
CATERPILLAR 2
KNAVE OF SPADES
KNAVE OF HEARTS
QUEEN OF DIAMONDS
MOCK TURTLE
MOCK MOCK TURTLE
MOCK MOCK MOCK MOCK TURTLE
Ages 12-18
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Young@Part® is the authorized 60-minute edition of the Broadway musical for elementary and middle schools, and youth theatres. The Young@Part® musicals are carefully crafted through a series of workshops with industry professionals and young performers. Song keys are adjusted where necessary, and songs and scenes are edited for time and content, all while preserving the essence of the original Broadway production.
- GOMEZ ADDAMS
- MORTICIA ADDAMS
- UNCLE FESTER
- GRANDMA
- WEDNESDAY ADDAMS
- PUGSLEY ADDAMS
- LURCH
- MAL BEINEKE
- ALICE BEINEKE
- LUCAS BEINEKE
- THE ADDAMS ANCESTORS
Ages 14-18
CONTENT ADVISORY – StageStruck’s Production of Mean Girls: High School Edition
Parents, before signing up your young performer, please be aware that Mean Girls: High School Edition retains the themes, songs, and dialogue from the Broadway production. The “High School Edition” label simply means that all cast members will be under 18—it does not indicate content changes.
The show includes mature themes, strong language, and discussions of bullying, social dynamics, and relationships, all of which align with the original Broadway version. We strongly encourage parents to familiarize themselves with the material before registering.
Please note: No refunds will be given once casting is complete.
Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a “Revenge Party” to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.
Adapted from Fey’s hit 2004 film, Mean Girls was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This queen-bee took Broadway by storm and has joined the musical in-crowd. And now, so can you with Mean Girls High School Version!
Character Breakdown
A new junior at North Shore High School, Cady grew up in Africa and was homeschooled by her wildlife biologist parents. She is warm, bright, and strong enough to take on The Plastics. Is the emotional heart of our story.
Regina is the Queen Bee of the Plastics. When she shines her light on you, you feel like the most important person in the world. When that light goes cold, you want to die. She is regal, still, and “hot”, but at her most vulnerable moments, she is just a kid in over her head.
An “Art Freak” and social outcast, Janis is not afraid to be weird or make others uncomfortable. She paints herself as an objective observer, but, like so many of us, she longs to avenge the devastating events of eighth grade.
Outgoing and an active member of the student activities committee, Damian is a fiercely loyal friend to Janis and they have the close rapport of a comedy team.
One of the Plastics. Desperate to please Regina and to maintain her position in the Plastics, Gretchen is a nervous wreck. She is a “banker” meaning she befriends people to “bank” their secrets so she can trade them later for her own benefit. Her fragility at times is heartbreaking.
One of the Plastics. Although her intellect and personality never had a chance tto develop, Karen is essentially kind, relaxed, and a generous laugher.
Aaron
A cute boy with a good moral compass and a backbone. He’s not immune to all the female attention he gets, but he’s not going to let himself be a pawn in their chess game either. Broadway and pop tenor.
Mrs. Heron is Cady’s intellectual mom who can’t understand why her daughter is devolving before her eyes. Ms. Norbury is Cady’s world-weary Calculus teacher who pushes Cady to be her smartest self. Mrs. George is Regina’s “cool mom.” She’s desperate to look young and feel like one of the teens. She’s also desperate for Regina not to repeat her mistakes. Great singer. Distinctly defines these three characters. Eclectic Broadway vocal mix.
The principal of North Shore High. Mr. Duvall may have once taught computers at Joliet penitentiary, but nothing prepared him for the harsh realities of out-of-control junior girls. Funny and a strong singer.
Kevin is the extremely driven captain of the North Shore Mathletes. He is a confident student and a decent rapper.
Age: 15 to 18
Additional Audition Information
Audition Notes
Each child should prepare a song from the set of songs provided for the production they are registered for, and should be prepared to read along with one of the scene selections. Memorization, while not required, is strongly recommended. Please be prepared to audition emphasizing your use of voice, facial expressions, and your understanding of the character and material. We encourage parents or other responsible adults to talk about the audition process with their child(ren). Please make sure to set expectations: not every child will be able to receive a lead / supporting role, but every role is crucial to the telling of the story. Auditions will be held in half hour blocks with small groups of children.
Audition Scheduling
- After registering, you will receive an email directing you to complete your child’s audition form.
- After completing your audition form you will be emailed a link to schedule your audition. It is important you use this link in order to schedule your proper audition time slot.
- Your registration email will also include a link to all materials needed for your audition.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thank you for supporting your young performer and our StageStruck program!
Seussical Jr. & Alice By Heart are presented with permission from Music Theatre International
StageStruck is PM&L Theatre’s official youth-theatre program—a registration-based performance experience for aspiring young actors and crew members, typically ages 7–18. Our youth-focused productions include vibrant musicals, engaging straight plays, and creative adaptations specifically chosen to highlight young talent and storytelling skills.
Participants get hands-on experience in acting, singing, choreography, technical roles, and stagecraft, fostering confidence, creativity, and a sense of community. Each production culminates in a fully-staged public performance at PM&L’s historic theatre—truly bringing the arts to life, "Live on Main Street."
All registered performers receive; a role, production materials, a StageStruck t-shirt, and at least one complimentary ticket to their production. We welcome participants of all skill and experience levels, committed to inclusivity, fun, and artistic growth.
StageStruck Summer 2026 Registration Fees
- Seussical Jr. $225
- Alice By Heart – Musical – $225
- Play Title TBD - $150
- Crew/Working & Running – $100
- Crew/Running Only – $60
Discounts Available
- $25 discount for PM&L members and returning students (applies to individual registration fees, not tech crew).
No discounts apply to tech crew registration.
Crew - ages 10 - 18
Seussical Jr - ages 7 - 18 by July 1 2026
Alice By Heart - ages 14 - 18 and entering High School
- There will be a parent meeting and audition workshop on on April 11, at PM&L Theatre from 9-12.
- Auditions for Seussical Jr and the Play will be by appointment, Over Three nights, the week of April 27 6pm - 9pm You only need to attend one of these dates.
- Auditions for Alice By Heart will be by appointment, week of April 28 6pm - 9pm You only need to attend one of these dates.
- Callbacks (if needed) will be held on May 2.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
All registered participants will be cast.
A link will be provided after registration to fill out an audition form. Once that is complete you will receive an email sign up for an audition slot.
All registered participants will receive a role appropriate for their unique abilities.
All those interested in a singing role should prepare one of the music selections. There are non singing roles as well and no one has to sing solo but those who do not sing will not be considered for a solo role.
Additional details regarding songs and scenes will be in the Audition Packet provided during registration.
Each child is encouraged to choose and practice a character in one of the audition sides. They should familiarize themselves with all the sides as they may be asked to read any character, but they will have the opportunity to read the character/side they practiced.
Those interested in a singing solo should prepare a music selection and will have the opportunity to sing it by themselves at the audition.
Auditions will be held in groups based on age range.
Each participant will sing the song they prepared and we will end with cold readings from the provided sides. Each participant will have a chance to read the side they practiced.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
Thank you for your interest in StageStruck!
At this time, if the production you're interested in has reached full capacity don’t lose heart, spots do occasionally open up. If you'd like to be contacted in the event that space becomes available, please join our official waitlist here:
👉 https://form.typeform.com/to/k6y2CjmR
This is the form we’ll use to reach out directly if an opportunity arises, so be sure to fill it out if you'd like to be considered. While we can't make any guarantees, we’re always cheering for more young stars to shine Live on Main Street.
Thank you for supporting community theatre and for your enthusiasm for StageStruck—we truly appreciate it!
PM&L StageStruck Team
Auditions will be April 27th, 28th and 29th, from 6-9pm, with callbacks on May 2, 2026.
The registration fee covers all materials needed for the production, including scripts, costumes, set materials, props, etc. Each student will also receive a production t-shirt and one complementary ticket to one performance. (Mean Girls will include four comp tickets per student)
Actors may be asked to provide basic costume pieces from home, such as shoes, socks/hosiery, jeans/shorts, etc, as well as other personal items, such as hair accessories and make-up. Any specialty items for costuming will be provided by the theatre.
Yes! If your child is between the ages of 10 and 18 and interested in lights, sound, props, set painting, stage management, choreography or helping backstage, please sign up for the "tech" class or reach out using the red "Contact Us" button.
Rehearsals will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Evenings from 6pm-9pm. Many Performers will
not be called for the entire rehearsal, so please provide detailed conflict information when
submitting your audition form.
Our rehearsal schedule is created based on participant conflict, so please share detailed conflicts when completing your child's audition form.
Not all actors will be called for the duration of every rehearsal.
We will do our best to work around conflicts, so please disclose all known conflicts on your audition form. The rehearsal schedule will be created with conflicts in mind, so knowing this in advance will help the production team make the best use of everyone's time. Excessive absences may result in a role being re-cast.
Refunds are available until the cast list is posted. Once auditions and/or casting have been completed, there are no refunds.
We welcome parent volunteers! If you have a particular talent or area of interest, please let us know.
Yes, during times where there are multiple productions, you are welcome to sign your child up for one or two programs, depending on availability. You Must Choose 'I am open to any rehearsal track' then select the show combination your student(s) are interested in.
No, you are not required to stay during rehearsals. Please do be on time dropping off and picking up your student(s).
No, you are not required to stay during auditions, in fact parents will not be allowed to be in the room when their student is auditioning. We have found that it generally makes students more nervous. Please do be on time dropping off and picking up your student(s).
You may register for more than one production at a time, but there is no bundle or combo discount.