Youth Theatre at PM&L
StageStruck Youth Theatre
A hands-on theatre program where students rehearse, grow, and perform in live productions.
Build Confidence
on Stage
Bring Stories
to Life
Perform for a
Live Audience
This fall, StageStruck offers two productions and backstage opportunities for young performers to explore acting, singing, and storytelling on the PM&L stage.
Fall/Winter 2026/27 Programs
Trolls the Musical Jr.
January 2027
Ages 7-18
$250
Trolls JR. is based on the irreverent DreamWorks Animation movie franchise and features a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters.
Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition)
January 2027
Ages 12-18
$250
Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton
Crew
January 2027
Ages 10-18
$65 - $100
Help bring the production to life backstage or on build crew.
StageStruck Program Overview
StageStruck is PM&L Theatre’s official youth theatre program — a registration-based performance experience for young actors and crew members. Productions are designed specifically to showcase youth performers through musicals, plays, and creative adaptations that highlight storytelling and stage skills.
Participants gain hands-on experience in acting, singing, choreography, technical theatre, and stagecraft while building confidence, creativity, and a sense of community. Each production culminates in a fully staged public performance at PM&L Theatre. All registered performers receive a role in the production. Auditions help determine role placement.
All registered performers receive:
A role in the production
Production Materials
StageStruck T-shirt
One complimentary ticket
There are also Crew positions available for kids who are more interested in creating props or working backstage on lights, sound, or as a stagehand.
Help Me Choose!
Each StageStruck production offers a different kind of theatre experience. Here’s how to choose the best fit for your performer.
Register for Trolls Jr if ...
If you love singing, dancing, and being part of a big, energetic cast, Trolls Jr. is a fantastic fit. This colorful musical includes many ensemble moments and featured roles, giving performers lots of opportunities to shine on stage.
Register for Anastasia Youth Edition if ...
If you’re 12+ and ready for challenging singing and dramatic storytelling, Anastasia Youth Edition offers a powerful musical experience for older performers. With a contemporary score and emotionally rich characters, this production is ideal for experienced performers who are excited to tackle deeper roles and more demanding music.
Crew Options...
Crew – Build and Run Crew if you want to be part of creating props in addition to assisting back stage or in the booth with sound, light and projection design.
Crew – Run Crew Only is for those who want to be part of the run crew only, and not part of creating props.
Registration Information
How Registration Works
Step 1: Choose Your Program / Show
When registering, families first select the program (show) they wish to participate in. For the first time we are offering two programs for the Fall/Winter timeframe
- Trolls the Musical Jr.
- Open to students aged 7-18 by opening night (January 2027)
- Anastasia Youth Edition
- Open to students aged 12-18 by opening night (January 2027)
We also have spots for Backstage / Tech Crew
- Crew – Working and Running
- Open to students aged 10-18 by opening night (January 2027)
- Crew – Running Only
- Open to students aged 10-18 by opening night (January 2027)
Step 2: Fill out the form.
- The registration form will collect the details our staff needs to know about each student, the conflicts question is especially important.
Step 3: Follow the link to sign up for an audition slot.
- All students including crew and those only interested in ensemble are asked to sign up for a time. Those students not trying for a lead or ‘named’ role will not need to sing or perform at the audition, but we still want the opportunity to meet each student prior to casting.
Step 4: Download Audition Materials and Prepare
- Students trying for a lead or ‘named’ role will need to sing and perform at the audition. Materials will be added to a google drive and a link shared with all registered students. This link will be sent by August 30 and have all song cuttings, monologue choices, and vocal tracks students will need.
Show Information
Once Upon A Stage - Ages 8-18
A playful theatrical adventure filled with classic characters and surprising twists.
Once Upon a Stage invites performers into a world of imagination, adventure, and unforgettable characters drawn from classic stories and fairy tales. This acting-focused play brings together familiar heroes, villains, and unexpected twists in a lively theatrical adventure full of humor and storytelling.
The exact title and script will be selected after registration so the production team can choose a show that best highlights the strengths and personalities of the performers in the cast.
With plenty of opportunities for speaking roles and character work, this production is perfect for performers who enjoy acting, storytelling, and bringing memorable characters to life on stage.
Character Information
Trolls the Musical Jr. - Ages 7 - 18
Trolls JR. is based on the irreverent DreamWorks Animation movie franchise and features a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters. The show follows the overly optimistic Trolls, constantly with a song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have Trolls in their stomach.
The Troll thespians in Poppy’s company live by their motto: the show must go on. But when a tyrannical foreign emissary arrives in Bergenland, expectations are raised, forcing the Trolls to totally rework their show or risk being served up in the name of diplomacy by a Chef rehired and out for revenge.
Character Information
Queen of the Trolls, has a positive attitude and infectious can-do spirit. Poppy does it all: sings, dances, acts, directs, and writes, all while inspiring those around her.
Poppy’s counterpart, is a serious- minded Troll. Though Branch is pessimistic at times, he ultimately wants what’s best for Poppy and the rest of the Trolls.
The likeable young Bergen monarch, might lack ruling experience, but he makes up for it with his great friendship with all Trolls. King Gristle should have a great sense of comic timing and should pair well with Bridget.
A scheming, egomaniacal Bergen with a taste for Trolls.
She a sweet and soft-spoken Bergen. Though she’s a bit naïve, Bridget is a true romantic and is willing to go the extra mile to help King Gristle.
A spoiled princess from a powerful Bergen kingdom overseas. Cast a stellar actor and a strong singer who can command the stage with Marie’s larger- than-life personality. Marie could have a French accent, so long as the audience can clearly understand the actor onstage.
A large, cuddly Troll who goes nowhere without his friend Mr. Dinkles, a sock puppet voiced by the actor playing Biggie.
A cheeky, glitter-covered
Troll with a signature autotune voice.
A goofy Troll who loves parties and farts cupcakes.
Satin and Chenille are conjoined fashionista Troll twins.
Satin and Chenille are conjoined fashionista Troll twins.
A tiny Troll who says what we’re all thinking.
A hip and loyal team player who wears DJ cans (a.k.a. headphones).
A skilled technician (albeit accident-prone) who loves crafting show- stopping theatrical moments, especially when fire is involved.
The Troll version of William Shakespeare.
An additional member of the Royal Hype Crew, is Extreme Announcer’s right-hand Bergen, making sure all key phrases land with epic impact!
TMZ-style
field reporters or streamers.
A master of ambiguity, but only
because they want to keep their job.
Royal Guard Chad and Royal Guard Todd are inseparable, supportive Royal Guards to King Gristle. They’re also gossipmongers and know the whole kingdom’s secrets.
Royal Guard Chad and Royal Guard Todd are inseparable, supportive Royal Guards to King Gristle. They’re also gossipmongers and know the whole kingdom’s secrets.
Sous Chef and Deputy Sous Chef are Chef’s most trusted employees and fervent followers of Chef.
Sous Chef and Deputy Sous Chef are Chef’s most trusted employees and fervent followers of Chef.
Encounters Marie Bergenette before anyone else in the castle.
The ensemble.
Great featured roles!
A powered-up energy drink guzzler and member of The Royal Hype Crew.
Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) - Ages 12 - 18
Inspired by the Twentieth Century Fox Motion Pictures by special arrangement with Buena Vista Theatrical
From the play by Marcelle Maurette as adapted by Guy Bolton
A 60-minute adaptation, specially tailored for young actors, of the spectacular Broadway musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
Character Information
- Anya – A brave young woman with amnesia who sets out to discover if she is the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia.
- Dmitry – A clever and daring con man who tries to use Anya to claim a reward.
- Vlad Popov – A lovable ex-aristocrat and partner to Dmitry in the scheme.
- Gleb Vaganov – A ruthless and conflicted officer in the Bolshevik secret police.
- The Dowager Empress Marie – Anastasia’s imperious and grieving grandmother living in exile in Paris.
- Young Anastasia – The royal princess as a young child in the prologue.
- Tsar Nicholas II – Emperor of Russia and Anya’s father.
- Tsarina Alexandra – Empress of Russia and Anya’s mother.
- Olga, Tatiana, and Maria Romanov – Anastasia’s older sisters.
- Prince Alexei Romanov – The young heir to the throne.
- Countess Lily Malevsky-Malevitch – The Dowager Empress’s companion and confidante.
- The Ensemble – Plays members of the Russian court, crowds in Saint Petersburg and Paris, secret police, market workers, aristocrats, and reporters.
Crew - Ages 10-18
There are 2 Crew Options
Build Crew
Fee: $100
Build Crew members help create the world of the show while learning the basics of technical theatre. Participants meet once a week and work on elements such as stagecraft, props, costuming, lighting, and sound design in preparation for the summer productions.
Build Crew members may also participate in backstage or booth roles during performances.
First Meeting:
Date TBA
Run Crew
Fee: $65
Run Crew members are part of the team that keeps each performance running smoothly. Participants may work backstage assisting with scene changes and costume transitions, or help operate sound and lighting in the tech booth during performances.
First Meeting:
Date TBA
At this meeting, participants will receive a program overview and sign up for the productions they would like to work on.
There are also Crew positions available for kids who are more interested in creating props or working backstage on lights, sound, or as a stagehand.
Once Upon A Stage - Ages 8-18
A playful theatrical adventure filled with classic characters and surprising twists.
Once Upon a Stage invites performers into a world of imagination, adventure, and unforgettable characters drawn from classic stories and fairy tales. This acting-focused play brings together familiar heroes, villains, and unexpected twists in a lively theatrical adventure full of humor and storytelling.
The exact title and script will be selected after registration so the production team can choose a show that best highlights the strengths and personalities of the performers in the cast.
With plenty of opportunities for speaking roles and character work, this production is perfect for performers who enjoy acting, storytelling, and bringing memorable characters to life on stage.
Character Information
Frequently Asked
Questions
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.
No. StageStruck welcomes both new and experienced performers. The program is designed to help students learn theatre skills, build confidence, and grow as performers.
Yes. All registered performers receive a role in the production. Auditions help determine role placement based on the needs of the show and the strengths of each performer.
Yes, we welcome you to sign your child up for multiple programs!
Rehearsals will be held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Evenings from 6pm-9pm. Rehearsal days will be based on the option that was selected at Registration.
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.
Rehearsals will be held on Saturday mornings from 9am to Noon, and Tuesday Evenings from 6pm-9pm. Rehearsal days will be based on the cast your student is placed in. 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, and most will only do one day per week from September - December. Beginning in January there will be two to four nights a week for most students leading up to performances.
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.
StageStruck Fall/Winter 2026/27 Registration Fees
- Trolls Jr. $250
- Anastasia Youth Edition – $250
- Crew/Working & Running – $100
- Crew/Running Only – $65
Scholarships Available
- Contact us for an application [email protected]
Trolls Jr ages 7 - 18 by Opening Night (January 2027)
Anastasia - ages 12 - 18 and not graduated High School
Crew - ages 10 - 18
There will be a parent meeting and audition workshop for All participants on Saturday September 12th, at PM&L Theatre from 9-12. This meeting is not mandatory, but recommended if this is your first StageStruck Porduction
Auditions for both productions will be by appointment, the week of September 14th, from 6pm - 9pm You only need to attend one of these dates.
Callbacks will be held on September 19th.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
All registered participants will be cast.
An audition form will be filled out after registration. 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.
Each participant will perform a monologue from the options provided in the information packet and sing the song from the provided options.
Roles will be communicated to all participants by email.
Auditions will be September 14th, 16th and 17th, from 6-9pm, with callbacks on September 19, 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.
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 either the "Run Crew" class or "Work & Run Crew" or reach out using the red "Contact Us" button.
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.
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.
YES! Students registered in the Fall/ Winter StageStruck program can still audition for Main Stage Productions, including Christmas Pageant.
We are working to get song cuttings, monologues and all the information students might need to prepare for the auditions up in a google drive. We will have this information avalable by August 30 at the latest.