Theater Program
Discover the Magic of Our Student Theater Program
Welcome to a world where creativity, confidence, and collaboration take center stage! Our Theater Program is a vibrant hub for aspiring young performers, offering a supportive environment to explore the art of theater and develop essential life skills.
What Sets Us Apart?
- Weekly Rehearsals & Seasonal Shows
We keep theater fun and manageable for busy families! Instead of rehearsing several days a week, our cast meets once a week for a three-hour rehearsal. At the end of each season (fall and spring), students shine in a full performance for family and friends. - Inclusive Opportunities
Every child who auditions gets to be part of the show—no one is left out! We celebrate each student’s unique gifts and help them grow in confidence on stage. - Collaborative Community
Our theater family is built on teamwork, kindness, and creativity. We cheer each other on, work hard together, and focus on doing our best—not on competing.
Benefits of Joining Our Theater Program
- Build Confidence: Performing in front of an audience helps students overcome stage fright and develop self-assurance.
- Enhance Communication Skills: Through dialogue, expression, and teamwork, participants learn to communicate effectively.
- Foster Teamwork: Theater is a collaborative art form that teaches the value of working together toward a common goal.
- Develop Creativity: From improvisation exercises to character development, our program encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
Registration for our Fall 2026 season is open. Please see the FAQ section below for details regarding the program!
FREE Elf Theater Workshop with Josh Borges
If you plan on participating in World Upside Down’s Fall 2026 show (either JR. or KIDS program), we invite you to step into the Christmas Spirit and get ready for a fun-filled Elf Theater Workshop! In this high-energy session, students will explore singing, acting, and dancing while working with material inspired by Elf the Musical JR.
Location: World Upside Down Arts Studio
Date: Saturday, August 8, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Cost: FREE
Ages: 6-17
Fall 2026: JR. Show
Elf The Musical JR. is a joyful, family-friendly comedy that follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to find his father and discover where he truly belongs. With more than 25 roles, lively ensemble numbers, and upbeat holiday songs, this show offers something for everyone — from big personalities to strong singers and dancers. Designed especially for young performers, it’s filled with laughter, heart, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Perfect for anyone who wants to grow their confidence on stage and spread joy this holiday season!
Fall 2026: KIDS Show
Step into the wonder of the season with KIDS Revue: Christmas in New York City—an original, high-energy musical revue created just for our younger performers. Set in New York City, this engaging show brings together three festive stories, each following different characters as they navigate unexpected moments, discover connection, and experience the true meaning of Christmas. Guided by a lively narrator who weaves the stories together, performers will take part in a high-energy, ensemble-driven production where every child has a chance to shine. This show builds confidence, creativity, and stage skills—all while capturing the joy, wonder, and excitement of the holiday season.
Fall 2025 Theater Program Sign Ups
Read the FAQ section for information on tuition fees, auditions, mandatory dates, and more!
Leadership Team: We have a great team of directors and producers who are excited to pour their time and expertise into their students. Click here to read bios and learn more about our theater program directors.
Step 1: Register on Procare
Fill out the registration form for new and old students so we have all of your latest information. We use the Procare app for communication, student profile, signing in and out, billing, and communication.
Step 2: Sign Up for Auditions
Auditions will be on Saturday, August 15, from 9:00am-4:00pm with callbacks at 4:00pm (KIDS) and 5:00pm (JR.). Audition signups and information will be messaged to you after you complete your Procare registration.
- The audition signup link and materials for the Spring season are released in Nov/Dec.
- The audition signup link and materials for the Fall season are released in July.
Step 3: Attend the Mandatory Orientation Meeting
Join us for this important orientation to meet the director and production team, hear about the audition process and season expectations, connect with fellow cast families, and discover exciting volunteer opportunities.
Parent attendance is required. Students are strongly encouraged to attend.
Time: Thursday, August 13, 6pm-8pm
Location: World Upside Down Arts Studio
Step 4: Confirm your commitment
We will announce casts for both JR. and KIDS programs by noon on Monday, August 17, 2026. Notifications will be sent via Procare messages. You must reply to accept your role and confirm your participation in the program by 6:00pm, Monday, August 17, 2026.
Step 5: Start Rehearsals
Rehearsals start August 18 (KIDS) and August 20 (JR.).
Theater Program FAQs
What's the difference between the KIDS and JR. shows?
We target students ages 13-17 for the Junior program and students 6-12 for the Kids program, but age is not be the only casting determination.
Can my student participate in both KIDS and JR. shows?
No. One of the goals for doing two shows is to give more students more performance and growth opportunities.
What if my student is on the spectrum?
While our youth theater program is not specifically designed for students with an autism diagnosis, we do partner with World Upside Down Arts Studio to provide ABA therapy and arts-integrated classes that are intentionally structured for those needs. That said, we value every student as an individual and are happy to explore whether this program could be a good fit on a case-by-case basis.
What are the key dates I need to commit to?
Commitment to key dates is an absolute essential for cast members and families who participate in our program. Because we have such a streamlined schedule, our required events and meetings must be mandatory. Please read carefully before signing up.
Click here to access rehearsal and show dates for the Fall 2026 season.
My student is returning. Do I have to register on Procare?
Yes. Parents/guardians need to register their students each season through Procare (select the register button on this page). Your updated information helps us keep track of any changes that may occur regarding your grade, health, address, contact information, and more. The new registration will be merged with your existing account.
Where are the rehearsals held?
Weekly rehearsals are held at World Upside Down Arts Studio. Tech rehearsals are held at the performance venue the weeks of shows.
How do auditions work?
Every student in our program participates in the show. We hold auditions to determine cast roles. You will receive the audition signup link after you register for Procare.
What is the age range for cast members?
Students ages 6-17 are invited to audition for the KIDS and JR. shows. Casting for both shows will depend on talent, schedules, and overall cohesiveness for each cast.
How many casts will you have?
We will have one cast for each show (KIDS and JR.) so two casts total.
What do I need to know about performances and tech week?
Our venue for Fall 2026 is Simpsonville Arts Center. Move-in, tech week rehearsals, and shows all take place at the venue and span two weeks. See the season schedule for details.
What is the tuition fee schedule?
The tuition fee for the musical theater program is $120/month per student.
Fall Season – August – November (four months of $120/month)
Spring Season – January – May (five months of $120/month)
**Monthly payments are due before the 1st of each month to avoid a late fee.**
Registration Fee $50 (per semester / non-refundable)
The registration fee is per student and covers administrative costs and includes a season t-shirt.
Additional Costs: Parents are responsible for costumes. We will try to keep these costs to a minimum. If your family is going through financial hardship, we can help you raise funds to cover the costume costs.
Do you offer any discounts or scholarships?
We offer 5% discounts for siblings, veterans, and full-semester payments.
See the Policies & Pricing page for details on payment dates, pricing, discounts, and scholarship applications.
Do you have a referral program?
Earn $50 off your tuition for each student who enrolls in our program thanks to your referral. Make sure your referral lists you on their registration form.
Previous Shows
