July 13 – 14, 2026
SIGN UP
BE PART OF THE STORY
Back for its eighth year, the Youth Artist Project gives young performers the opportunity to shine onstage in an all-youth production led by a team of high school artists. Highlights of being part of this opportunity include:
- A Great First Stage Experience
Whether it’s a first audition or a returning favorite activity, this production creates a supportive environment where young performers can build confidence, creativity, and connection through live theatre. Convenient after-school rehearsals run from 4–6pm, with tech rehearsals ending by 7:30pm. - Created By Youth, With Youth, For Youth
Cast members collaborate with talented high school artist leaders, working under the mentorship of professional artists, to bring this delightful story to life for preschool and elementary-aged student audiences. - An Unforgettable Performance Experience
From sold-out student matinees to public performances, young actors experience the joy of sharing theatre with enthusiastic audiences, often introducing children to the magic of live performance for the very first time.
KEY DATES
Audition Sign Up: Link to sign up for a spot will be posted 2 weeks before auditions
Auditions:
- Monday, July 13 from 4:30pm-6:30pm
- Tuesday, July 14 from 4:30pm-6:30pm
Audition Location: Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre – 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park
WHAT TO PREPARE
Curious about auditions? Learn more from the team here!
AUDITION MATERIALS:
Music: Please prepare the song “Batten Down the Hatches”. At auditions, you’ll sing with the audition track provided below.
- “Batten Down the Hatches” – m20-34 | Please note there are 2 measures of rest before you start singing.
- Rehearsal Track – with someone else singing to help you learn the music
- Audition Track – the actual backing track that will be played in your audition
Dance: Please learn the choreography for the song “How I Became a Pirate.” We’ll review the choreo at auditions and then you’ll get to dance with a small group of other auditionees.
- “How I Became a Pirate” m17 – 33 (Pickup at Measure 15)
Character Activity: Part of auditions will include a character activity, “Talk Like a Pirate.” There’s nothing to prepare here, but come ready to have fun and show off your piratey skills!
Special Skills to Include on your Audition Form:
- Dribbling a Soccer Ball
- Tumbling
- Dance Experience
- French accent
- Playing an instrument
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
Jeremy Jacob (or Jessica Jacob) | A Kid
Braidbeard | The Pirate Captain, with a “braided beard” on their chin.
Swill the Pirate | Wears wire rim eyeglasses, philosophical, intellectual, gets blamed for everything that goes wrong.
Shark Tooth The Pirate | Foreboding, scowling grin, wears a patch on one eye but is a “sensitive person”.
Pirate Pierre | Talks with a French accent – the ship’s cook – enjoys fine French cuisine.
Max The Pirate | Wears a stuffed parrot on his shoulders. The others don’t have the heart to tell them it’s not real.
Pirate Seymour Braunschwagger | A Pirate First Mate.
Pirate Scurvy Dog | A Pirate Second Mate with a tendency to bark.
Mom | Jeremy’s mother; will double as a pirate.
Dad | Jeremy’s father; will double as a pirate.
Blunder Bess | A member of Braidbeard’s pirate crew.
Mad-Eye Matey | A member of Braidbeard’s pirate crew.
Aye Aye Eileen | A member of Braidbeard’s pirate crew.
Walker Dee Plank | A member of Braidbeard’s pirate crew.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director | Marissa Frank
Choreographer | Varrsha Chenthuran
Music Director | Colin Schlangen
Scenic Designer | Henry Meinert
Lighting Designer | Elizabeth Schwartz
Props Designer | Theo Reisinger
Costume Designer | Zoe Wippler
Sound Designer | Josiah Wright
MENTORS
Director Mentor | Aimee Miron
Choreographer Mentor | Jake Sells
Music Director Mentor | Holly Lathe
Scenic & Lighting Designer Mentor | Mark Hennigs
Props Designer Mentor | Bonnie Bologna
Costume Designer Mentor | Risa Alecci
Sound Designer Mentor | Steven Sanders
Youth Supervisor | Bobbi Sells