Youth Artist Project
Young Artists Lead the Way
Our annual Youth Artist Project partners student artists with professional theatre artists and educators to bring a show to life! By pairing high school students with professionals in the field, students develop their own artistic vision, collaboration and communication skills, and have an authentic, real-world opportunity to apply their skills to mounting a full production of their own design. Whether they pursue a career in the theatre or not, the teamwork, leadership, and collaboration skills they learn through the process will benefit them in any profession.
This project is deeply connected to our mission of bringing our community together through shared theatre experiences and ensuring everyone has access to the transformative power of the arts. From the high school students who engage with the project as first-time designers and directors, to the mentors who guide throughout the production process, to the kindergartners who enter the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre for the first time, to the youth who make their stage debut performing, GREAT’s Youth Artist Project opens doors and connects our community through the joyful experience of theatre.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Central MN Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Your Vision. Your Show.
Step into a leadership role and help bring
How I Became a Pirate to life.
2026 YOUTH ARTIST PROJECT: APPLY TODAY!
Be part of the student team that will design and direct How I Became a Pirate (Younger@Part)! Each student production team member will receive a stipend of $250 at the end of the process.
High School students from across Central MN will fulfill the following roles under the mentorship of theatre professionals: Director, Choreographer, Music Director, Costume Designer, Scenic Designer, Prop Manager, Sound Designer, and Lighting Designer.
Key Dates
- Youth Artist Application Due: May 20, 2026
- Youth Artist Interviews: Tuesday, May 26 from 4-6pm & Wed, May 27 from 4-6pm
- Mentor Meetings Begin: Week of June 8, 2026
- Mentor Meetings: June 8-July 24 – twice a week; specific dates and times are to be determined based on the team’s availability
- YAP Auditions – Open to youth ages 7-Middle School!
- Monday, July 13 from 4:30-6:30pm
- Tuesday, July 14 from 4:30-6:30pm
- Rehearsals: July 27-Sept. 9 – Mon, Tues, Thurs from 4-6:30pm
- Tech Week: Sept. 10-16 – Mon-Thurs from 4-7:30pm
- Public Performances: Sept. 18, 19, 20 & Sept. 25, 26, 27
- School Matinee Performances: Sept. 17 & 24
Apply by May 20!
APPLY TODAY
Interviews will be scheduled by May 22, so please check your email! Decisions will be made and you will be notified by Friday, May 29.
Questions about the YAP program? Reach out to Kendra Norton Dando, Artistic & Education Director. Kendra@GREATTheatre.org
Questions about student matinees? Reach out to info@greattheare.org.
How I Became a Pirate
Book, Music and Lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman
Based on the boom by Melinda Long
A simple day at the beach turns into a treasure hunt when an ordinary kid is recruited by a band of pirates searching for buried treasure and their everyday world transforms into a swashbuckling adventure. Filled with humor, heart, and plenty of pirate swagger, How I Became a Pirate brings the beloved book to life with lively songs and imaginative storytelling.
By Youth, With Youth, For Youth
Aimee Miron – Building Leaders
Aimee Miron, a longtime director at GREAT Theatre, is passionate about mentorship and collaboration. Through the Youth Artist Project, she helps students grow into confident leaders, using theatre as a way to teach teamwork, decision-making, and personal growth beyond the stage.
Greyson Gonzalez – Finding His Voice in Design
Greyson Gonzalez, a high school senior, gained confidence and leadership skills through internships and the Youth Artist Project at GREAT Theatre. As a scenic designer for Elephant & Piggie, he discovered a passion for visual storytelling while learning collaboration, communication, and technical design skills, which he plans to carry into a future in cinematography.
Nora Vedder – Growing with GREAT
Nora Vedder, an 11-year-old longtime GREAT Theatre camper, has grown into a confident performer, now starring in Winnie the Pooh KIDS. Years of camps helped her develop acting skills, collaboration, and stage presence, preparing her for a full production experience and continued growth in theatre.
Hear about the experiences of our 2021 youth artists!
Youth Artist Project – Impact & Innovation
GREAT Theatre’s Youth Artist Project provides hands-on theatre experiences that build leadership, creativity, and career skills for young people while introducing audiences to live theatre. Recognized with an Innovation Award, the program not only fosters personal growth and community connection but also contributes to the local economy and helps shape a strong future workforce.
Joy and Self-Discovery
GREAT Theatre’s A Year with Frog and Toad Youth Artist Project brought together young performers, student leaders, and audiences of all ages, creating a meaningful experience of joy, growth, and inspiration. The production helped participants build skills and confidence, while showing young audience members what’s possible through theatre.