The STAGES Youth Theater Mission:
To unlock self-discovery in young people through the transformative power of theater.
The STAGES Youth Theater Core Values:
To recognize and celebrate the inherent uniquness within each person
To nurture artists and creativity in all forms
To treat everyone with respect & kindness and be open to new experiences
To practice innovation and risk-taking
BRIEF HISTORY OF STAGES
STAGES began in April 2007 as STAGES: The Performing Arts Academy for Kids in Scarborough, Maine to provide “movement, music and theater instruction” to kids ages preschool through high school. In 2010, STAGES joined Mad Horse Theatre Company in their new South Portland venue, and expanded to become a theater production company producing a full season of large-scale, all-student productions each year. In 2016, the business was re-established as the new non-profit organization, STAGES Youth Theater, and after a decade of renting spaces from other great theater companies, moved the entire operation – including administrative offices, rehearsals, and all mainstage performances – to a 6000-square-foot facility on the campus of the Woodfords Congregational Church in Portland. With all programs under the same roof for the first time, work began to build and ensure that STAGES will remain a premiere youth theater institution for years to come.
Like organizations everywhere, our operations were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We were grateful for the time afforded to STAGES by the slowing down of our year-round programs during our 2020 and 2021 seasons. The time for reflection was a gift. Taking an overdue and critical look at the work we do – and measuring it against the integrity and promise of our mission – was enlightening and humbling. It was a creatively rich period of time, as we began the work of creating a more sustainable, more authentic and more equitable programming model.
In June of 2025, with part of our building being re-developed into (much-needed) senior housing, STAGES is relocating our rehearsals, classes, and other educational events and programs to a lovely new space on the Woodfords Congregational Church campus. Our all-student performances will continue in performance venues all over the Portland area for the next several years. We are looking forward to bringing our students and families to some of our favorite stages this season!
Nothing we do would be possible without the support of our students, families, and other STAGES community members. Thank you for all you do – and stay in touch! – your feedback is always welcome!
Click here for a list of past STAGES productions
Other STAGES Youth Theater Accomplishments
- successful production of almost 200 all-student plays and musicals since our opening in 2007.
- development of new, original, innovative dramatic work – specifically for young people through our Theater for Young Audiences program.
- nearly two decades of successful partnerships to bring innovative, customized educational programs to public and independent schools all over southern Maine.
- part-time employment to 30-40 Maine theater artists, educators and administrators each season.
- representation of the theater industry and our work at career fairs, arts celebrations/festivals, panel discussions, and other community events.
- ongoing innovation of non-competitive educational theater models and best practices designed to meet each student where they’re at!
Contact us any time with questions about STAGES!
“Thank you STAGES for helping me make friends. Thank you for helping me come out of my shell. Thank you for providing a safe place for me to explore myself and my art.”
“Theater/STAGES was a critical part of my children’s development. Educators talk of the importance of sports and ‘teamwork.’ My non-athletic kids learned that through theater. They both appreciate the importance of expression through the arts….they are better people for it!”