In just over a year, STAGES Youth Theater will celebrate a milestone that fills us with joy and gratitude: 20 years of helping young people unlock confidence, creativity, and connection through the power of theater.
This anniversary comes at a moment when arts education across the country is under real strain. Young people—already navigating an increasingly complex and isolating world—are losing access to creative spaces that help them feel grounded, capable, and seen. The need for STAGES has only grown.
In 2025, as we moved into our new studio and navigated the loss of our longtime performance space, we adapted with care and intention. Our programs—across new formats and locations—filled more quickly than ever. This surge reflects not just enthusiasm, but a deep need for what STAGES offers.
What Sets STAGES Apart
For nearly two decades, STAGES has been committed to meeting young people exactly where they are—creatively, socially, emotionally, and developmentally. Our Teaching Artists prioritize accessibility, flexible teaching methods, and warm, identity-affirming spaces. In a moment when so many systems are failing young people, STAGES has become a haven for kids who often don’t have many places built with them in mind. This is why this moment—and our continued growth—matters.
Where We’re Headed
STAGES is uniquely positioned to expand meaningful arts experiences that build confidence, compassion, and connection. With your support, we will:
Grow programs in the Greater Portland area to meet rising demand
Begin piloting new opportunities for youth in other parts of Maine, where access to theater education is limited
Invest in our Teaching Artists and the inclusive, student-centered practices that define our work
Increase tuition assistance to lower the barrier for participation
Sustain our studio home and the performance infrastructure that makes our programs possible
Your Support Makes All the Difference
As we approach our 20th year, we are deeply aware that what we have built together matters—not just to celebrate, but to protect and grow. Thank you for your support and for ensuring that STAGES remains a place of belonging, imagination, and transformation for the young people who need it now more than ever.
DONATE TO STAGES YOUTH THEATER
If you prefer to mail a gift, checks can be made payable to “STAGES/Portland Youth Theater” and sent to: STAGES Youth Theater, 202 Woodford St, Portland, ME 04103
Click here for other ways to support STAGES!
Click here to see a current donor listing