THIEME YOUTH MUSICAL
All About Off Square's Annual Professional Youth Musical
In February of each year, Off Square Theatre produces the Mike & Jean Louise Thieme Youth Musical with a professional creative team and a cast of students in grades 3-12.
The youth musical maintains professional standards during rehearsals and performances and features elaborate design components. Participation in the musical offers the chance for our local youth to put what they learn in the classroom into practice on stage. It gives students a supportive hands-on environment to hone theatrical skills like public speaking, listening, problem solving, collaboration within a group, risk taking, and movement/coordination. This program allows children of all ages to work together, make new friends, build leadership skills, and gain confidence at a crucial time in their development.
What They're Saying
“Off Square is a place that makes me feel like I can really be myself.”
“I simply can’t believe it. My shy, quiet daughter who never talks is on stage singing, dancing, and most importantly having fun!”
“Sensational. Everything from the set to the costumes to the voices to the staging to the scenery was Broadway quality!”
Annual Timing
September | Auditions and callbacks are held; cast announced
January | Rehearsals begin upon return from Winter Break
February | Performances take place at the end of the month in the Center Theater!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to audition for the Youth Musical?
Auditions are open to students in grades 3-12 at the time of their audition.
What are auditions like?
Auditions are an exciting (and sometimes nerve-racking!) experience. Off Square Theatre is committed to providing a warm, inclusive, and supportive audition environment that allows students to shine.
Audition format varies from year to year, but auditions will always include dancing, singing, and acting. Some materials to prepare will be provided prior to the audition.
Not all students will be called back, but all students who audition should be available during the day of callbacks. If you are not called back, it does not mean you have not been cast – just that we have seen all we need from you.
Will every student who auditions be cast in the show?
Not every student who auditions will be cast in the Youth Musical. If you are not cast, this of course does not mean that you are not ‘good enough’ – simply that there is not a perfect part for you in that year’s musical. We encourage you to try again and seek out other fun theatre arts education opportunities!
What kind of time commitment is expected?
Rehearsals will take place Monday-Friday from approximately 4:30-7:30. Not all cast members are expected every day and a rehearsal schedule will be distributed in advance.
What if I have conflicts during rehearsal hours?
Participants will be allowed two (2) excused absences prior to the beginning of technical rehearsals (which take place during the two weeks leading up to performance). Production staff must be notified in advance for an absence to be excused. All performers are responsible for learning the material they missed for excused absences. There are no excused absences during technical rehearsals. Unexcused absences will be handled by Off Square staff on a case-by-case basis and may include dismissal from the show.
What is your cancellation policy?
Off Square Theatre’s policies, including our cancellation policy, can be found here. In addition to these policies, note that if a student drops out of the show for a health reason, Off Square Theatre will provide a pro-rated refund, or the full amount may be applied to a future camp or workshop during the calendar year.
If Off Square Theatre cancels the Youth Musical at any point in the process, participants will be refunded a pro-rated amount based on the timing.