Young Company Programs:

Junior Theater: for ages 5 - 8
A creative dramatics project in partnership with Hartnell College Workforce and Community Development Center. Exploration into self-expression and basic aspects of performance. Very non-threatening and perfect for the novice or the budding performer. Low-key recital at the end of each project: non-produced.

Play's-the-Thing: for ages 9 -16
A process oriented program that teaches aspects of audition, rehearsal, technical production, and performance. This program offers an environment especially designed for children in which the student can increase self-awareness and confidence while learning about improvisation, playwrighting, practicing the skills of vocal production, movement, and character portrayal. Audition required. Lengthy rehearsal process: semi-produced performances.

Plays and Musicals: various ages
TWS produces 8 - 10 plays and musicals each season, and some of these productions require young actors. Because of the rigors of a fully-produced play, young performers with more experience and self-confidence are needed.
Auditions are required and competitive. The young performer cast in subscription season must be able to withstand the pressures of a lengthy rehearsal process, and demonstrate the discipline necessary to perform in a professional production.

Other Young Company Programs:

High School Apprenticeships
An intense summer program for the serious theater student. These are non-scholarship positions in which opportunities for active participation in directing, performing, choreographing, designing, and technical work. Students have long but rewarding schedules that increase their skills and awareness of individual strengths and weaknesses. Apprentices are expected to attend classes, meetings, and to act as "assistants to the -" (which offer terrific opportunities to observe the work of staff and guest professionals.
Application and interview required.

"OnStge"
An annual theater conference for Monterey County High School students.  Students have the opportunity to meet and work with theater professionals from The Western Stage resident staff and guest instructors.  Open to any high school student, whether they have had previous training or experience.

CALLBACK: ages 16 - 20
A new performance program for ages 16–20, which provides accelerated training and feedback in order to improve casting opportunities or to get to "the next level"of proficiency.

YC Presents: for ages 9 - 16
A production oriented program that focuses on aspects of rehearsal, technical production, and performance. Fully produced musicals and plays written expressly for young performers are chosen for literary content. The division produces two YCP projects each season: a summer musical project and a fall non-musical play. Past projects include several original revues of Broadway show tunes and published scripts like The Witch of Blackbird Pond, The Curate Shakespeare As You Like It, The Code Breaker, and Liza and the Riddling Cave.
Audition required. Lengthy rehearsal process: fully produced performances.

YOU*THeater Camp: for ages 9 - 16
A theater camp offered in partnership with the Hartnell Workforce & Community Ed. Dept., which presents a quick-paced, intense introduction to theater in short sessions during the summer. All-camp recital at the end of each session: non-produced.