RITZ STAGE STARZ
Engage. Educate. Empower.
Ritz Stage Starz is the celebrated Youth Theatre Initiative of The Ritz Theatre Company, offering dynamic, year-round programming designed to ignite a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Through hands-on experience in acting, singing, dancing, and behind-the-scenes production, young performers are given the tools to grow as artists — and as individuals.
With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building, Stage Starz empowers students to take center stage in a supportive, professional theatre environment. Whether stepping into the spotlight or working as part of a team, every participant is encouraged to explore their voice and share their story.
Join the Ritz Stage Starz family — where the next generation of theatre artists begin their journey. Our 2026 season continues with our spring workshops, followed by ATYPICAL BOY in June!
SPRING WORKSHOPS
April 21-24, 2026
Grades 5-12
This spring, take your skills to the next level with THREE exciting, one-day workshops led by outstanding professional artists. Whether you’re looking to build physical performance skills or deepen your acting technique, there’s something for every young performer.
Fake Violence, Real Stories: Unarmed Stage Combat
Tuesday, April 21
Guest Artist: Sean McGarry
Learn the fundamentals of stage combat, including essential techniques, safety practices, and performance skills. Students will collaborate to create their own original scene featuring dynamic, choreographed fight sequences to showcase at the end of the session.
Truth in Performance: Acting with Authenticity
Wednesday, April 22
Guest Artist: Melissa Connell
Dive into the art of truthful performance by exploring how character is shaped through voice, body language, and subtle nuance. Students will work to strip away distractions and build honest, grounded performances that feel real, specific, and compelling.
Make the Practice the Performance and the Performance the Practice
Friday, April 24
Guest Artist: Kimberly Valde
In this dynamic, hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to transform your practice routine by combining strong vocal technique with a powerful, performance-ready mindset. Discover practical tools to build confidence, reduce audition nerves, and unlock greater freedom in your singing and storytelling. Whether you’re preparing for auditions or looking to elevate your performance skills, you’ll leave feeling more in control, more expressive, and ready to take the stage with ease.
Registration for our Spring Workshops is now closed!
ATYPICAL BOY
June 5-6, 2026
Grades 7-12
Directed by Matthew Weil
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED!
In a fantastical world (not entirely unlike our own) where “conformity is compulsory,” Boy cannot conform. Others make a desperate attempt to fix him, but neither they nor he can change his nature. Labeled a monster by the experts, Boy is shunned until, heartbroken and alone, he disappears into a world of monsters. There, Boy struggles with Hugo, ruled by his monster side, and is drawn to Girl, who is still in touch with her true feelings. A metaphor for invisible disabilities and disenfranchised youth, this play asks the question: Will Boy hold on to his humanity and accept himself, or will he become a monster? A cautionary tale that presents a comic anti-model of behavior, this entertaining fable for all times and all ages tells about the beauty and danger of being different in a world where conformity is valued and individuality is feared.
DISNEY’S DARE TO DREAM JR.
July 31 – August 1, 2026
Grades 3-8
Directed by Will Reid
Music Direction by Meg Bryan
Stage Management by Christian Randazzo
JUNIOR CAMP REGISTRATION IS CLOSED! WE HAVE REACHED CAPACITY!
Disney’s DARE TO DREAM JR. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, DARE TO DREAM JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages.
DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
August 7-8, 2026
Grades 8-12
Directed by Robert Repici
Music Direction by Chuck Hartung
Choreography by Lindsey Krier Repici
REGISTER FOR SENIOR CAMP HERE!
Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.
It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
ANNIE JR.
November 13-14, 2026
Grades 3-8
Directed by Kacy Hofstetter
Music Direction by Nick French
Choreography by Lindsey Krier Repici
Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE JR. features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure.
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.