What is Young Star Musical Theatre?
Self Expression. Creativity. Enrichment. It’s all here.
Welcome to YSMT at Dillard Street Theatre
Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) is the largest children's theatre training program in Central Florida. YSMT is dedicated to introducing students in grades K-12 to the magic of the performing arts.
Our program offers a high-quality, hands-on experience that is both educational and fun, fostering a love for theatre in every student.
At YSMT, young performers explore the world of acting, singing, dancing, and essential backstage skills, providing them with a well-rounded theatre education.
More than just a performance program, we focus on building self-confidence, teamwork, and lifelong friendships in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Now housed at the newly opened Dillard Street Theatre, our students have the incredible opportunity to perform on a custom-built stage, complete with a 360-degree revolving stage to offer dynamic stage performance.
This intimate and immersive theatre allows students to fully engage with their audience and bring their stories to life in a professional setting.
There is no better place for children to experience the magic of live theatre than at YSMT—where every student shines, every voice is heard, and every performance is a moment to remember. 🎭✨
Ms. Shmaine
Director, Owner
With nearly 35 years of experience teaching students of all ages, Ms. Shmaine Shepherd is the heart and soul of Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT). Her artistic vision and "big picture" mindset transform every production into a vibrant, high-quality experience, filled with happy, talented students who fall in love with musical theatre. Ms. Shmaine is passionate about creating an upbeat, fun, and supportive environment where students not only grow as performers but also as independent, confident individuals. She works hard to instill valuable life skills in her students—teaching them responsibility, problem-solving, and the importance of teamwork both on and off the stage. Beyond theatre, Ms. Shmaine has a deep understanding of working with students of all abilities. She spent years as a special needs one-on-one aide in the public school system in Arizona, which has given her a unique ability to connect with and support every student’s individual learning style. Her dedication, experience, and passion for musical theatre have shaped YSMT into the incredible program it is today, inspiring generations of young performers to dream big, work hard, and shine on stage! 🎶✨
Mrs. Lexy Shepherd-Cizek
Managing Director, Co-Owner
Mrs. Lexy has been a part of Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) since the age of 5, growing up on stage and performing in over 60 Mainstage productions. With a lifelong passion for theatre, she now shares her love for the performing arts by teaching all elements of musical theatre to students of every age division, specializing in choreography and costume creation. A proud University of Arizona graduate, Mrs. Lexy is deeply dedicated to fostering a positive and encouraging environment where young performers can grow, gain confidence, and find their unique voice. She finds immense joy in watching each student develop their skills and embrace the magic of theatre. The daughter of Ms. Shmaine, Lexy has theatre in her blood and continues to pass on that legacy—not only to her students but also to her two children, Eleanor and Jonah. She is also a proud wife to her loving husband, Jonathan. Mrs. Lexy's experience, creativity, and passion make her an integral part of the YSMT family, inspiring the next generation of performers to shine on stage! 🎶💃✨
Mr. Tarquine (Mr. T)
Music Director (MS/HS)
Mr. Michael Tarquine, affectionately known as
Mr. T, joined the Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) team in 2023 as the Music Director for our Middle and High School programs. With a deep passion for theatre and education, he has been the Theatre Director at Windy Hill Middle School for over 11 years, where he produces more than 10 productions each school year with his talented students.
A proud UCF alumnus, Mr. T brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his work, helping young performers develop their vocal abilities, stage presence, and confidence. Beyond the stage, he is a devoted family man—happily married to his lovely wife, Amy, for 32 years, and the proud father of three daughters.
Mr. T’s energy, expertise, and love for musical theatre make him an invaluable part of the YSMT family, and we are honored to have him guiding our young performers to success! 🎭✨
Mrs. Annie Dougherty
Music Director, Vocal & Piano Lessons
Mrs. Annie is a passionate and dedicated music educator who has been a valued part of Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) since 2023. With a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our students, helping them develop their vocal skills and confidence on stage. As a homeschool mom and mother of twins, Katie and Joey, Mrs. Annie understands the importance of creating a nurturing and encouraging learning environment. She loves inspiring young performers to find their voice, express themselves through music, and discover the joy of storytelling through song. Her enthusiasm, patience, and love for theatre make her an incredible asset to YSMT, and we are thrilled to have her guiding our students in their musical journey! 🎭🎶✨
Nashley Bautista
Assistant Director in Training Intern
Nashley has been a dedicated member of Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) since the age of 11, and her passion for the performing arts shines in everything she does. Whether she’s dancing, choreographing, performing, or working behind the scenes, Nashley is a true leader and role model for all students. Outside of YSMT, she is a lacrosse player and a member of the dance team at Olympia High School, balancing her love for sports and the arts with hard work and dedication. She is also a wonderful big sister, always leading with kindness and inspiring younger students with her enthusiasm and positivity. In addition to performing, Nashley plays a crucial role in the technical aspects of YSMT productions. She helps manage the lighting and audio booth, runs the backstage area, and ensures every show runs smoothly. Her commitment, strong work ethic, and love for theatre make her an invaluable part of the YSMT family, both on stage and behind the scenes! 🎶✨
Nate Childers
Assistant, Director in Training Intern
Nate Childers has been a part of Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) since the age of 12, growing from a dedicated student to an inspiring leader and educator. Now serving as Assistant Director, Nate brings his passion for musical theatre, choreography, and education to every production, creating a positive and engaging experience for students of all ages. A talented tap dancer and choreographer, Nate’s love for movement and storytelling shines both on and off the stage. He is a wonderful teacher and role model, guiding young performers with patience, creativity, and a strong "big picture" mindset that helps bring each production to life. His dedication to YSMT and its educational programs is evident in everything he does, and he hopes to pursue a career in musical theatre, sharing his passion with future generations. Nate’s hard work, leadership, and genuine care for every student make him an essential part of the YSMT family, inspiring young stars to grow, learn, and shine! ✨🎶
Madison Campanelli
Assistant, Director in Training
Madison is a graduating senior and a dedicated Assistant Director in Training at Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT). She started with YSMT as a freshman and has been wit YSMT ever since.With a deep passion for working with elementary-age students, she brings patience, creativity, and kindness to every rehearsal, making her a beloved mentor to younger performers. A talented actress, Madison excels in teaching acting techniques, scene blocking, and character development, helping students grow both in skill and confidence. Beyond the stage, she is an incredible artist, with a love for drawing, painting, and digital art using her iPad to bring her creative visions to life. Her passion for stage makeup and costume design adds a unique and artistic touch to every production. Madison is not only a gifted performer and teacher but also a kind-hearted role model. She is a wonderful big sister and a caring mentor to every Young Star, always encouraging those around her. As she prepares to graduate and take on new adventures, her dedication and impact on YSMT will leave a lasting legacy. ✨🎶🎨
Alizeca Gaspar-Smith
Assistant, Director in
Alizeca, lovingly known as Ali, has been at Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) since her freshman year, and now, as a graduating senior, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the program. Ali has a passion for costuming and technical theatre, excelling in audio, lighting, and stagecraft to ensure every production runs smoothly. She is incredibly organized and detail-oriented, always making sure everything is in its place—both backstage and beyond. A talented and passionate vocalist, Ali brings her musical expertise to every performance while also serving as a patient, hardworking, and kind mentor to younger students. Her warmth and caring nature make her a wonderful role model, inspiring those around her to work hard and follow their passion. As she prepares to graduate, Ali's dedication to YSMT, her leadership, and her love for theatre will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We can't wait to see where her talent and hard work take her next! 🎶✨
Our Values
—Character over competition: Our intentional focus is on growing each performer into a well rounded, team-oriented individual who can think independently on stage and off.
—People over programs: We exist for our communities: those we know and those we have yet to meet. The people. We are united through the arts and come together as a family towards a common goal.
—Service over spotlight: We believe in bringing each other up through friendship and inclusion. We share the spotlight with one another to give everyone their moment and chance to shine.
—Excellence over ego: We value each other and work together to create and express. We believe that we are all equally important in the creative vision and process.
Our History
Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) was founded in 1980 by Barbara Shepherd in Los Angeles, California, with a vision to enrich the lives of children and their families through the magic of theatre. Barbara’s good friend, Betty Lee Smith, a professional choreographer and dance instructor, graciously opened her studio doors to the early days of YSMT. Together, they built a program that celebrated each student's unique talents and empowered young performers to grow in confidence and creativity.
In 2001, Barbara’s daughter, Shmaine Shepherd, carried on the YSMT legacy by bringing the program to Arizona. What started as a small group of 11 children in a low-budget production of The Wiz quickly grew into a thriving theatre company. Within two years, YSMT had expanded to over 100 students, producing four or more full-scale Broadway-style musicals per year to sold-out audiences. YSMT made history as the first theatre company to fly young performers with professional ZFX flying effects for Peter Pan in a 114-year-old Historic Opera House Theatre.
By 2008, YSMT reached a new milestone, performing in its first professional theatre facility with an 1,100-seat auditorium. Productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Annie, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Seussical, and High School Musical captivated audiences, setting a new standard for youth theatre.
That same year, YSMT suffered a heartbreaking loss when founder Barbara Shepherd passed away after a four-year battle with breast cancer. However, her legacy lives on through her daughter Shmaine, granddaughter Lexy, and every Young Star who steps onto the stage. We think of her often and continue to celebrate her passion, dedication, and love for this company.
In 2018, Young Star Musical Theatre found a new home in Winter Garden, Florida. Within just a year and a half, registration soared from 27 students to over 85, and by May 2020, YSMT had opened a dedicated performing arts studio just minutes from Historic Downtown Winter Garden. This studio became a hub for acting, technical theatre, Broadway tap, and mainstage musical productions, offering students the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform year-round. YSMT also introduced summer camps and private lessons in voice, piano, and acting, providing individualized training for young performers.
A New Chapter: Dillard Street Theatre
In Summer 2024, YSMT expanded once again, building out our brand-new home at Dillard Street Theatre. We transformed a 108-year-old citrus packing facility into a 100-seat theatre, a dedicated rehearsal studio, and a costume workshop, creating a state-of-the-art space where students can train, rehearse, and perform. This new facility allows Young Stars to experience professional-level productions in a space designed specifically for youth theatre education and performance.
At YSMT, we are committed to enriching the lives of every Young Star. Through theatre, our students not only grow as performers but also develop into strong, confident individuals who carry their skills and experiences far beyond the stage.
The future of Young Star Musical Theatre is bright, and we can’t wait to continue inspiring the next generation of performers—one show at a time. 🎶✨
Read our West Orange Observer article here
And our article recently about the closure of The Garden Theatre here
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