Questions families ask us

Young Star Musical Theatre (YSMT) is a comprehensive youth theatre program dedicated to training, mentoring, and inspiring young performers through high-quality theatrical experiences.

We serve students across multiple age divisions, beginning with our youngest performers in early elementary and continuing through middle school, high school, and even college-aged students.

Throughout the year we produce multiple fully staged productions featuring complete costumes, sets, props, lighting, and choreography.

We also offer nine weeks of themed summer camps each year, ranging from creative experiences to fast-paced musical intensives where students learn and perform a full show in just two weeks.

Please create an account on our registration site.

Registration fills quickly. It is highly recommended to register during the open registration period.

YSMT specializes in teaching young artists all elements of musical theatre from beginner to advanced all while focusing on individual guidance for each student.

We focus on building self-esteem, independence, kindness, teamwork, leadership, and more.

We just ask that our students inform us as far in advance as possible when there is a conflict or a necessary absence.

For students with speaking roles in mainstage productions, we ask that families commit to our scheduled rehearsals.

All refunds are at the discretion of Young Star Musical Theatre Inc. and must be discussed with all parties involved.

Students who withdraw after the cast list has been announced may be suspended from registering for an entire production season.

Parents who sign up for a volunteer position are expected to follow through with this commitment.

We are a small organization and the only way we can continue to provide a high-quality arts program like this is with the committed help of parents and the community.

YSMT will accommodate alternative tuition payment plans in certain circumstances, such as weekly payments or multiple payment methods.

YSMT provides needs-based scholarships as funding becomes available, which can cover up to half of the cost of tuition.

Scholarship applications must be submitted each semester after registration and costume rental fees have been paid.

For scholarship questions, contact admin@dillardtheatre.com.

Students will show courtesy and respect towards others and instructors at all times.

• •1st warning will be verbal with a possible brief sit out of participation.
• •2nd warning will be a phone call to parent/guardian about behavior, with possible escalation for the student to be picked up from rehearsal.
• •3rd warning may result in the student losing their space in a class or their role in the show.

We do not allow guests, without prior consent from the Directors, inside the studio.

You are welcome to sit outside the front windows at our picnic tables.

During performances and tech rehearsals, no one except actors and volunteers will be allowed backstage.

Every show produced with YSMT is unique. The number of students participating in each show also varies.

We strive to place students in roles where they will shine the brightest.

An actor's stage time is not always reflective of their skill or audition, but when you are a part of The Young Star community it is understood that the show quality is high because every actor in every size role is strong, and giving their best effort.

We require that the studio during rehearsals is a cell phone free environment so that our performers can learn from the other actors working, and so that they do not miss their own cues.

Cell phones may be used on breaks, but if they are used excessively they must be turned off.

During productions, cell phones must be turned off to avoid distractions, missing cues, and unnecessary noises.

Drama, bullying, cyberbullying, name calling, horseplay, violence, threats, etc. will not be tolerated and may result in an escalation of suspension or removal from the show.

Students will always show courtesy and respect towards others, including outside the studio and via social media, texting, FaceTime, etc.

It is bullying when you:

• •Make derogatory comments or call bad names to someone's face or behind their back, spread lies with gossip or rumors
• •Make efforts to socially exclude or isolate someone
• •Physically abuse someone by hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting, etc.
• •Take money or other belongings from someone
• •Force someone to do something against their will or encourage them to do something inappropriate
• •Brag about your abilities, talents, and roles or criticize the talents and abilities of others

What to do:

• •Get help from an adult
• •Stand up for what's right
• •Discuss when something upsetting arises with a YSMT teacher and their parent
• •Offer apologies and make it right!

• •1st warning will be verbal with a brief sit out of participation.
• •2nd warning will be a phone call to parent/guardian about behavior.
• •3rd warning the student may be asked to be picked up early with a private discussion at pickup.

Young Star Musical Theatre admits students of any race, color, national origin, sexual orientation and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and other programs.

Harassment or intimidation of a parent, staff person or student because of that person's race, age, color, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, or religion is specifically prohibited and may be grounds for termination.

Any issues should immediately be reported to the Board of Directors so that prompt action can be taken.

Set up your account: this is our camp and class registration site. Please follow the link to create an account and register.

Lunch & Snacks

Pack a non-perishable lunch with plenty of snacks to keep your camper fueled throughout the day (Monday–Friday). Fridays = Pizza Party! Papa John's Pizza is provided at no additional cost by YSMT. Pizza will be provided for lunch on Fridays. If your child does not want pizza, please pack an alternative meal.

Water Bottle

Bring a reusable, leak-proof water bottle, labeled with student's first and last name.

Proper Footwear

Closed-toe sneakers are required for safety. Absolutely NO sandals, jazz shoes, Crocs, Uggs, or slip-on shoes of any kind.

Comfortable Clothing

No sweatshirts, long sleeves, or jeans—they will need full range of movement! Wear non-restrictive, breathable athletic wear to allow for dancing and movement.

Hair

All hair must be pulled up and out of the face for day camp and activities. (Including boys)

Optional: Snack Money

The YSMT snack counter will be open for additional snack purchases. Snacks range from $2–$4 each.

1st and 2nd Grade Campers: Sunscreen and Hat

Students will participate in outdoor recess and games/activities. Please plan accordingly with sunscreen or a sun hat.

Summer camp is the perfect opportunity to explore something new! With plenty of fresh faces joining each session, it's a welcoming environment for everyone. Our camps are designed for students of all skill levels—no prior experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love for musical theatre fun! 🎭✨

• •Rising 1st & 2nd Grade (Located at the West Orange Church of Christ)
• •Rising 3rd & 4th Grade (67 S. Dillard Street)
• •Rising 5th & 6th Grade (67 S. Dillard Street)
• •Rising 7th & 8th Grade (Shining Light Dance Academy: West Oaks Mall)
• •Rising 9th–12th Grade (Shining Light Dance Academy: West Oaks Mall)

At YSMT, we specialize in creating a vibrant and inclusive environment for performers of all ages and levels. Whether you're a seasoned star or stepping onto the stage for the first time, our week-long camps offer something magical for everyone.

Dive into the world of Broadway with expert instructors guiding you through singing, dancing, and acting workshops. From mastering iconic show tunes to honing your stage presence, each day is filled with learning, laughter, and the joy of musical theatre.

At the end of the week, showcase your newfound talents in a dazzling performance for friends, family, and fans. It's not just a camp—it's an unforgettable journey where every camper shines. Join us this summer and let the magic of musical theatre ignite your passion and creativity.

Camp is not prorated. Whatever was taught in the day that the student missed will be re-taught to the student.

If a camper decides to end their camp session early, refunds will only be in the form of YSMT credit for a future camp or class and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

All refunds are at the discretion of Young Star Musical Theatre Inc. and must be discussed with all parties involved.

During Summer we follow this policy:

• •Up to 14 days before your camp session no refund can be given. Only 100% future camp or class credit.
• •Any camp cancellation before the 14 day period, refunds will be provided, less a $25 admin fee.
• •Refunds/exchanges/credit during the week of camp are at the sole discretion of YSMT.

• •1st warning will be a verbal warning possibly a brief sit-out of participation.
• •2nd warning will be a phone call to the parent/guardian about behavior.
• •3rd warning the student may be asked to be picked up early with a private discussion at pickup.

If a camper exudes consistent disruptive or inappropriate behavior, they may be asked to disenroll from camp. Refund policy remains the same.