June Session Dates
June 8 - 26, 2026
Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
July Session Dates
July 6 - 23, 2026
Monday–Friday 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Summer Theatre School
We’re so glad your family is joining us this summer. Our team has been preparing for a creative, energetic, and memorable experience for your child.
Our Theatre School for Youth is about more than performance — it’s about building confidence, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Our staff are not only skilled instructors but also role models who foster growth in students of all ages and experience levels.
Whether you're new to the program or returning, we’re thrilled to have you with us.
Click a grade level image above to filter programs by age, or view all summer sessions at the registration link.
WELCOME
For forty years, Youth Theatre has helped young people learn to communicate, collaborate, create and celebrate by experiencing, hands-on, the theatre arts. In the classroom, in rehearsal, and in performance, students learn valuable principles, techniques, and skills that help them grow as people and as artists.
Mission
Youth Theatre is dedicated to empowering youth to skillfully participate in the performing arts as a vehicle to explore their creativity, engage in their community, and think critically about the world.
Our Philosophy
- Embracing Individuality: We celebrate and honor the individuality of every student. Regardless of their age, experience, background, or identity, every student belongs in our program. We recognize and value the perspectives, abilities, and backgrounds that each student brings.
- Process-Oriented Learning: We prioritize the process over the final product. Our focus is on creating a supportive and nurturing environment where every student feels heard, celebrated, and uplifted. We embrace the idea of "productive struggle" and view challenges as opportunities for growth and understanding. We believe that practice leads to progress and that failure is a valuable step towards learning.
- Collaborative Spirit: We emphasize the power of collaboration and ensemble work. We believe that no singular person is more important than another and that we rise and fall together. We encourage students to actively listen, respect each other's ideas and point of views, and work together to create shared artistic experiences. Collaboration fosters mutual support, trust, and a strong sense of community.
- Theatre for Social Change: We believe in the transformative power of theatre to inspire social change. We recognize that the skills learned through theatre, such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking, contribute to building a more just and kind world. We strive to instill these values in our students and empower them to use their voices for positive impact.
- Lifelong Learning: We are committed to ongoing learning, growth, and adaptation. We actively seek new knowledge, listen to feedback, and respond to the evolving needs of our students and the community. Through our dedication to continuous improvement, we strive to provide the best possible theatrical education for all.
- All Youth Theatre Lead Teachers have degrees in theatre performance or theatre education. Many are middle school and high school teachers in local school districts.
- Our Teaching Assistants are students in the Department of Theatre who are studying theatre teaching, stage management, and/or performance.
- All Youth Theatre staff and faculty members have background checks that are renewed every three years.
- All Youth Theatre staff and faculty members have a Youth Protection training to make sure they understand the Safety of Minors policy.
- Our program goes above the minimum requirements to make sure we provide a safe environment for all youth participating in our program.
The University of Utah is committed to providing for the safety and protection of all youth that participate in University programs or programs operating on University premises. This commitment lead to the creation of University Policy 1-015 Safety of Minors and the establishment of Youth Protection and Program Support, whose primary goal is providing for the safety and protection of youth participating in University programs. YPPS supports the policy by providing guidance and training to all staff, faculty, students, and volunteers working with youth.
REGISTRATION POLICIES
We understand that plans sometimes change. Youth Theatre at the U offers a limited number of spots in each session, so our cancellation policy helps us plan staffing and class placements while remaining fair to families.
Because our sessions often fill quickly, we encourage families to cancel as soon as plans change so we can offer the spot to another student.
Refund Schedule
Within 48 hours of registration
Registrations cancelled within 48 hours of purchase will receive a full refund to the original payment method.
Up to 30 days before the session start date
Cancellations made at least 30 days before the start of the session will receive a full refund minus a $30.00 administrative fee.
Between 30 days and 7 days before the session start date
Cancellations made between 30 days and 7 days before the start of the session will receive a 50% refund.
Within 7 days of the session start date or after the program begins
Refunds are not available once the program is within 7 days of the start date or after the session has begun.
Requests related to serious illness or emergency may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
How to Cancel Your Registration
Parents may cancel their registration directly through their online account.
- Log in to your Online Account using the email and password used during registration.
- Under Current & Upcoming, locate your child’s registration.
- Click Cancel next to the registration.
- Review the refund details and confirm the cancellation.
If the Cancel link is not available or you need assistance, please contact Youth Theatre at the U.
Additional Notes
• If there is any remaining unpaid balance on a registration, it will be deducted from the refund total.
• Some registrations created internally by Youth Theatre staff may not be eligible for self-cancellation online.
• Enrollment secures a place in the program, but elective placements may change based on enrollment and staffing.
Because sessions often fill quickly, we recommend transferring as early as possible if your plans change.
Families may transfer their registration to another session within the same season if space is available. Transfers can be completed directly through your online account.
Transfer Fees and Deadlines
Transfers are free if completed within 48 hours of registration.
After 48 hours, transfers are subject to a $10 transfer fee.
Transfers are allowed until 14 days before the start of the original session. After that time, schedules and class placements are finalized and transfers are no longer available.
Sessions must have available space in order to accept a transfer.
How to Transfer Your Session
- Log into your Online Account using the email and password used during registration.
- Under Current & Upcoming, locate the registration you want to change.
- Click Edit, then select Transfer.
- Browse available sessions and select the session you would like to move into.
- Select any options or merchandise if applicable.
- Review the registration details and sign any required waivers.
- Confirm the transfer and complete payment if any balance or transfer fee applies.
Important Notes
If the transfer results in a price difference, the system will automatically calculate the balance due or refund.
If a refund is due, families may choose to receive the refund to the original payment method or as a credit on their account.
If the transfer option does not appear, it may be because:
• the session is within 14 days of the start date
• the session is full
• the registration is on a waitlist
• the registration was not purchased through an online payment method
If you need assistance with a transfer, please contact Youth Theatre at the U.
Transfers may affect elective placements and schedules.
Some sessions may fill quickly. When a session reaches capacity, families may choose to join the waitlist.
If a space becomes available, our registration system will automatically send an invitation to the next participant on the waitlist. This invitation allows you to complete registration and claim the open spot.
Waitlist invitations expire 36 hours after the email is sent. If the spot is not claimed within that time, it will automatically be offered to the next student on the waitlist.
Waitlist invitations are sent from:
Youth Theatre at the U (University of Utah) – support@active.com
Please check your email carefully, including spam or junk folders, if your child is on a waitlist.
Important Notes
- Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a spot in the program.
- Waitlist invitations are sent automatically when a space becomes available and are offered in order of the waitlist.
- If you receive a waitlist invitation, you must complete the registration process before the expiration time in order to claim the space.
- Waitlist invitations expire quickly. If your child is on a waitlist, please watch your email closely.
- Families who no longer wish to remain on the waitlist should remove themselves from the waitlist through their online account.
- If you need assistance with a waitlist or registration, please contact Youth Theatre at the U.
HIGH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Students enrolled in Senior Ensemble will complete a short supplemental form in the registration system.
The form includes a brief video (monologue or song) and a few short questions about interests and goals.
This is not an audition.
It simply helps our teaching team get to know students before the session begins so we can plan the work and support everyone’s strengths.
The form will appear in your registration account and is due 30 days before the session begins.
Video Submission
Students will submit one of the following:
• A 30–60 second monologue
• A 30–60 second song
• Or both if they would like
Students may perform something from a play or musical or create something of their own. A simple phone recording is completely fine. Videos may be shared as a link.
Questions on the Form
Students will also answer a few short questions:
• What part of theatre excites you the most right now?
• What is something you hope to learn or get better at this summer?
• Tell us one thing about yourself that helps us understand you as a collaborator.
Optional Leadership Opportunities
Senior Ensemble students may also indicate interest in assisting with elements of the project such as warm-ups, choreography support, staging, writing, design ideas, or rehearsal organization.
• Would you like to be considered for a student assistant or leadership role?
• If yes or maybe, what type of role interests you? (acting leadership, choreography, music, directing, design, stage management, etc.)
• Is there anything else you would like the directors to know about your interests or skills?
High school students can apply to serve as Teen Aides during our summer sessions. Teen Aides assist instructors, help younger campers, and support the daily flow of camp activities. These positions provide leadership experience and may be completed as volunteer hours or as tuition credit toward Youth Theatre Conservatory programs.
Teen Aide positions are limited and applications are reviewed by the Youth Theatre staff.