Frequently Asked Questions

For what ages do you currently offer programming?  We serve children from KINDERGARTEN through HIGH SCHOOL (5-18 years of age).  Organized by age, our programs give each student the opportunity to learn with their peers.  KIDS level is KINDERGARTEN through 3rd/4th grade.  JUNIOR level is Grades 4/5-8 and the HIGH SCHOOL level is grades 9-12. Once a year, we will combine our groups and mix up the age limits in our COMBO show. This experience gives our students the opportunity to work with older and/or younger students- keeping us all on our toes! This is just a little part of what makes our studio feel like a family!

What is the difference between KIDS, JR., and FULL STAGE shows? The KIDS level shows are approximately 30 minutes in length and are written for elementary age children, from grades K-4. The JUNIOR level shows are approximately 60-90 minutes in length and are written for middle school age children, from grades 5-8. FULL STAGE shows, in most cases, are the same that you would see on a professional stage, are between 90 minutes and 2 hours, and are meant for high school age children, grades 9-12. In some cases, at TSSYT, our younger groups will do a higher level show when we KNOW they can handle it and they will learn a TON. But NEVER will we ask a competent group of performers to do a lower level show. It’s not beneficial to them, they’ll most likely be bored silly and there’s no challenge there. At TSSYT, we believe in TEACHING our students, first and foremost. Everyone participates and everyone learns.

Are parents expected to stay during rehearsal? Not at all! Go home and relax, hit the grocery store, run some errands- But rest assured knowing that your child is having a BLAST and is in very capable hands. We run our programs with no more than a 8:1 student to counselor/teacher ratio. Mrs. Springer, a mother of 4, has directed OVER 75 shows, has been teaching for over 20 years and is a hands-on director who is always in the building, in every rehearsal. It can be a little scary to leave your precious one with strangers, so new parents are welcome to come in and observe our first rehearsal.

What will my child learn at TSSYT? Your child will be taught CORRECT vocal techniques, basic music theory, choreography and stage direction by degreed, professional musical theater performers, musicians and choreographers.

What if my child has no experience? Fantastic!  We LOVE new students at TSSYT!  No experience is completely fine and no one is required to audition for any program. We only hold auditions for the main roles in each show.  We will train your child in every aspect of musical theater that they need to learn to be part of a fantastic show! Involving the students in every aspect of the production creates a feeling of ownership and pride in the EXCELLENCE that they have created. We do require students in grades 5-12 to attend a DANCE CALL so we can evaluate their current dancing abilities.

How is TSSYT serving this wide range of students and ensuring they all get a positive experience?  We work above and beyond to provide quality musical instruction, beautiful costuming, professional grade lighting and sound technology, and exceptional, age appropriate choreography for ALL of our shows, for ALL of our students.  "KIDS" level show is shorter, but we don't treat it any differently than our full stage 2 and 1/2 hour long high school shows- because it's not 'just a KIDS show' to those little ones.  If it is important to them, it is important to us!

How can we provide exceptional programming for such a low price? In this case, you don’t necessarily get what you pay for- You get SO MUCH MORE! Other programs in our area charge upwards of $20 per hour for classes and training programs. TSSYT has just increased our pricing to almost $10 per hour so that we can continue to provide the high quality shows for which we have become known!

What makes The Springer Studio Youth Theater different from other youth theater training programs? We believe in allowing children to be CHILDREN. You will NEVER see inappropriate themes, excessive foul language or overtly sexual themes on our stage-EVER. We don’t use children to tell adult stories or expose them to adult-themed topics. Many other programs who have a training program as part of their ‘community theater’ platform do, so we encourage you to do your research! We realize that we are not the right fit for everyone, so an informed consumer is our best customer!

AUDITION PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO. We may do things a bit differently here at TSSYT when it comes to auditions. Please watch this instructional video to better prepare yourself for a successful audition!