OnStage
Performance experience for our
School of Theatre Training students
OnStage connects your student's work in the classroom with a professional theatre experience. They will bring their talent to the stage while working with seasoned directors and designers! This program is only open to students enrolled in School of Theatre Training
(SOTT) or dance classes.
This intensive five-week program happens every spring. It requires commitment from both students and parents. Most SOTT students take part in a lottery to receive placement in OnStage. Conservatory students receive early registration into the program.
Directors, with the Education team, place students into one of four shows – two musicals and two non-musicals. During callbacks, directors make the final casting decisions before rehearsals begin. Please review the FAQs and Key Dates for more information.
This intensive five-week program happens every spring. It requires commitment from both students and parents. Most SOTT students take part in a lottery to receive placement in OnStage. Conservatory students receive early registration into the program.
Directors, with the Education team, place students into one of four shows – two musicals and two non-musicals. During callbacks, directors make the final casting decisions before rehearsals begin. Please review the FAQs and Key Dates for more information.
OnStage 2027 Shows Announced!
Look for more information including key dates and more coming soon!
THE ADDAMS FAMILY Young@Part®
The Drowsy Chaperone JR.
The Odyssey
The Comedy of Errors
The Drowsy Chaperone JR.
The Odyssey
The Comedy of Errors
Presenting Sponsor
Additional Links
OnStage FAQs
What is OnStage?
OnStage is a flagship program at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, running annually since 2010. Each spring, approximately 150 student actors bring their talent to the stage through four productions in just five weeks. OnStage bridges classroom training with a professional theatre experience, giving students the chance to work with seasoned directors and designers while taking their skills to the next level.
What is the time commitment for OnStage?
• OnStage is an incredible opportunity for students to grow as both people and performers, and it does require a significant commitment from students and their families.
• Rehearsals are typically held four evenings per week with two weekend commitments (see dates below).
• Depending on their age and role, students should expect to rehearse 2–4 hours each night between 5:30 PM- 9PM (weeks 1-4) and 5:30 - 9:30 PM (week 5).
• There are 2 mandatory one-hour virtual meetings for students and families (see dates below).
What is the attendance policy?
• Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals.
• Excused absences are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Unexcused absences are not permitted and may result in removal from the program, recasting, or removal from scenes/numbers.
• No conflicts are permitted after May 4.
• All conflicts must be listed on the OnStage Application Form (link coming soon).
Who can participate?
• OnStage is open only to students enrolled in School of Theatre Training (SOTT) 10- or 20-week classes in Grades 5-12.
• Conservatory students receive early registration as a benefit of their program.
• All other SOTT students in grades 5–12 are entered into a lottery for placement in the remaining spots.
Note: Attendance, commitment, and behavior in our Education classes may affect your eligibility for OnStage.
How do I apply for the lottery?
NEW All students - including Conservatory students - must complete the OnStage Application Form during the week of Feb 6-10.
When will I know if I am accepted?
• Lottery results are announced by Feb 16 via email.
• Students not placed will be put on a waitlist and notified if a spot opens.
How do I register, and what is the cost?
• Students accepted into the program will receive a registration link via email.
• Tuition: $450 per student.
• Scholarships are available (details here).
What should I expect at auditions and callbacks?
Note: Only registered OnStage students are eligible to attend auditions and callbacks.
Auditions: Mar 21 (4:30–8:30 PM) & Mar 22 (12:30–7:30 PM)
Callbacks: Mar 28 (10-4 PM) & Mar 29 (1-4 PM)
• Specific requirements will be shared in advance.
• Every student who auditions will be cast unless deemed ineligible due to conflicts or other circumstances.
• Students will be added to a Google Classroom for their production to receive the cast list and rehearsal information.
What can I expect during performance week?
All four productions are performed May 14–16:
• Thur, May 14: 2 performances
• Fri, May 15: 2 performances
• Sat, May 16: 4 performances, followed by a cast party and awards ceremony
Exact showtimes will be announced closer to the date.
Parents will also have opportunities to volunteer with ushering, concessions, and other needs.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets go on sale April 13 (the first day of rehearsal). Price: $12–$15 per ticket.
Tickets available in person at the CTC Box Office (Tue–Sat, 12–5 PM), online (linked here once tickets go on sale), and by phone at 704-973-2828 (see hours above). Payment accepted: Visa, MasterCard, check, or cash.
OnStage is a flagship program at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, running annually since 2010. Each spring, approximately 150 student actors bring their talent to the stage through four productions in just five weeks. OnStage bridges classroom training with a professional theatre experience, giving students the chance to work with seasoned directors and designers while taking their skills to the next level.
What is the time commitment for OnStage?
• OnStage is an incredible opportunity for students to grow as both people and performers, and it does require a significant commitment from students and their families.
• Rehearsals are typically held four evenings per week with two weekend commitments (see dates below).
• Depending on their age and role, students should expect to rehearse 2–4 hours each night between 5:30 PM- 9PM (weeks 1-4) and 5:30 - 9:30 PM (week 5).
• There are 2 mandatory one-hour virtual meetings for students and families (see dates below).
What is the attendance policy?
• Attendance is mandatory at all rehearsals.
• Excused absences are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Unexcused absences are not permitted and may result in removal from the program, recasting, or removal from scenes/numbers.
• No conflicts are permitted after May 4.
• All conflicts must be listed on the OnStage Application Form (link coming soon).
Who can participate?
• OnStage is open only to students enrolled in School of Theatre Training (SOTT) 10- or 20-week classes in Grades 5-12.
• Conservatory students receive early registration as a benefit of their program.
• All other SOTT students in grades 5–12 are entered into a lottery for placement in the remaining spots.
Note: Attendance, commitment, and behavior in our Education classes may affect your eligibility for OnStage.
How do I apply for the lottery?
NEW All students - including Conservatory students - must complete the OnStage Application Form during the week of Feb 6-10.
When will I know if I am accepted?
• Lottery results are announced by Feb 16 via email.
• Students not placed will be put on a waitlist and notified if a spot opens.
How do I register, and what is the cost?
• Students accepted into the program will receive a registration link via email.
• Tuition: $450 per student.
• Scholarships are available (details here).
What should I expect at auditions and callbacks?
Note: Only registered OnStage students are eligible to attend auditions and callbacks.
Auditions: Mar 21 (4:30–8:30 PM) & Mar 22 (12:30–7:30 PM)
Callbacks: Mar 28 (10-4 PM) & Mar 29 (1-4 PM)
• Specific requirements will be shared in advance.
• Every student who auditions will be cast unless deemed ineligible due to conflicts or other circumstances.
• Students will be added to a Google Classroom for their production to receive the cast list and rehearsal information.
What can I expect during performance week?
All four productions are performed May 14–16:
• Thur, May 14: 2 performances
• Fri, May 15: 2 performances
• Sat, May 16: 4 performances, followed by a cast party and awards ceremony
Exact showtimes will be announced closer to the date.
Parents will also have opportunities to volunteer with ushering, concessions, and other needs.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets go on sale April 13 (the first day of rehearsal). Price: $12–$15 per ticket.
Tickets available in person at the CTC Box Office (Tue–Sat, 12–5 PM), online (linked here once tickets go on sale), and by phone at 704-973-2828 (see hours above). Payment accepted: Visa, MasterCard, check, or cash.
