About

Upper Darby Summer Stage is one of nation’s oldest and most successful youth theater programs. For four years running (2008, 2009, 2010, an d 2011), Summer Stage has been voted by My Fox Philly’s Best Theater Group in Philadelphia!

The Mission of Upper Darby Summer Stage is to encourage young people to develop the magic of their talents, personality and energy, and to share that magic with our audiences through outstanding theatrical performances for the entire family.

Each summer, nearly 1,000 young people from in and around the Delaware Valley come to Summer Stage and participate in one of our programs.  Participants range in age from 11 to 28.

On Stage

Apprentice Program – ages 11 and 12

The Apprentice Program is for our youngest Summer Stagers. Participants must be 11 years of age by the start of the program each summer, or finished 5th grade. Apprentices participate in one of two three-week sessions offered during the summer.  Classes are offered in acting, movement, music and storytelling from 8:30 to 11:30 am Monday through Friday. Apprentices perform at local libraries as the Summer Stage Storytellers.

Rising Stars – 12-13

Participants must be 13 years of age by the start of the program each summer or finished 7th grade; or must have completed a full session of the Apprentice Program. Rising Stars participate in one of two three-week sessions offered during the summer.  Classes are offered from 1 to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and will culminate in a performance of a children’s musical.

Children’s Theater – 14 – 17

Each Children’s Theater participant will have the opportunity to become a cast member for one or two musical theater productions.  These productions are theater “for young people, by young people” – short musical theater productions of approximately one hour, targeted for children ages four and up.  Our Children’s Theater casts rehearse for two to three weeks during the day; we put on one new show per week, with four performances of each show.

Mainstage – 18 – 28

Aspiring actors aged 18-28 along with our Children’s Theater “graduates” have the opportunity to audition for the Mainstage program.  Mainstage members rehearse in the evenings during the summer, culminating in a full-scale production of a Broadway musical.

Open Programs

There are a number of programs that are open to all Summer Stagers.  These programs have rehearsals throughout the entire summer, culminating in performances at the end of the summer.

Dance Troupe – 11 – 25

Cabaret – 16 – 25

Director’s Workshop – 16-25

All Summer Stagers are invited to audition for these opportunities.

Technical Theater

Ample opportunities exist for children who are interested in becoming involved in the back-stage aspect of theater.  There is a formal technical theater training program, and opportunities to become involved in our costume shop.

Technical Theater Program – 13-17

Participants must be 13 years of age by June 20, 2011 or finished 7th grade. Participants will receive training in set and props construction, painting, lighting and sound. Hours are on a contractual basis. An interview with the Technical Director at registration is a requirement for admission to the program. Limited enrollment.