The New Jewish Theatre’s Youth Theatre program has a variety of programming for kids who want to step into the spotlight.  

This spring, aspiring actors from kindergarten through 10th grade can participate in three theater productions. Auditions will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Jewish Community Center’s Marilyn Fox Building, 16801 Baxter Road in Chesterfield. 

Theatre Kochavim (kindergarten through second grade) will begin rehearsals for its production of “Rumpus in the Rainforest”  from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the Fox Building. Performances are planned for March 20 and 23. The production will introduce participants to the fundamentals of acting and singing. For this production, no audition is required. Registration fees are $165 for members and $185 for non-members. 

Theatre Chaverim (third through fifth grade) will audition for “The Story of Velveteen Rabbit,” a musical adaptation of the story of a boy who receives a stuffed rabbit for his birthday. The toy is an outcast among the other toys but teaches lessons about friendship and acceptance.  Rehearsals begin Feb. 2 and continue on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Fox Building, with some rehearsals and all performances at the Staenberg Family Complex 12 Millstone Campus Drive; performances are slated for May 8 and 11. 

Teen Theatre (sixth through 10th grade) will audition for  the award-winning musical “Honk!” — a modern rock twist on the tale of “The Ugly Duckling.” Rehearsals begin Jan. 26 and continue on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Fox Building, with a few rehearsals and all performances at the Staenberg Family Complex.  Performance dates are April 10 and 14. 

Registration fees for “The Story of Velveteen Rabbit” and “Honk!” are $245 for JCC members and $275 for non members. All who audition are cast. Not all actors will be called for every rehearsal, and no rehearsals will be on holiday weekends. Payment plans and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

For more information or to reserve an audition spot, contact Cindy Lewis at 314-442-3239 or [email protected].