Our Vision:

At Rising Stars, we believe in the power of theater to transform lives. We envision a world where every young person is given the chance to shine brightly and discover their unique potential. Through the magic of the performing arts, we aim to inspire, educate, and create unforgettable experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.

​

Our Journey:

Since our inception in 2018, we've embarked on a remarkable journey. Our dedicated team of educators, professionals, and volunteers has worked tirelessly to provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals to explore their passions. We've witnessed countless young performers discover their voices, develop confidence, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
 

What We Offer:

Rising Stars offers performing intensives, for full-scale productions that captivate audiences of all ages. We embrace diversity and encourage creativity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, feels welcome and valued.

​

Community and Impact:

Our impact extends beyond the footlights. We're proud to be a part of the tri-state community, collaborating with schools, families, and local organizations to promote the arts. Together, we've seen how theater can inspire empathy, teach valuable life skills, and strengthen the bonds of our community.

​

Join Us:

Whether your child dreams of gracing the Broadway stage or simply wants to explore their creative side, Rising Stars Youth Theatre Co. welcomes aspiring young performers of all backgrounds and abilities. We invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery, growth, and artistic expression.

At Rising Stars, the spotlight is on the future, and we're excited to continue nurturing the rising stars of our community for years to come.
 

 

We're thrilled to announce that numerous students in our program have claimed prestigious awards and honors, propelling themselves towards even greater achievements. This isn't just talk - our students dedicate themselves tirelessly, and the results speak volumes. With their remarkable dedication, it's clear that a multitude of bright futures await them.

On March 12, 2024, 3 of our talented students, Emma Burke, Julian Barranco, and Alexandra Perez, showcased their skills impressively at the Sussex County Teen Arts Festival yesterday, garnering praise from the judges for their outstanding performances. Next year we plan to include more performers

 

Broadway & TV:
Layla Capers, one of our earliest stars, went on to play Nala in The Lion King and Tomika in School of Rock on Broadway.
She appeared on TV's The Exorcist: Believer, Chupa, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and was recently cast as Dee for Netflix's ‘Dee & Friends in Oz’ show.

Laurel Brower, who was with Rising Stars in 2018, went on to become a model and actress of independent films. She models eyewear, and clothes, in addition to appearing on Evil, Elisabeth, Evil Lives Here, and The Food That Built America TV shows.

Broadway World Nominations
Nominated for Best Overall Musical Production

Nominated for Best Director & Choreographer: Laura A. Rizzo

Best Performers in a Musical for Legally Blonde - November 2022:
Samantha Kemp - Elle Woods
Vincent Giacchi - Emmett Forrest
Joshua Watson - Kyle O'Boyle 
Bella Maza - Vivienne Kensington


Award Winners & Recognitions:

Samantha Kemp was crowned Miss Teen Hardyston 2022 and has been invited to enter the Miss Hardyston pageant for 2024.
She placed in the top 3 at Sussex Teen Arts 2023 for Small Theatre and went on to repesent the county at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival in May 2023, where she received Distinguished and Advanced Adjudication scores.
Samantha recently placed top 3 at the 2024 Sussex County Teen Arts for Small Theatre | Drama with fellow castmates for her role as Mary Warren in The Crucible, and will move on to NJ State Teen Arts this June.

Emma Burke and Alexandra Perez made quite the impression at the 2024 Sussex County Teen Arts as well.
Emma placed top 3 in Small Theatre and Alexandra was named Alternate in Small Vocal. Emma will move on to NJ State Teen Arts with her performance of "The Moon and Me" from The Addams Family in June.

Mentions:
Bella Maza who has been with RSYTC from 2018 to 2023, is currently attending DeSales University for Theatre.

​

​

 

 THE BENEFITS OF MUSICAL THEATRE

 

Life Skills Beyond the Stage:

The youth theater program goes beyond the stage. It equips these young participants with essential life skills. Through theater, they learn effective communication, teamwork, time management, and the ability to handle constructive criticism. These skills are invaluable and will serve them well in any future endeavor they choose to pursue.

​

Fostering Creativity:

Theater is a medium that celebrates creativity and encourages imagination. It's heartening to see these kids explore their creative sides, from bringing characters to life to designing sets and costumes. They develop a deep appreciation for the arts and often find new passions and interests along the way.
 

Building Lifelong Friendships:

The bonds that form within the youth theater are truly special. Participants forge friendships that can last a lifetime. They share the ups and downs of rehearsals and performances, creating a strong support system that extends beyond the theater walls. It's heartwarming to witness these young individuals grow not only as performers but also as friends.
 

Cultivating a Love for the Arts:

Introducing kids to the world of theater can spark a lifelong love for the arts. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that I'm playing a role in shaping their cultural appreciation. Whether they pursue careers in the performing arts or simply become avid theatergoers and supporters, I've contributed to enriching their lives through the arts.

​

Building a Sense of Community:

The youth theater program is a microcosm of the community. It brings together kids from diverse backgrounds, and in doing so, it fosters inclusivity and a sense of belonging. This sense of community extends to parents, volunteers, and supporters who come together to create memorable productions.

​

Creating Lasting Memories:

Theater is about creating moments that leave a lasting impact. Seeing the joy on the faces of these young actors when they step on stage and hearing the applause from an appreciative audience is a memory that stays with me. It's a reminder of the magic of live performance and its ability to touch hearts.

In summary, being involved with a youth theater program has been a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience. It's not just about teaching kids to act; it's about helping them grow as individuals, fostering a love for the arts, and building a tight-knit community. This journey continues to bring me immense joy, and I look forward to witnessing the future successes of these talented young performers.

​