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.

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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.
Since 2018 we have grown extensively offering summer intensives, fall and spring workshops - and have three divisions:

• JUNIOR DIVISION (grades 2-8)- musicals

• TEENS DIVISION (grades 9-12) - musicals

• MIXED DIVISION (grades 2-12) - musicals

We embrace diversity and encourage creativity, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, feels welcome and valued.

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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.

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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.


Broadway & TV:
Layla Capers, an early RSYTC alumna, rose to Broadway prominence, starring as Nala in The Lion King and Tomika in School of Rock. Her television credits include appearances on The Exorcist: Believer, Chupa, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Most recently, she landed the title role of Dee in Netflix's upcoming series 'Dee & Friends in Oz.'


Broadway World Nominations - November 202
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 - a RSYTC veteran, has built an impressive performance portfolio since joining in 2018.
A Broadway World nominee for her portrayal of Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, she also earned the title of Miss Teen Hardyston in 2022. Her theatrical excellence continued with top 3 placements at Sussex Teen Arts in 2023, 2024 and 2025 - first for her solo work, then alongside her castmates as Mary Warren in The Crucible. She represented Sussex County at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival in May 2023, earning Distinguished and Advanced adjudication scores, and returned in June 2024 to receive high adjudication marks in Small Theatre | Drama.
We are thrilled to announce Samantha’s promotion to Director and Choreographer of our Junior Division.

Emma Burke and Alexandra Perez, shone brightly at the 2024 Sussex County Teen Arts Festival.
Emma secured a top 3 placement in Small Theatre, while Perez was named Alternate in Small Vocal. Emma moved on to impress the judges at the NJ State Teen Arts Festival with her rendition of "The Moon and Me" from The Addams Family.

Marco Concha and Ava Tully also earned top recognition at the 2025 Sussex Teen Arts Festival and advanced to the NJ State Teen Arts Festival with their performance of “Hello Little Girl” from Into the Woods, receiving outstanding scores.


Mentions:
Laurel Brower, who played in Annie Jr in 2018, has built a diverse career in entertainment. Now working as both a model and actress, she showcases eyewear and fashion while appearing in television productions including Evil, Elisabeth, Evil Lives Here, and The Food That Built America.

Julia Roome, who played Belle in our 2021 production of Beauty & The Beast Jr., went on to compete in The Voice, advancing to the Knockout Round in late 2023. Today, she performs her original music at venues along the East coast while pursuing her songwriting career.

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