Your Premier Youth Theatre Destination.
A Broadway-World nominated theatre company for young performers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the Rising Stars Youth Theatre Company FAQ page!
Whether your child is stepping onto the stage for the very first time or is a seasoned performer looking for high-caliber youth training, we want to make your experience as clear, smooth, and welcoming as possible.
Below, you’ll find comprehensive answers to our most common questions regarding registration, auditions, casting policies, rehearsal expectations, tuition, and performance schedules for our Tri-State area families.
ABOUT RISING STARS
Rising Stars Youth Theatre is Sussex County's only nonprofit youth theatre dedicated exclusively to young performers ages 8–18.
Broadway-World nominated and a Top 3 Best of Sussex County finalist for Live Theatre for five consecutive years, Rising Stars has been transforming young talent into confident performers since March 2017. We are now entering our 10th year of programming.
WHAT MAKES RISING STARS DIFFERENT?
Rising Stars Youth Theatre is proudly dedicated exclusively to young performers ages 8–18.
We do not mix adult actors with our young performers.
In traditional community theatre, adults are often cast in leading roles while young performers may be placed in smaller ensemble roles. At Rising Stars, the stage belongs to our young performers. From lead roles and featured solos to core ensemble positions, every performance opportunity is designed specifically for children and teens.
Our programs are immersive, high-impact experiences that challenge young performers artistically while helping them develop confidence, collaboration, discipline, and real stage experience. Students are taken seriously, challenged creatively, and encouraged to grow in a professional, supportive, and artistically driven environment.
Whether they are stepping into a featured role or performing as part of the ensemble, every student has an important place in the production.
At Rising Stars, young performers aren't overshadowed by adults — they are the heart of the experience.
WHY DO RISING STARS PROGRAMS FILL UP & SELL OUT SO QUICKLY?
Rising Stars intentionally limits enrollment to maintain a focused, immersive, and high-quality experience for every performer.
Unlike programs where ensemble members can be overlooked or treated as background filler, every student at Rising Stars is seen, valued, challenged, and included. Whether a performer is cast in a lead role or as part of the ensemble, students receive meaningful stage opportunities, individual attention, and the chance to grow both artistically and personally.
Our youth-only focus allows directors and staff to truly invest in each performer — helping students build confidence, develop their skills, form friendships, and feel like an important part of the production from the very beginning.
Families choose Rising Stars because the experience is personal, supportive, artistically driven, and centered on the individual performer. Our goal is for every young person to feel respected, encouraged, challenged, and proud of the work they create together.
LOCATION:
All rehearsals and performances are held at Pehrson Hall, located adjacent to The First Presbyterian Church of Sparta.
32 Main Street
Sparta, NJ 07871
>> GOOGLE MAPS <<
You do not need to live in New Jersey to participate in Rising Stars.
Families travel from communities throughout New Jersey, as well as neighboring Pennsylvania, to be part of our programs.
Families must have reliable transportation to and from our Sparta, NJ location for all rehearsals and scheduled performances.
REGISTRATION
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each intensive and workshop has a limited number of available spots, so enrollment is not guaranteed.
To register, visit the current Workshop or Summer Intensive page and complete the registration process.
WHAT IS THE REGISTRATION FEE?
The standard registration fee is $575 per child, plus a mandatory costume fee of $25–$100, depending on the production.
Late registrations submitted after the posted deadline are $600 per child, plus the applicable costume fee.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
Registration and payment must be completed within 24 hours of accepting a role.
Failure to complete payment within that time may result in the role being offered to another participant.
CAN I REGISTER FOR MORE THAN ONE SUMMER INTENSIVE?
Yes! Each intensive requires a separate registration and registration opens months before the summer programs.
Because spots are limited, we recommend registering early for each program your child wishes to participate in.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Payment options may be available.
Please contact us directly at RSYTNJ@gmail.com to discuss payment plan options.
AGES & PROGRAMS
WHAT AGES CAN JOIN RISING STARS?
Rising Stars programs are open to young performers in grades 2–12, ages 8–18, unless otherwise noted for a specific program.
We offer multiple divisions to ensure performers are placed in an age-appropriate environment where they can learn, grow, and be appropriately challenged.
Divisions include:
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Junior Division (kids in grades 2-8)
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Teen Division (teens in grades 9-12)
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Mixed Division (kids and teens in grades 2-12)
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Drama Division (TBA - dependent on production/show)
AUDITIONS
WHO CAN AUDITION?
Rising Stars welcomes young performers in grades 2–12, and all experience levels are welcome.
Our productions are organized by age group, allowing performers to be placed in an environment that is appropriate for their age and experience level.
ARE AUDITIONS REQUIRED?
Yes. Auditions are required for anyone seeking a lead or supporting role in our intensives or workshops.
Certain programs may require all participants to audition, regardless of the role they are seeking.
HOW DO AUDITIONS WORK?
All auditions are submitted by video. We do not hold in-person auditions.
Visit our Auditions page for complete instructions, including what to prepare and how to submit your audition.
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD/TEEN PREPARE FOR THE AUDITION VIDEO?
Audition videos should include:
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A 2–3 minute song performed with a karaoke or backing track
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A monologue
Complete audition requirements and submission instructions are available on our Auditions page.
MY CHILD HAS NEVER PERFORMED BEFORE. CAN THEY STILL AUDITION?
Absolutely! Rising Stars welcomes performers of all experience levels — from students stepping on stage for the very first time to young performers with professional experience.
Our programs are rigorous and high-energy, but we believe performers grow when they are challenged, supported, and encouraged in a positive environment.
We proudly cast 90%+ of those who audition because we believe every young performer deserves the opportunity to experience the stage.
WHAT IF MY CHILD ONLY WANTS TO BE IN THE ENSEMBLE?
The ensemble at Rising Stars is not for the faint of heart!
Ensemble members are involved in nearly every number — singing, dancing, acting, and bringing the energy that makes each scene come alive.
They learn full choreography, wear full costumes, and help carry the production from the first note to the final bow.
The leads may have the spotlight, but the ensemble has the party.
No prior experience is required. All your child needs is energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to give it everything they've got.
WHEN ARE AUDITION DEADLINES?
Audition deadlines vary by workshop and summer intensive.
Please check the individual show/program pages and our social media for current audition dates and deadlines.
Upcoming Spring 2027 Audition Deadline: January 3, 2027
CASTING
HOW WILL WE FIND OUT IF MY CHILD/TEEN WAS CAST?
Casting notifications are sent via email after the audition deadline has passed.
Please make sure we have your correct email address and check your spam and junk folders regularly. Rising Stars is not responsible for missed casting notifications due to an incorrect email address or an email being filtered into spam or junk.
Occasionally, an audition deadline may be extended to give additional students the opportunity to audition. When this happens, casting notifications may be slightly delayed.
We will provide advance notice of any deadline extensions, so be sure to check our website, Facebook, and Instagram for updates.
HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO ACCEPT A ROLE?
Once your child has been cast, you will have 12 hours to accept or decline the role.
If we do not receive a response within that window — even after a follow-up email — we will consider the role declined and immediately recast the part.
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE MISS THE ACCEPTANCE WINDOW?
If your child's original role has already been recast by the time we hear from you, they may still participate as an ensemble member, depending on availability.
However, the original role will not be reinstated under any circumstances. No exceptions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEAD, SUPPORTING ROLE AND ENSEMBLE?
Lead and supporting roles are awarded through the audition process.
Ensemble roles are available to all cast participants and are an equally important part of every Rising Stars production. Ensemble members are typically involved in all or nearly all dance and song numbers, helping bring the energy and excitement to the entire production.
At Rising Stars, ensemble is not a lesser role — every member of the cast contributes to the success of the show.
SCHEDULES & ATTENDANCE
WHAT ARE THE 2026 DATES FOR THE FALL WORKSHOP?
The Addams Family
September 6 – December 2
Tech Week takes place the week of the performances and includes rehearsals on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday prior to the show dates.
* Additional rehearsals may be scheduled at the director's discretion.
Performances:
Friday, December 4 at 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 5 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 PM
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE SUMMER INTENSIVES?
Summer Intensives typically rehearse Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM.
For mixed or more complex productions, rehearsals may be extended until 4:00 PM depending on the needs of the production. Lead roles may also be asked to stay until 4:00 PM.
Families will always receive advance notice of any schedule changes.
WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THE SPRING WORKSHOP?
Fall and Spring Workshops typically meet Sundays from 1:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Tech Week takes place the week of the performances and includes rehearsals on Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday prior to the show dates.
* Additional rehearsals may be scheduled at the director's discretion.
WHAT IS THE ATTENDANCE POLICY?
Attendance is critical because Rising Stars productions are full productions, and every cast member is essential.
From day one, every performer becomes part of a team.
Scenes and musical numbers depend on the entire cast being present and ready to work.
When someone is absent, choreography can stall, scenes cannot be rehearsed, and other performers lose valuable rehearsal time.
For this reason, Rising Stars maintains the following attendance policies:
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Missing more than 3 days may result in removal from the program without a refund.
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Lead or supporting roles missing 2 or more days may be recast to an ensemble role.
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Cast members who are late more than 4 times will be reviewed by the Board.
These policies help ensure that every performer has a castmate who is present, prepared, and committed to the production.
WHAT IS TECH WEEK AND IS IT MANDATORY?
Tech Week takes place during the week of each performance, beginning on Sunday and typically continuing on Monday and Wednesday.
These rehearsals include full run-throughs incorporating costumes, lighting, microphones, and all final production elements.
*Tech Week attendance is mandatory. No excused absences are permitted.
ARE PERFORMANCES MANDATORY?
Yes. All performances are mandatory.
Please keep all scheduled show dates open when registering for a Rising Stars program.
CONFLICTS
HOW DO I REPORT SCHEDULING CONFLICTS?
All scheduling conflicts must be submitted in writing either on the registration or audition form, or by email to RSYTNJ@gmail.com.
Verbal conflicts communicated to staff or directors will not be considered valid and will not be recorded.
If it is not in writing, it does not exist.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD/TEEN BRING TO REHEARSALS EACH DAY?
Students should arrive prepared with a packed lunch, snacks, and plenty of water each day.
Depending on the program, students may also need additional rehearsal supplies such as a notebook, pencils, highlighters, scripts, or other materials.
A complete list of any required supplies will typically be provided or posted before the workshop or intensive begins, so families know exactly what to bring.
Rehearsal schedules vary by program:
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Summer Intensives: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
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Fall & Spring Workshops: Sundays in 3-4 hour rehearsal blocks
Please plan accordingly based on the program your child is enrolled in.
There are restaurants located nearby; however, only participants age 14 and older may leave the “campus” to get lunch, and this option is strictly limited to Summer Intensives.
DRESS CODE
IS THERE A DRESS CODE?
Yes. All participants must arrive in comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate dance shoes each day.
For safety and ease of movement:
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Jeans are not permitted.
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UGGs are not permitted.
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CROCS are not permitted.
Please have your child arrive dressed and ready to move.
PICKUP & SAFETY
HOW DOES PICKUP WORK AT THE END OF REHEARSAL?
All children must be picked up from inside the building and signed out by an authorized guardian.
No child may leave the building or rehearsal location unaccompanied.
This policy is mandatory and non-negotiable and is in place to ensure that every child transitions safely from Rising Stars’ supervision to their family.
BEHAVIOR POLICY
WHAT IS YOUR BEHAVIOR POLICY?
Rising Stars maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, disrespect, negative attitudes, foul language, physical abuse, or inappropriate behavior of any kind — both in person and online.
Any incident involving assault will be reported to local authorities.
Children who are dismissed from a program for behavioral reasons will not receive a refund.
DOES THE BEHAVIOR POLICY APPLY TO PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS?
Yes. Parents and family members are expected to uphold the same standards of respect and appropriate behavior.
Any parent or family member demonstrating disrespect, bullying, or violence may result in both the parent and child being removed from the program without a refund.
IS THERE A CELL PHONE
Yes. Cell phones must be put away during all rehearsals.
Phones may only be used during designated break times.
Repeated violations may result in the phone being confiscated and, ultimately, dismissal from the program under the behavior policy.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICIES
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Rising Stars Youth Theatre maintains a strict NO REFUND policy. All sales are final.
CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION TO A DIFFERENT WORKSHOP/INTENSIVE?
No. Registrations cannot be transferred between intensives or workshops under any circumstances.
COSTUMES, T-SHIRTS, & PLAYBILL ADS
WHAT IS THE COSTUME FEE?
A mandatory costume fee of $25–$100 applies to every program.
The exact costume fee will be announced before the start of the intensive or workshop.
ARE CAST T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE?
Yes! Cast T-shirts are available for optional purchase and feature the show's logo along with Rising Stars branding.
WHAT IS A PLAYBILL BOOSTER AD?
Families have the option to purchase a personalized Playbill ad for their child, featuring a photo and custom message.
Order form links will be provided to each cast member/family during the workshop or intensive.
Families with multiple children may choose to purchase one combined ad or individual ads for each child.
Playbill ads range from $40–$70, depending on the ad selected.
Playbill ads are completely optional and non-refundable.
LIVE PERORMANCES & TICKETS
HOW DO I PURCHASE TICKETS?
Tickets are available exclusively through the official Rising Stars Youth Theatre Box Office.
Please be cautious when purchasing tickets from individuals online.
Unless you personally know the seller, tickets offered through social media posts or third parties may be scams.
Because many Rising Stars performances sell out, scammers may sometimes post that they have “extra” tickets because they can no longer attend.
Do not purchase tickets from anyone unless you personally know the seller. Rising Stars Youth Theatre is not responsible for tickets purchased outside of our official website.
Purchase tickets through the official Box Office:
Rising Stars Youth Theatre Box Office
HOW MUCH ARE TICKETS?
Tickets are $20 per person.
Children under 2 years old are free.
ARE REFUNDS AVAILABLE ON TICKETS PURCHASED?
NO. All ticket sales are final. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for any reason.
In the event of inclement weather, the Box Office will contact you with options to reschedule to another performance of the same show or a different show at no additional cost.
RISING STARS MERCHANDISE, APPAREL & CAST KEEPSAKES
Show your Rising Stars pride on and off the stage!
We now offer a new line of high-quality apparel, cast posters, and special show keepsakes designed so our performers, families, alumni, and supporters can celebrate every production and wear their RSYT spirit with pride.
Whether you are looking for your official show t-shirt, a custom keepsake poster to remember your mainstage run, or everyday theater gear, explore our full collection below.
WHERE CAN WE PURCHASE OFFICIAL SHOW MERCH AND T-SHIRTS?
The new line of official Show and Rising Stars t-shirts can be purchased at our live shows (subject to inventory availability).
They can also be purchased, along with cast posters, and keepsakes online through our website anytime.
Cast t-shirts will be available for a limited time. Deadline dates are posted.
Visit our Merch Page
COMMUNICATIONS
HOW DOES RISING STARS COMMUNICATE WITH FAMILIES?
All official communications for registered programs are posted through one of the official emails (below) and/or the Band App page for your specific workshop or intensive.
All cast members and parents are required to join the appropriate Band App group. This is the sole official source for program information and updates, including announcements, rehearsal information, photos, videos, choreography, and other production-related communication.
We closely monitor activity within our Band App groups.
Access is restricted to registered cast members and their parents/guardians.
WHAT ARE THE OFFICIAL RISING STARS EMAIL ADDRESSES?
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Renata Ginter — Executive Director & President
RSYTNJ@gmail.com | 908.827.1035
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Samantha Kemp — Director & Choreographer
RSYTDirector@gmail.com | 973.908.5989
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Auditions Only
RSYTCAuditions@gmail.com
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE AN EMAIL FROM ANOTHER ADDRESS?
If you receive an email from any other address claiming to represent Rising Stars Youth Theatre, do not respond or provide any personal information. Report it to us immediately.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
Contact us at RSYTNJ@gmail.com
We typically respond within 24 hours.