Frequently Asked Questions

About SYT

  • SYT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that produces high-quality "for youth, by youth" theatrical productions. The cast is made entirely of youth in grades 3–12, and the backstage crew (lights, sound, mics, and more) is run by youth in grades 7–12. Professional adult staff guide the process, but the final product is accomplished by the kids.

  • SYT was founded in 1972 by Mary Nicholson, who envisioned a theatre where children would experience the art form not just from the audience, but as the performers and crew. It was one of the first theatres of its kind to produce "for youth, by youth" entertainment.

  • SYT is located at Chapman, 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. You can reach the office at (864) 278-9669 or the box office at (864) 542-2787.

  • SYT is funded in part by The Arts Partnership of Greater Spartanburg and its donors, the City and County of Spartanburg, and the South Carolina Arts Commission, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Auditions

  • Auditions are open to youth in grades 3–12. The director for each show may specify a more targeted age range depending on the production. Youth of all ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition, and no roles are pre-cast unless specifically stated in the audition notice.

  • For plays, prepare a 1-minute monologue (one will be provided if you don’t have one). For musicals, prepare 16–32 bars of a musical theatre song and bring sheet music — an accompanist is provided. Memorization is strongly encouraged. Avoid singing a song from the show you’re auditioning for; save that for callbacks.

  • All auditions are held at Chapman, 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. Auditions are typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:30–7:30pm, but may vary. Always check the audition notice for each show for specific dates and times. Actors may arrive any time during that window and audition in the order they arrive — you don’t need to stay the full two hours.

  • Callbacks will be held on the Saturday of the week following auditions, not the Saturday immediately after auditions. A callback list is posted on the SYT website.

    At callbacks, actors read scenes from the script. For musicals, they also learn songs from the show and a short dance combination.

  • Yes! An online audition form is available the Friday before auditions on the SYT Auditions page. If you fill it out in advance, head straight to the check-in table when you arrive. You may also complete it in person on audition day.

  • Bring your schedule to auditions and list all conflicts on the audition form. Conflicts cannot be added after casting. Excessive conflicts will heavily factor into casting decisions. Conflicts are permitted up until two weeks before a production opens, but tech week and performance conflicts are not allowed.

  • SYT may cast understudies for more vocally demanding roles in some productions.

    Understudies are not guaranteed to perform. They will only perform if the actor originally cast in the role is unable to do so.

    If you don’t wish to be considered for an understudy role, you can indicate this on your audition form.

Productions & Rehearsals

  • Upcoming productions include The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs (auditions May 2026, performances Oct 2026), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! – The Musical (auditions Sept 2026, performances Dec 2026), The Lightning Thief – The Percy Jackson Musical (auditions Oct 2026, performances Feb 2027), and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (auditions Jan 2027, performances Apr 2027). Check the Auditions page for full details.

  • Rehearsals typically run 6–8 weeks. Plays generally rehearse for 6 weeks; musicals for 8 weeks. Most rehearsals are Monday–Friday, 5:30–7:30pm. During the week before shows open, hours extend to 5:30–8:30pm.

  • Tech week is typically the Saturday–Wednesday before school performances begin. Actors are required at the theatre from 12–7pm on Saturday, 1–9pm on Sunday, and 4:30–9:30pm on Monday through Wednesday.

  • Each SYT production includes two days of school-time performances held during regular school hours. If your child is cast, they will need to miss school on those days. Public performances open to all audiences follow on the weekend.

  • Yes, there is a $25 activity fee if cast. This helps cover meals provided to the cast during production week. Scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.

Classes, Camps & Workshops

  • SYT offers spring classes, fall classes, summer camps, and workshops. Programs are available for a wide range of ages, from K4/K5 students through high school.

  • Workshops are $55 each and pre-registration is required. SYT offers a variety of workshops throughout the season, including workshops focused on audition techniques. Register through SYT’s course registration site.

  • Yes! SYT runs summer camps including production camps for more experienced performers in grades 7–12. Production camps are intensive, week-long experiences where students work with theatre professionals to put together a full-length show. Visit the Summer Camps page for current options.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

  • Yes. The SYT Youth Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 to provide access to SYT’s education programs for all young performers, regardless of financial means. Scholarships are available for classes, camps, workshops, and the production activity fee.

  • Donations are accepted at multiple levels. $50 sponsors one student for an audition workshop. $100–$150 sponsors a student for a class or one-week camp. $200 covers a production camp. $500 covers a full year of programming. $1,000 covers a full year for a family of two. Visit the Donate page to donate.

Getting Involved

  • Adults can contribute financially, sponsor a production, or advertise in show programs.

  • Yes! Youth in grades 7–12 can participate as crew members, running lights, sound, mics, and other backstage operations. Visit the Crew page for more info.

  • Yes. SYT offers employment and internship opportunities. These positions support the professional adult staff who guide SYT’s productions and educational programs.

  • You can reach the SYT office at (864) 278-9669 or the box office at (864) 542-2787. A contact form is also available on our Contact page. SYT is located at 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.