STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy
Hillsboro Christian Church, 540 Edison Street, Hillsboro, NE 97124
About
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy offers theater classes, musical theater, camps, workshops, shows, auditions, and the STAGES Sing-Along Movie Series. Activities in the 2025 Winter Mini-Camp include games, singing, and crafts, and the Sing-Along Movie Series features interactive screenings with on-screen lyrics, themed fun, and a welcoming crowd ready to sing together. For the Sing-Along events, families are invited to bring a favorite beanbag, camp chair, or blankets for comfort.
• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round offerings including classes, camps, workshops, shows, auditions, and special events such as the 2025 Winter Mini-Camp (December 29–31, 2025)
• Price: 2025 Radio Jazz tickets $20 including refreshments; STAGES Sing-Along events $10 including a bag of popcorn; 2025 Winter Mini-Camp $85
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy opened its doors in the fall of 2010. The mission of the program is to nurture the artistic, intellectual, and character development of youth and young adults through an educational theatre arts program that develops confidence, respect, cooperation, and creative critical thinking. The program states that it values the creativity and uniqueness of children and young adults, emphasizes respect, compassion, and dignity in a nurturing environment, and focuses on teaching professional theater etiquette.
The program describes a strong educational program taught by exceptional teachers who develop classes and workshops that foster a deeper appreciation of performing arts and the technical aspects of theatre. At least two of the teachers are credited teachers in the State of Oregon, and instructors have experience working with children. The classes focus on basic theater education and include specialty classes such as musical theater.
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy includes the “I’m a Star” program targeted at actors living with physical and intellectual disabilities ages 13 and up, and a Stage Troupers group that performs musicals throughout the Tri-county area. The program states that all who come to STAGES are treated in a kind and respectful manner and are expected to practice professional theatre etiquette. It also states that it creates a rigorous education program, develops productions that highlight children’s and young adults’ performance capabilities, and presents productions that display their creative potential.
The leadership team includes Cindy Wilkins, a Hillsboro resident, mother of eight, and supporter of the performing arts, and Donald Cleland, who worked as a full-time teacher and later moved toward semi-retirement. The organization notes that it honors the generosity of financial supporters, uses funds solely to carry out its mission and goals, and is always honest and forthright regarding monetary activities and responsibilities.
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy states that it looks outside its theater walls to serve the community and bring theater to as many children and young adults as possible. It identifies a goal of being an integral part of Hillsboro’s art and culture community and mentions thanks to RACC for a generous grant that helped make its site possible. The program also describes a White Feather Lounge experience featuring music, comedy, and community of the 1940s, with performances by talent from the Tri County area.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Schedule: Year-round offerings including classes, camps, workshops, shows, auditions, and special events such as the 2025 Winter Mini-Camp (December 29–31, 2025)
• Price: 2025 Radio Jazz tickets $20 including refreshments; STAGES Sing-Along events $10 including a bag of popcorn; 2025 Winter Mini-Camp $85
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy opened its doors in the fall of 2010. The mission of the program is to nurture the artistic, intellectual, and character development of youth and young adults through an educational theatre arts program that develops confidence, respect, cooperation, and creative critical thinking. The program states that it values the creativity and uniqueness of children and young adults, emphasizes respect, compassion, and dignity in a nurturing environment, and focuses on teaching professional theater etiquette.
The program describes a strong educational program taught by exceptional teachers who develop classes and workshops that foster a deeper appreciation of performing arts and the technical aspects of theatre. At least two of the teachers are credited teachers in the State of Oregon, and instructors have experience working with children. The classes focus on basic theater education and include specialty classes such as musical theater.
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy includes the “I’m a Star” program targeted at actors living with physical and intellectual disabilities ages 13 and up, and a Stage Troupers group that performs musicals throughout the Tri-county area. The program states that all who come to STAGES are treated in a kind and respectful manner and are expected to practice professional theatre etiquette. It also states that it creates a rigorous education program, develops productions that highlight children’s and young adults’ performance capabilities, and presents productions that display their creative potential.
The leadership team includes Cindy Wilkins, a Hillsboro resident, mother of eight, and supporter of the performing arts, and Donald Cleland, who worked as a full-time teacher and later moved toward semi-retirement. The organization notes that it honors the generosity of financial supporters, uses funds solely to carry out its mission and goals, and is always honest and forthright regarding monetary activities and responsibilities.
STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy states that it looks outside its theater walls to serve the community and bring theater to as many children and young adults as possible. It identifies a goal of being an integral part of Hillsboro’s art and culture community and mentions thanks to RACC for a generous grant that helped make its site possible. The program also describes a White Feather Lounge experience featuring music, comedy, and community of the 1940s, with performances by talent from the Tri County area.
Last updated December 28, 2025.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.