A Magical Journey Thru Stages
West Herr Performing Arts Center, 875 E Main St, Suite 380, Rochester, NY 14605
About
A Magical Journey Thru Stages offers acting classes, an Improv Troupe, Open Mic Night, and specialized workshops and classes that include sound design, light design, and stage management. The program also includes Mainstage Productions, fully-produced musicals and plays, summer camps, and technical training where youth assist with technical aspects of shows such as stage management, light design, sound design, costume design, and stage crew. Assistantship opportunities are available in directing, choreography, music direction, costume design, lighting design, sound design, and non-profit administration.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
A Magical Journey Thru Stages produces inclusive, high-quality theater programs for a diverse group of more than 800 students in the Greater Rochester Area and engages approximately 7,000 audience members annually. Programs include seven full theater productions each year, with fully-produced musicals and plays for students in grades 1–12, both onstage and behind the scenes. Tuition assistance is available for economically disadvantaged youth.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Lisa Shearer, Managing Director Carolyn Curran, Programming Director and Board Member Sherry Vile, Esq., Technical Director and Board Member Tom Pembrook, Costume Department Manager Beth Gundy, and Theater Education Manager Samantha Janover. Lisa holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana. A Magical Journey Thru Stages is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
In order to teach and model the importance of philanthropy, A Magical Journey Thru Stages collects items during every performance to benefit local youth charities. Open Mic Night is offered for students in grades 6–12 in a supportive and enthusiastic environment.
Parent testimonials describe the program as life changing for one student over 2.5 years, with growth in confidence and skills in singing and dancing, and mention that both parent and child have created new friendships, as shared by Kristen Wexler. Amanda Martin states that her child feels at home at Stages and looks forward to every show, rehearsal, and performance. Renee Fishner describes a sense of belonging and community, a supportive and inclusive culture, and many chances for students to grow, try new things, and discover what they are capable of, as well as watching kids build confidence and friendships together.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
A Magical Journey Thru Stages produces inclusive, high-quality theater programs for a diverse group of more than 800 students in the Greater Rochester Area and engages approximately 7,000 audience members annually. Programs include seven full theater productions each year, with fully-produced musicals and plays for students in grades 1–12, both onstage and behind the scenes. Tuition assistance is available for economically disadvantaged youth.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Lisa Shearer, Managing Director Carolyn Curran, Programming Director and Board Member Sherry Vile, Esq., Technical Director and Board Member Tom Pembrook, Costume Department Manager Beth Gundy, and Theater Education Manager Samantha Janover. Lisa holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana. A Magical Journey Thru Stages is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
In order to teach and model the importance of philanthropy, A Magical Journey Thru Stages collects items during every performance to benefit local youth charities. Open Mic Night is offered for students in grades 6–12 in a supportive and enthusiastic environment.
Parent testimonials describe the program as life changing for one student over 2.5 years, with growth in confidence and skills in singing and dancing, and mention that both parent and child have created new friendships, as shared by Kristen Wexler. Amanda Martin states that her child feels at home at Stages and looks forward to every show, rehearsal, and performance. Renee Fishner describes a sense of belonging and community, a supportive and inclusive culture, and many chances for students to grow, try new things, and discover what they are capable of, as well as watching kids build confidence and friendships together.
Last updated May 29, 2026.
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