Stage One Youth Theatre introduces hundreds of kids each year to the magic of theater, but this season is especially noteworthy.
2025 marks Stage One’s 25th anniversary of offering on- and off-stage volunteer opportunities, performances for school field trips and summer camps to kids from area counties.
Stage One is a program of Richmond Civic Theatre, and shows are offered at its shared space, 1003 E. Main St. in Richmond.
This is also a milestone year for Ryan Shaw, who marked his 10-year work anniversary as Stage One’s managing director in August.
Shaw said he’s had the privilege of working with wonderful families and watching students grow into talented artists and leaders.
“Many have gone on to pursue careers in the arts, and it’s always a joy to welcome them back to their Stage One home to inspire the next generation,” Shaw said. “Stage One has been my heart for the past decade, and I’m grateful every day to be part of this beautiful theater family.”
On average, 260 students participate in Stage One shows each year, not counting youth in the audience.
To kick off the special season, Stage One is performing the G-rated “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” musical on Sep. 19-21 and 26-28. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
Based on the popular, award-winning 1970s cartoons, this fast-paced musical teaches lessons with clever, catchy tunes.
“Schoolhouse” leaders include Shaw and Dylan Dalbey as directors, Brady Day and Emma Merkamp-Day as music directors; Lori Current as assistant director; and Tammy Bertsch as choreographer.
In advance, tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for students and seniors 65-plus. On show days, they are $2/$1 more.
Who’s involved?
“Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” opens Friday, Sept. 19, at Richmond Civic Theatre.
Production team and crew: Ryan Shaw, Dylan Dalbey, Lori Current, Tammy Bertsch, Maddie Dishmond, Hollie Caskey, Joseph Lahmann, Tricia and Luke Sheridan, Sophia Bergfield, Bobbi Cayard-Roberts, Brennyn Bailey, Tim Kaehr, Aaron Clarke, Ethan Bain, Noah Homer, Amelia Mitchell, Kipton Smith, Lilly Gilbert, Jackson Thompson, Ben Sexton, Erica Kretchman, Allison Blanford, Lily Phenis, Abigail Irwin, Kennedy Carpenter, Whitney Kaehr, Nicole Andreas
Cast: Cohen Current, Jonathan Marsh, Elise Kretchman, Rowan Bailey, Trace Lewis, Gabriella Benns, Allister Bergfield, Greta Royer, Ada Smoker, Addy Norman, Alaina Webster, Alivia Leyes, Allister Bergfield, Anna Bergfield, Archie Burkhardt, Arianna Stevenson, Bella Cohee, Ben Counts, Bristol Sams, Brylynn Cecys, Cailene Webster, Caleb Norris, Cara Blunk, Charleigh Kamps, Danika Martin, Dawson Jurgens, Draven Roberts, Emmett Yingst, Evan Bain, Gabe Kaehr, Greta Royer, Hannah Mooney, Hope Royer, Jai Thompson, Katelyn Hampton, Lilah Jurgens, Lilly Kaehr, Lily Royer, Lotus McAdams, Lucas Miller, Madeleine Edwards, Marley Lahman, Olamide Benedict-Araba, Olivia McCullough, Paisley Wysong, Cooper Smith, Phyn Harrison, Rileigh Kamps, Sam Royer, Sophie Royer, Syrus Stohler, Topanga Stingley, Winry Sandlin, Xylon Martin
A version of this article appeared in the September 17 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.