SOAR! Near West Theatre's Youth Leadership Program

SOAR!

A theatre-based youth leadership initiative that functions as a creative apprenticeship designed to elevate voice, agency, and creative leadership through the arts.

SOAR! is a youth leadership and mentorship program for teens who want to move beyond participation and into creative ownership. Designed for young artists interested in behind-the-scene opportunities, design, and production. SOAR! offers hands-on, real-world experiences alongside seasoned artistic professionals from the Greater Cleveland area.

Participants don’t just observe the process; they step inside it, working closely with directors, designers, and production staff to learn how theatre is created from the ground up. Through guided mentorship, collaborative projects, and increased responsibility, SOAR!  prepares teens to lead with confidence, curiosity, and care.

What Makes SOAR! Different?

SOAR! is built for students who are ready to:

• Learn directly from professional artists and technicians
• Explore leadership roles behind the scenes
• Take creative risks in a supportive, high-expectation environment
• Understand how collaboration, communication, and problem-solving fuel great theatre

Rather than a class or workshop, SOAR! pairs teens with mentors who guide them through real production processes while honoring each student’s voice, interests, and growth.

What Participants Experience?

Through SOAR!, students may:

• Work side-by-side with directors, designers, and technical staff
• Participate in production meetings, rehearsals, and planning sessions
• Learn how artistic ideas move from concept to performance
• Develop leadership skills through responsibility, feedback, and reflection
• Build confidence as creative collaborators and emerging professionals

Who SOAR! Is For?

SOAR! is designed for teens, ages 15 - 19, who:

• Are curious about how theatre works beyond the spotlight
• Want deeper mentorship and meaningful responsibility
• Are interested in leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving
• Are ready to challenge themselves in a professional theatre environment

No prior leadership experience is required; just a willingness to learn, contribute, and grow.

SOAR! is not about being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about learning to listen, lead, and lift others while creating meaningful work together.

How to Apply

SOAR! is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to young artists from all backgrounds. We value curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn over prior experience or formal training.

Who Can Apply?

• Ages: 15–19
• Open to students of all experience levels
• No prior leadership, design, or professional theatre experience is required

We encourage students from communities historically underrepresented in the arts to apply.

Compensation

SOAR! is a paid opportunity. Participants receive a stipend in recognition of their time, commitment, and creative contributions to the program and production process.

Compensation is part of Near West Theatre’s commitment to equitable access and valuing young people as collaborators, not volunteers.

Application Window

• Applications Open: February 22
• Applications Close: March 13

All materials must be submitted by March 13 to be considered.

What to Submit

Applicants may choose one submission format:

• Essay
• Video submission
• Resume (with a brief written statement or cover note)

There is no preferred format. Choose the option that feels most comfortable and allows you to share your interests and goals most effectively.

Your submission should tell us:

• What excites you about theatre, storytelling, or creative work
• Why you are interested in Near West Theatre
• What areas of theater you are curious to explore or grow in
• Whether you see the arts as a possible future pathway or career interest
• What perspectives, experiences, or passions you would bring to this community

We are interested in who you are and what you care about, not how polished your submission is.

Interviews & Selection

• Interviews: March 16 – March 31 (Interviews are conversational and designed to help us get to know you.)
• Decisions Made By: April 6
• Acceptance Confirmation Due: April 10
• Mentor Pairing & Orientation: Week of April 13 – April 17

Selection is based on interest, commitment, and readiness to collaborate, not on prior access to training or resources.

Our Commitment

Near West Theatre believes that talent is everywhere, but access is not. We are committed to supporting participants throughout the process. SOAR! is part of our ongoing commitment to creating pathways into the arts that are transparent, supportive, and rooted in respect for each young person’s voice and lived experience. If you have questions about accessibility, scheduling, or support needs, we encourage you to reach out before applying. 

Available SOAR! Positions For RAGTIME

Program Begins: April 2026 Production Dates: July 17 - August 2, 2026

SOAR! offers paid assistant and production roles.

Positions Currently Open

• Assistant Director – Supports the Director in rehearsals, note-taking, and creative planning.
• Assistant Scenic Designer – Assists with research, drafting, and scenic implementation.
• Assistant Lighting Designer – Learns lighting systems, cueing, and design execution.
• Assistant Costume Designer – Supports costume planning, fittings, and organization.
• Assistant Sound Designer – Assists with sound setup, cues, and audio support.
• Assistant Props Designer – Helps source, build, and manage properties used onstage.
• Assistant Choreographer – Assists with choreography rehearsal, documentation, and staging.
• Assistant Stage Manager (2) – Supports rehearsal flow, communication, and backstage organization.
• Teen Production Assistant (2) – Works across departments to support production needs.