JumpStart Theatre | Michigan
JumpStart Theatre is a transformative three-year initiative designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs alongside middle schools that have never had one before. Participating schools receive training, funding, materials, and hands-on mentoring to produce a full-scale musical each year. After three years, schools will graduate JumpStart Theatre with a vibrant, self-sustaining theatre program!
Current Schools
- Y1 School: Currently Recruiting! (Apply Below)
- Y2 School: Brenda Scott Academy
- Y2 School: West Village Academy
- Y3 School: Ypsilanti Community Middle School
JumpStart Alumni
- Spain Elementary – Middle School (’25)
- Thirkell Elementary – Middle School (’26)
The student that immediately came to mind is a 6th grade young lady named Aubrey. She would email me once a week after the musical was over saying how she missed the musical. Aubrey didn’t have many friends before becoming a part of the cast. She made friends and fell in love with theater (bringing her brother along too). She is a prime example of how theater is not just about performing it’s also about relationships and community.
– Ms. Jatona Chester, Ypsilanti Community Middle School – Ypsilanti (2024-25)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
Schools are rigorously screened on multiple criteria, most notably, passion and commitment. Participant schools receive the materials, funding, expert training, and experienced teaching artist mentor support to produce one full-scale musical production each year on a three-year path to sustainable capability. Throughout three years of participation in the JumpStart program, schools take on increasing responsibility for the program, until they are ready to take the reigns themselves.
What do we offer?
Training
Teams of three teachers from each school participate in professional development “boot camps” led by a master teacher certified by iTheatrics, who developed the quintessential methodology and curriculum for creating quality musical theatre programs. These workshops provide training in all areas of theatre production, with the goal of empowering the teachers to guide the programs independently.
Funding/Materials
JumpStart Theatre offers its schools free Showkits from MTI’s Broadway Junior catalogue, stipends for technical equipments provided through Broadway Media, and compensation for teachers. After schools graduate the three-year program, schools are offered continued discounts from MTI and Broadway Media.
Mentoring
JumpStart Theatre schools are provided ongoing mentoring/coaching relationships with an experienced theatre teaching artist to provide additional support and expertise.
What are the expectations for schools?
- JumpStart Theatre | Michigan schools committ to the full three-year initiative with the goal of creating a sustainable theatre program for their school community by utilizing their partnership with University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
- Schools will identify three teachers that are passionate and committed to the JumpStart Theatre program and mission. These teachers will serve as Director, Music Director, and/or Choreographer for the musicals. (These teachers do not have to teach an arts subject to be elegible to participate in JumpStart Theatre.)
- Schools will produce at least two community performances of their musical theatre shows each year as well as participate in the JumpStart Theatre Showcase / Preview alongside all other JumpStart Theatre schools.
Jumpstart is the best thing for theatre in DPSCD (Detroit Public Schools Community District) – it is providing an incredible foundation for our kids to prepare for high school arts- middle school performing even on a high school level. They have consistently grown, the professional development has been great, the financial support immeasurable, the connections made so important. Thank you!!!!!”
– Ms. Katheen Wright, Spain Elementary/Middle School – Detroit (2024-25)
Apply
Are you ready to create a musical theatre program in your school? JumpStart Theatre | Michigan is seeking Year 1 schools to join the JumpStart Theatre program. Please complete this form, and someone from our team will connect with you directly!
Sponsors
Jumpstart Theatre is funded through support from:
Additional support provided by:
