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: West Village Academy
- Y3 School: Ypsilanti Community Middle School
Alumni Schools
- Spain Elementary – Middle School (’25)
- Thirkell Elementary – Middle School (’26)
When there was no stage, no major props, and no costumes, our school community came together to make the impossible possible. From Mrs. Miller, our dedicated school janitor, offering to send help to build a stage, to parents volunteering their time to create Wonka bars with golden tickets and paint props, every contribution mattered. Our students worked tirelessly making gumballs, learning lines, and sacrificing countless Saturdays for rehearsals. Teachers graciously released students from class to support the production, and our very own Principal Forbes went above and beyond by picking up props from another school and assisting with the sound system. At West Village Academy, there is no “I” in team. There is only one team, one dream, and a shared vision to see it through. This production was more than a musical — it was a true example of what can happen when an entire school community works together with passion, dedication, and heart.”
– Ms. Katina McKinney, West Village Academy – Dearborn (2025-26)
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.
One of the biggest benefits of our experience with JumpStart Theatre has been the support in rebuilding and strengthening theater education at our school. The program has helped provide meaningful arts opportunities for our students while also helping me grow as an educator. Through JumpStart, I was able to attend professional development training and workshops in New York City that gave me new instructional strategies and tools that I now use in my classroom and productions every day. That support has helped our theater program become more confident, structured, and impactful for our students.”
– Ms. Jatona Chester, Ypsilanti Community Middle School – Ypsilanti (2025-26)
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:
