Our main goal is to encourage and build self confidence in our participants while educating them in the many facets of putting on performances. This includes teaching not only acting, singing, and dancing to those children who want to be onstage, but also training students in music, art, sound, lighting, costuming, etc. for those that are more comfortable behind the scenes, in the pit, or in the lighting booth.
Manchester Summerstage teaches youth (entering 5th grade through high school) all aspects of putting on a production, onstage and backstage. We provide opportunities in the arts for the youth of Manchester. It is run by a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee the program and make hiring decisions about the paid creative team. All youth are invited to audition and receive a role. Tuition cost is kept reasonable with the expectation that all families are expected to volunteer in some capacity during the program. We have roles from costuming to set builds!
The participation fee for Manchester Summerstage 2026 is $450 it includes participation in 8 weeks of rehearsals and 4 shows, the opportunity to perform at The Red, White and Blue Breakfast and in the July 4th parade. We may also perform at a Music in the Park.
Show t-shirts are provided. We try to keep costs minimal. Families will be expected to volunteer in some capacity during the summer. We expect each student to provide a base costume. We have many costumes available. Performers are welcome to provide their own costumes if it is approved by the director.
Families can participate in many ways which will be laid out at the mandatory parent informational meeting, during the first rehearsal. Volunteers are essential to Summerstage productions. From helping us move the set from storage, to helping with the cast backstage during the performances. We post a sign-up genius each spring with tasks.
The show will always be performed the last full weekend of July, with three evening performances, Thurs., Fri., and Sat. at 6 PM and one Sunday matinee, 2 PM.
Adult tickets are $15. Tickets for children aged 12 and younger and seniors are $10.
Tickets will be available starting in July. We have members of the program sell in front of the Manchester Post Office on Saturday mornings closer to the show in July. We also have sales at the High School Monday-Thursday, 4-6 PM, 2 weeks before the show. Tickets are also available at the door an hour ahead of performances.
Please like our Facebook page (@manchestersummerstage) and our Instagram (@summerstageofficial). We will post updates, share photos from past performances, and any updates. Emails will also be sent through the summer with schedules and events so be sure to look for those. You can also email manchestersummerstage@gmail.com with questions.