Teen Theater at Verge
A Space for Inclusion and Creative Risk-Taking
At Verge, Teen Theater is guided by the principles of inclusion and creative risk-taking. Performers in our programs are embraced for who they are and supported as they grow. Teens are encouraged to take risks, embrace failure as part of the process, and learn along the way. We believe every teen has something unique and valuable to contribute to our community, and theater is the perfect space for them to share it.
We also believe that cost should never be a barrier to the arts. Thanks to generous grant funding, Verge Theater is proud to offer our theater arts classes on a “Pay What You Wish” (even nothing!) basis, ensuring they are accessible for all families.
To inquire about a scholarship please email Education@vergetheater.com
“I love the Verge with my whole heart”
- Teen Participant
Registration For 2025 Now Open!
Winter 2025
Teens Acting Out! Musical Theater
with Tess Carr
6th – 12th Grade
Tuesdays | Jan 14 - Feb 28, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
showcase: Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 12:30 pm
$275
Ready to take your musical theater skills to the next level? This exciting class for teens dives into the world of singing, dancing, and acting, offering everything you need to become a well-rounded performer. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or trying theater for the first time, this class will help you build confidence and refine your talents in a fun, supportive environment.
Each week, you’ll work on scenes and songs from hit musicals, developing vocal technique, dance skills, and character work. From classic Broadway numbers to contemporary favorites, you’ll explore a variety of styles that challenge and inspire. By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to showcase your hard work in a final performance for family and friends!
Open to all skill levels—bring your passion for theater and get ready to shine!
Teens Acting Out! Theater Sports
with Abby Rodi
6th – 12th Grade
Wednesdays | jan 15 - Feb 29
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
showcase: Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 12:30 pm
$225
Discover the thrill of live performance in Teen Theater Sports, a class that brings together all forms of stage acting—featuring plenty of improv, scene work, and creative expression! This class is perfect for teens eager to explore different acting styles and build confidence on stage.
Through a mix of improv games, scripted scenes, and theater exercises, you’ll learn the fundamentals of acting while developing skills like character building, voice, and movement. Every week is a new adventure, where you’ll dive into different aspects of theater, from comedic timing to dramatic storytelling, all in a fun and supportive environment. It’s theater training with a playful twist, designed to help you grow as a performer and have a blast along the way!
All levels are welcome—whether you’re new to the stage or have experience, come join the fun and explore the many sides of acting!
Teen Theater | Middle School
Directed by: Jesse Lagos
5th – 8th Grade
First Day is Monday, January 13, 2025
Mon - Thurs | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm [7:00 pm during tech week]
Performance Weekend: February 28 – March 2
$450
This exciting production experience gives 5th-8th graders the chance to bring a full show to life from start to finish. Over the course of rehearsals, young performers will learn the ins and outs of stagecraft—acting, movement, voice, and character work—all while preparing for a polished, public performance.
The adventure begins with auditions on the first day, where everyone will have a chance to showcase their unique talents. No need to worry—everyone registered will be cast in a role that highlights their strengths! Together, we’ll build a dynamic cast and work as a team to create an unforgettable show. The experience culminates in four performances over one weekend, giving friends and family a chance to see the amazing result of all your hard work.
This program has been a favorite for years, providing young performers with a meaningful and memorable deep dive into live theater.
No experience needed—just a passion for performing and a commitment to the process. Join us and be part of the magic!
Three Murders and It’s Only Monday
by Pat Cook
Private eye Harry Monday finds it tough going when he tries to determine who killed an old sea captain, a ventriloquist and a tramp at the Peaceful Pines Sanitarium. What did these three have in common?
Things become odd as the deceased’s families arrive, and he finds out they all belong to the same family! Throw in a wild cast of characters bursting with eccentricity, charm, and unpredictability and the confusion multiplies. This lightning-paced comedic mystery comes complete with its own lightning as a storm blows out all the fuses … and the murders keep coming! In this spoof on the old-style private-eye movies, the laughs are fast and furious … and the ending will simply kill you!
Spring 2025
Teens Acting Out! Musical Theater II
with Abby Rodi
6th – 12th Grade
Wednesdays | March 26 - April 30, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
showcase: Sunday, May 4, 2025
$275
Are you ready to push your musical theater skills to new heights? This advanced class for teens offers an in-depth journey into the art of singing, dancing, and acting, helping you become a versatile, confident performer. Whether you’ve been performing for years or are passionate about taking the next step, this class will give you the tools to elevate your talents in a supportive, dynamic environment.
Each week, you’ll dive into challenging scenes and songs from Broadway hits—developing strong vocal technique, refined dance skills, and deeper character work. From powerful classics to modern show-stoppers, you’ll explore a range of musical styles that enhance your versatility and stage presence. By the end of the course, you’ll be prepared to showcase your growth and hard work in a final performance designed to impress family, friends, and even future audiences.
Ideal for performers with some experience—bring your dedication and passion for theater and get ready to take center stage!
Teens Acting Out! All the Worlds A Stage
6th – 12th Grade
Tuesdays | March 25 - April 29, 2025
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Showcase: Sunday, May 4, 2025
$225
Step into the spotlight and immerse yourself in the magic of live theater! All the World’s a Stage invites teens to explore acting, storytelling, and improv in a fresh and engaging way. This class isn’t just about learning theater basics—it’s about building a strong foundation in performance skills while pushing the boundaries of creativity.
In this class, young actors will develop their skills in character-building, improvisation, and stagecraft, discovering how to create authentic, compelling scenes and bring stories to life on stage. Through dynamic exercises and scene work, you’ll learn how to take on diverse roles, tap into real emotions, and connect with an audience. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the tools to confidently embrace any role and make every stage your own.
Join us for a unique theater experience that encourages self-expression, builds confidence, and celebrates the performer in everyone.
Open to all levels, abilities, and experience.
Teen Theater | Highschool
Directed by: Jess Lee
9th – 12th Grade
First Day Is Monday, March 24, 2025
Mon - Thurs | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm [7:00 pm during tech week]
Performance Weekend: May 16 – 18, 2025
Production: TBD
This comprehensive production experience offers 9th-12th graders the chance to bring a full-scale show to life from start to finish. Over the course of rehearsals, teen performers will dive deep into the craft of stage performance—developing their acting, movement, vocal, and character-building skills—all while working towards a polished, public production.
The journey begins with auditions on the first day, giving each participant the opportunity to showcase their unique talents. No need to worry—everyone who registers will be cast in a role that showcases their strengths. Together, we’ll build a cohesive and dynamic cast, collaborating as a team to create a truly memorable show. The experience culminates in four performances over one weekend, giving friends, family, and the community the chance to see the powerful result of your hard work and dedication.
This program offers a meaningful and immersive live theater experience for high school actors, providing skills and insights that will last a lifetime.
No prior experience required—just bring a commitment to the process and a passion for performing. Join us and make your mark on the stage!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by William Shakespeare
A thrilling blend of magic, mischief, and madness that promises nonstop excitement.
In a mysterious forest, feuding fairy royalty Oberon and Titania clash, while the mischievous Puck meddles with unsuspecting humans.
Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena find themselves caught in an enchanted web of love triangles and mix-ups, while a group of bumbling actors, led by the hilarious Nick Bottom, stumble into the chaos. With wild transformations, clever pranks, and unexpected twists, this fast-paced tale captures the excitement of love, adventure, and the magic of the unexpected.
What our community has to say about Teen Theater
“Thank you so much for the AMAZING welcoming space you have created for Bozeman teens. My teen had an incredible time in teen theater this fall. He made such beautiful, genuine, kind friendships. It is such a gift to see him find so much joy and confidence in theater. We are grateful for you and The Verge in his life, such a positive impact, you are truly changing lives!”
- Parent of a Teen
“As a parent of a teen involved in the Verge Teen Theater Program, I can say with certainty that the Verge has been an absolute lifeline for my teen this past year. In a time of overwhelm and uncertainty, nightly Verge rehearsals provide my daughter a place to let go of the armor of daily living, a place to connect, a place to shine as her social, quirky, creative self…The Verge subtlety guides teens toward lifelong values and skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Some of these values include teamwork, responsibility, truly listening, speaking out, camaraderie, improvisation, kindness, thoughtfulness, and problem solving. Verge continues to provide an open and encouraging space, where my child can let her light shine, connect with other quirky actors and learn lifelong values and skills. The icing on the cake is the brilliant shows produced by the Verge Teen Theater for the community, family, and friends (and beyond). I highly support the Verge Theater’s mission and programming”
- Parent of Teen
“The directors are incredible, supportive, knowledgeable, empathetic people who pour their hearts into making the Verge an accepting and supportive place that literally saves lives.”
- Participant, 2023
“To express what teen theater has done for me would take hours to explain, so I’m going to try to keep it short. Since I was a toddler, I was always bullied for being different. Looking different, acting different, feeling things differently than my peers. I was always told I was weird and wouldn’t ever belong. Until I walked through the doors of Verge, I believed them. I never thought I would feel this sense of belonging and safety with people my age. Verge taught me that my differences are what make me special, what make me unique. They taught me that there are people out there who feel the same way I do. I thought I was just the only weird queer kid with blue hair in this small town, but Verge made me realize that there are 5 other weird queer kids with blue hair who come here every day. Verge is a place where everyone gets to be who they are and not worry about what people will think or say. Verge is a place where you could walk in with no friends and completely alone to the best friends you will ever have and can’t be alone even if you tried. I’ve had a really tough year, and when things happened, the first place I wanted to go was Verge because no matter how alone I felt, when I was there, I knew I wasn’t. Verge is a safe place for the outcasts, the queer kids who feel they can’t be themselves, and people like me who thought that I was too much and not enough at the same time. So if you have ever felt alone, forgotten, or afraid, join Verge Theater.”
- Teen Theater participant