Shaping the lives of children and young adults through performing arts
By encouraging creativity and recognizing the uniqueness of each child and young adult that come through our doors, STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy shapes lives in a positive direction.
We offer a strong educational program taught by exceptional teachers who develop classes and workshops that foster a deeper appreciation of performing arts and the technical aspects of theatre. All that come to STAGES will be treated in a kind and respectful manner and practice professional theatre etiquette.
Encouraging Creativity & Recognizing Uniqueness
It is our goal to make STAGES an integral part of Hillsboro’s art and culture community, making Hillsboro a better place to raise children.
COMING UP
Shows & Events
2026 Once Upon A Mattress
Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. After all, a princess is a delicate thing.
2026 – Hoe-Down Cabaret
Get ready for a boot-stompin’, heart-warmin’ good time as STAGES Performing Arts Youth Academy presents Hoedown Cabaret! For one night only, this toe-tappin’ musical revue features a talented cast of young performers singing, dancing, and celebrating the spirit of country and western flair.
With classic hits, modern favorites, and a few surprises in between, Hoedown Cabaret blends storytelling, powerhouse vocals, and showmanship in a high-energy performance full of charm, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Grab your boots and round up your friends for this all-ages show that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear as you holler for more!
2026-Catch Me When I Fall
Stages Performing Arts Academy proudly presents the world premiere of Catch Me When I Fall, an original, Broadway-style musical inspired by the lived experiences of Washington County residents facing economic hardship. Catch Me When I Fall is a social justice docudrama. Every story depicted in the production is based on true experiences shared by members of the community, thoughtfully woven together to highlight resilience, struggle, and hope.
The musical is rooted in an extensive interview process that began in December 2024 at GG’s House, where Walder trained a team of eight volunteers to conduct and record conversations with local residents. In total, 50 individuals were interviewed, resulting in more than 70 hours of recorded material that were then transformed into real-life accounts to create a series of themed monologues and dialogues.
Written and directed by Jodi Walder, with music and lyrics by Off-Broadway composer Noel Katz, the production blends powerful storytelling with a dynamic theatrical score.
This groundbreaking new work offers audiences an intimate and moving look at the realities faced by many in Washington County, while celebrating the power of storytelling to foster empathy and connection.
Partially funded by the Cultural Coalition of Washington County
Classes & Camps
2026 Theatre Collective Week
Ten three-hour workshops
Taught by Theatre Professionals
Incredible Opportunity
Incredible Value
Greek Theatre! *** Physical Comedy *** Improv
Hand To Hand Combat *** Audition Tips and Tricks for success
Improvised Sakespeare *** Broadway Tips for Success and Stories
Theater History *** Accents and Dialects *** Musical Theatre
The Carnation Building
669 SE 1st St
Hillsboro, OR
2026_Summer_Camp – Finding Nemo Jr
Sorry But Our Finding Nemo Jr Camp is FULL!
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.
540 NE Edison Street
Hillsboro, OR 97124
2026_Summer_Camp – Beetlejuice Jr
It’s our show now, kid. The ghost-with-the-most comes to the stage in Beetlejuice JR., the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Lydia Deetz is a strange and unusual teenager, still grieving the loss of her mother and obsessed with the whole “being dead thing.” Lucky for Lydia, she and her father move to a new house haunted by a recently deceased couple and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. When Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse, this double-crossing specter shows his true stripes, unleashing a (Nether)world of pandemonium.
With music and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Eddie Perfect and a book by Tony Award-nominated pair Anthony King and Scott Brown, Beetlejuice was nominated for eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best New Musical. A viral “sucks-yes” on social media, this musical struck a chord with young theatre lovers who adored its unabashed humor and emotional honesty.
Created for the generation that made it a hit, Beetlejuice JR. is a wacky theatrical party for all!
You must be signed up to audition (see below)
Camp runs from July 18 - August 8, 2026
Performances: August 7tn and 8th at The Vault theatre
PLUS six additional performances from October 16 - October 24 at the Christian Church of Hillsboro
540 NE Edison Street
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Stay tuned — we have more fun coming up.
Volunteer, Donate or Sponsor
Your contributions directly support STAGES mission of shaping the lives of children and young adults through performing arts.
