YOUTH THEATRE ARTS PROGRAM

An Extraordinary Summer of Creativity, Confidence, and Performance

The Youth Theatre Arts Program at the Westminster Community Playhouse offers young performers a dynamic and enriching introduction to the world of theatre. Designed as an immersive educational experience, the program provides students with remarkable opportunities to grow as artists and collaborators.

Students will experience:

Seven weeks of rehearsals leading to six fully staged performances
Acting, singing, and dancing instruction
Voice production and choreography training
Teamwork and collaboration with fellow cast and crew members
Off‑stage learning, including stagecraft and behind‑the‑scenes responsibilities
Creative skill‑building that boosts confidence, discipline, and artistic expression

Join us starting June 15th for an extraordinary summer where creativity thrives, friendships form, and student actors shine. Together, they will build the skills, confidence, and artistry needed to create a truly spectacular performance.

Journey with Alice into a world where curiosity leads the way and imagination knows no limits. Alice in Wonderland Jr. brings Lewis Carroll’s classic tale to life with vibrant characters, whimsical adventures, and musical magic at every turn. From the mischievous Cheshire Cat to the unforgettable Mad Hatter, Wonderland bursts with color, charm, and delightful surprises.

Presented by the Youth Theatre Arts Program as the Summer 2026 production, this enchanting junior musical invites young performers to shine as they bring a beloved story to the stage.

Registration is now open.

Click Here To Register

Meet Our Youth Theatre Team

Maria O'Connor
DIRECTIOR

Maria has been in the entertainment industry since she was a child. She first started acting/dancing ballet, then later added producing and directing to her resume. She has spent many years performing on different stages across Southern California’s theatre circuit as well as directing shows for both children and adults. She has appeared on television in episodic and independent films and has taught a children’s acting workshop for Long Beach Parks and Recreation, and has also been involved with Stearns Musical Theater, both for the city of Long Beach. Along with her love of performing, she also serves on the board of directors at Theatre Palisades in Malibu and volunteers her time to other community theatre venues in Southern California.

Priscilla Gonzalez-Suciu
DIRECTIOR

Priscilla holds a BA in Theatre from Cal State Chico, has directed at the Westminster Playhouse and other venues in Orange County and Northern California, and is currently serving on the board of directors at WCP. She had also worked for six years as a director for children’s theatre in Northern California. She has recently obtained a Masters Degree in Education from Cal State Fullerton, and works as an education specialist for early childhood in Orange County. Her love and passion for theatre and education has lead her to embark on yet another season of the youth theatre program alongside Maria and Karen.

Ashley Rowlett
CHOREOGRAPHER

Her passion lies in live theater where she’s performed in Parades & Characters at Disneyland, Teatro Martini Dinner
Cabaret, The Gem Theater and in Television shows such as CSI and
Criminal Minds. She uses her passion to teach and is always inspired by her son, Harrison.

Jaylyn kahle
STAGE MANAGER

Karen has a passion for theatre and dance. Areas of study have been in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Voice with some of the best Long Beach studios and teachers. Currently she is in an elite Tap performing group with the Dance Company. Karen has showcased her talents for “Partners of Parks” singing and dancing in musical variety shows, also performing for SCDT in the Nutcracker Ballet. Karen embarked on her stage debut at Westminster Playhouse in South Pacific as a dancer and ensemble. This will be her second year as choreographer for The Youth Theatre Arts Program with Maria and Priscilla.