StageCoach Youth Theatre
Theatre on the Ridge's StageCoach Youth Theatre program inspires creativity and self-expression by giving young people a platform to explore their interests and ideas. It helps participants build essential communication skills, such as speaking clearly, using body language effectively, and performing confidently in front of others. Through acting and storytelling, young people develop empathy and learn to see the world from different perspectives.
StageCoach fosters self-confidence as the students practice and perform in a supportive environment. It emphasizes teamwork by teaching participants to collaborate on productions and solve problems together. Improvisation activities encourage adaptability and resilience, preparing them to handle challenges with creativity and poise. StageCoach also provides a safe space for children to express their emotions and grow both personally and artistically.
By participating in StageCoach, young people develop a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts while gaining valuable skills like creativity, empathy, and effective communication—qualities that enrich their lives both on and off the stage.
Spring Program!
Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a 60-minute musical revue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand-new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages. Designed specifically for today’s young performers and full of opportunities for ensembles big and small, Dare to Dream JR. turns a century of Disney magic into a theatrical celebration of music, creativity, and the dreams that live inside us all.
StageCoach currently offers three class sessions per year, each resulting in a staged production with multiple performances. These sessions are for students ages 7-15. Students who join the class session commit to rehearsals (typically Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm), dress rehearsals (during “tech week” – the week before performances, we rehearse every day from 4-6pm and sometimes the Sunday before), and all performances (typically 3-5 performances in total). More information about the up-coming sessions to come.
Erika Anne Soerensen
The StageCoach Director
Erika Anne Soerensen is a big kid who loves playing dress up and telling fantastical stories. Her love of theatre blossomed in childhood at Kidcage Summer Theatre Camp through the Birdcage Theatre in Oroville, as well as the incredible theatre program at Oroville High School directed by June Farkas. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West, she’s also studied and performed improv at Second City in Los Angeles. Erika has graced the stage in many local productions at TOTR, The Blue Room, and Shakespeare in the Schools. Erika loves being the Director of the StageCoach Youth Theatre program, giving back to the amazing kids in our community and helping nudge their innate talents to blossom and grow.