CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is a rigorous arts-based program that provides hands-on job training and engages youth from Cleveland families in a powerful learning experience that develops job skills, academic achievement, and interpersonal skills. As part of this eight-week summer program, youth ages 14–19 work together to create, produce, perform, and tour their own play. This program is the longest-running arts-based workplace development program in Cleveland and is an international model for engaging youth. Since its beginning in 1994, STEP has received multiple awards and recognitions including those from the City of Cleveland, The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Through STEP, teens see themselves as a positive and inspirational force and watch as their work has an impact on the larger Cleveland community.

STEP is a paid artistic opportunity. This year’s program will run June 9–August 3, Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm. Performances are scheduled during afternoons and evenings on weekdays and weekends, July 24–August 3.

Cleveland Public Theatre hires artists for the Performance Ensemble as well as the Technical Theatre Ensemble. Performance artists will need to attend an audition (see audition date and information below). Technical Theatre artists should email Melissa Crum, STEP Program Director, to schedule a 30-minute interview, mcrum@cptonline.org. Parents/guardians must attend an information session in order for their artist to be considered for the ensemble. There will be an information session at the top of auditions on April 26 at 1pm. Sessions can also be scheduled over Zoom to accommodate schedule needs.

*Note: The Performance Ensemble works together for eight weeks. The Technical Theatre Ensemble will join halfway through the process and work four weeks.

Performance Ensemble works: June 9–August 3. (M–F, 11am–5pm)

Technical Theatre Ensemble works: July 7–August 3. (M–F, 11am–5pm)

Audition Date:

Saturday, April 26, 2025, 1pm–3pm

Location:

Auditions will be held at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44102.

Video Submissions:

Artists may also send in a one-minute video performance to be considered for the Performance Ensemble. Video submissions should be emailed to mcrum@cptonline.org.

What to Prepare:

Young artists should come prepared to perform one minute of material. This should highlight whatever talent you would like to showcase and can range from acting, singing, or dancing to even playing an instrument! (It’d be great to have an instrumental audition accompany an acting, singing, or dancing presentation.)

How to reserve my place:

To attend auditions, please email Melissa Crum to reserve your spot, followed by registering via a simple Google Form (see below). Email: mcrum@cptonline.org.

REGISTER HERE

Any Questions:

Please reach out to Melissa Crum, Artistic and Education Associate, email: mcrum@cptonline.org, phone: 440-429-5876.