Youth Program
Youth Theatre - Next Gen
Our NextGen Youth Theatre program is exactly what the name implies. The participants in our NextGen are the next generation to run theaters everywhere! We are helping to shape the future with an inclusive family environment where youth are empowered to hone the skills they are interested in pursuing, using a compassionate educational environment.
Our NextGen’ers can immerse themselves in all aspects of production with enthusiasm and fun through summer camps, youth productions, and shadowing mentors on mainstage and Black Box productions. OCT’s Next Gen’s mission is to give our surrounding community open opportunities to immerse themselves into the world of theatre. Whether it’s tech, directing, stage management, costuming, acting, or front of house, we want this to be an inclusive, fun and educational space for lovers of theatre and others who want to support the arts.
OCT Youth Theatre - NextGen Fall Production
THE STORYTELLER'S TREE
OCT’s Youth Theatre Program – Next Gen is excited to announce its Fall 2025 production will be The Storyteller's Tree by Abigail Johnson, Joshua Little, and Emmie Corl.
Abby is an 18-year-old 2025 graduate of Concord Academy. She has written several plays produced by CAPA and loves all things theatre. She was part of the backstage crew for Jackie and the Beanstalk and has been selected to lead the character voice camp at OCT this summer. Joshua Little (CAPA) and Emmie Corl (CMHS) are theatre arts teachers who helped finalize the project.
In fitting with OCT’s Golden Award Season, where productions have been award winners, The Storyteller’s Tree has an impressive pedigree of awards.
. These include:
· Excellence in Scenic Design
· Excellence in Costume Design - Lexi LaCroix
· Outstanding Excellence in Playwriting and Direction - Abby Johnson (Top Award)
· Excellence in Acting - Lexi LaCroix
· Excellence in Acting - Quinby Goode
· Overall Excellence in Ensemble Acting (Top Award)
· 1st Place Overall Distinguished Play (Judges Choice, Top Award)
Synopsis: The Binding Tree is on the brink of collapse, and only a young storyteller named Paige can save it before the realm of stories crumbles. Guided by three enigmatic mentors, Paige embarks on a journey through the intricate branches of the Binding Tree, aiming to heal its fractured tales and restore harmony to the story world. As she explores the rich narratives within the tree, Paige is drawn into a Saharan fairytale of forbidden love, unravels a mystery at a lively 1920s dinner party, and witnesses the bravery of a dragon who sacrifices for his unexpected friends in a whimsical children’s tale. Each adventure challenges her in new ways, urging her to uncover the strength of her own voice. To mend the Binding Tree and safeguard the realm of stories, Paige must embrace her unique power to tell her own story.
The Storyteller’s Tree will be performed on OCT’s Historic Main Stage September 11 to 14, 2025.
Auditions are scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2025 in the Wilson Family Black Box Theatre. Auditions times and information will be announced via the website and social media.
Ticket information will be forthcoming.

Performance Dates and Times: September 11 to 13 at 7:30 p.m. and September 14 at 2:30 p.m.
Directed by: To be announced.
Auditions: Auditions are scheduled for July 13 and 14, 2025

OCT’s Exciting 2025 Summer Camp Lineup:
8 Great Camps this Summer!
*Camps normally run from 9 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday with a performance from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. each Friday, unless otherwise communicated.
*Please note the Introduction to Musical Theatre Camp is a half-day camp.
- Rising 2nd to 5th graders meet 9 am to 12 noon
- Rising 6th to 8th graders meet 1 pm to 4 pm
June 2-6
Theme: Ten in Five
Instructor: Andy Rassler
Age Group: Rising 9th- Completed 12th grade
Camp Description: Ten in Five campers will participate in a type of “24-hour play project” spread out over a week. The goal is to create Ten Minute Plays in Five Days.
On day 1, campers will participate in activities, improv, fun, etc. In the afternoon, they will brainstorm and outline theme ideas for 10-minute plays and split into teams. On day 2, writing will be completed, edits made, and casts are made. Days 3-4 are rehearsals leading to day 5 when performances of the original pieces take place.
Thank you!
This camp was a success!!
June 9-13
Theme: Annie, Jr. (Middle School)
Instructor: Cara Neil
Age Group: Rising 6th-8th grade
Camp Description: Campers will bring the story of everyone's favorite little redhead in her first adventure to the Black Box stage during this day camp. Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, with a beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Thank you!
This camp was a success!!
June 16-20
Theme:
Fairy Tale Adventures Camp
Instructor: Rebecca White
Age Group: Rising 3rd-5th grade
Camp Description: Fairy Tale Adventures camp brings the magic of fairy tales to life through games, crafts, drama, dance, and movies, allowing campers to explore storytelling in a fun and interactive way.
Each day will focus on a different fairy tale theme, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and imagination. Campers will design their own enchanted kingdoms, develop original characters, go on magical quests, and experience the power of storytelling through movement, acting, and artistic expression. The week culminates in a final performance, where campers showcase their own fairy tale-inspired skits for family and friends. This camp is designed for both experienced young performers and those new to the stage, fostering a supportive and engaging environment where every child can bring their own fairy tale to life.
Thank you!
This camp was a success!!
June 23-27
Theme:
Grand Guignol Intensive
Instructor: Jackie Obano Carter (PMP)
Asst. Instructor: Brooke Voelkers
Featured Instructor: Chris Stonnell
Age Group: Rising 9th-12th grade
Camp Description: Get ready for a thrilling week of screams, stage blood, and spine-tingling performances in our Horror Theatre camp! Presented by Post Mortem Players, the Charlotte area’s award-winning horror theatre company, this immersive camp will dive into the macabre and gruesome world of the Grand Guignol, the legendary Parisian theatre of terror that shocked audiences from the 1890s to the 1960s. Campers will delve into horror acting techniques, learn how to do eerie makeup and startling special effects, and bring their sinister skills to life in a chilling final performance that will leave audiences howling for more… or running for the exits! Whether you're an actor, director, or horror fanatic, this is your chance to study the art of fear—if you dare!
What will be covered: ● The History of Grand Guignol ● Grand Guignol Acting ● Stage Blood ● Stabbings ● SFX Horror Make Up ● The Harmony of Design: Light, Sound, & Projections ● Costuming Villains & Monsters
$350
includes camper receiving their own SFX makeup kit!
July 14-18
Theme:
Intro to Musical Theatre
Instructor: Rebecca Miller
Age Group: Rising 2nd-5th grade (9 am to 12 noon) and rising 6th-9th grade (1 pm to 4pm)
Camp Description: During this engaging and immersive week each camper will explore the exciting world of musical theater through a mix of acting, singing, dancing, history, crafts, and games.
Throughout the week, participants will:
- Learn the fundamentals of musical theater performance, including character development, stage presence, and choreography.
- Discover the power of music in storytelling by singing and interpreting songs from Broadway classics.
- Experience the magic of movement through dance workshops and group choreography.
- Watch and analyze famous musicals, gaining insight into their themes and history.
- Get creative with crafts, designing costumes, posters, and set pieces.
- Show off their skills in a final performance for friends and family on the last day.
$113 for half day camp
July 21-25
Theme: Exploring New Broadway Classics
Instructor: Cara Neil
Age Group: Rising 6th-8th grade
Camp Description: Exploring New Broadway Classics will be a dynamic and immersive camp experience where campers will dive into the world of contemporary Broadway shows! Designed for aspiring performers, this camp explores the newest hits of the Broadway stage with a focus on musical theater skills in acting, voice, scene work, and technical theater.
Whether you're an experienced performer or new to the stage, Exploring New Broadway Classics will offer a fun, challenging, and creative environment where campers can explore the vibrant world of modern musical theater. Let your talents shine on stage and behind the scenes as you take the spotlight this summer!
$225
July 28 – August 1
Theme:
Let’s Put On a Broadway Review
Instructor: Cara Neil
Age Group: Rising 3rd-5th grade
Camp Description: Let's Put on a Broadway Revue is the perfect camp experience for kids who love to sing, act, and perform! This camp is designed to help children build confidence in their abilities through an exciting musical revue. Throughout the camp, kids will explore some of the most iconic Broadway tunes, while also bringing short scenes to life through creative storytelling.
With a focus on teamwork, self-expression, and positive encouragement, every child will leave camp feeling proud of their unique contribution. By the end of the camp, the kids will perform a Broadway revue, showcasing their newly developed talents in front of family and friends. Whether they’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, Let's Put on a Broadway Revue will help every child find their voice and feel like a star!
$225
August 4-8
Theme:
Accents and Character Voices
Instructor: Abby Johnson
Age Group: Rising 6th-8th grade
Camp Description: Get ready for an exciting adventure into the world of acting during our Accents and Character Voices camp, where campers will explore the art of accents, character voices, and dynamic acting skills! Over the course of this camp, you'll learn how to transform into any character you can imagine, all while gaining confidence in your acting abilities.
Campers will be guided through fun, hands-on exercises to help develop unique character choices, from physical movements to emotional connections. You'll practice different accents and explore how voice and speech patterns can bring characters to life in a whole new way.
By the end of the camp, you'll have gained valuable tools for creating believable characters, improving your vocal range, and stepping into the spotlight with confidence! Whether you're a beginner or already have some acting experience, this camp is perfect for anyone who loves to perform and wants to learn new skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Join us for a week of creative exploration, acting challenges, and tons of laughter as we bring characters and accents to life on stage!