The cast of Center Stage Productions “Frozen Jr.” gets ready to take a bow after a performance at Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City last summer. Courtesy photo

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Aspiring young performers throughout the Yuba-Sutter region will have the opportunity to take center stage this summer with one of the area's premiere performing arts groups - Center Stage Productions (CSP). The group just recently announced auditions for its highly anticipated 2025 season which will include three beloved musicals: The Music Man, Mary Poppins Jr., and Aristocats Kids.

Auditions will take place on March 15 and 16, with sign-ups opening on Monday, Feb. 24. Those interested in auditioning can find the sign-up link on Center Stage Production’s website, centerstageys.org, as well as on the organization’s social media pages.

“The Music Man” is directed by Center Stage Productions founders Corey and Morgan Kersting. This timeless Broadway favorite follows the charming con artist Harold Hill as he transforms a small town through the power of music until his own heart is unexpectedly changed.

“Mary Poppins Jr.” is a delightful adaptation of the Disney classic, this musical follows the magical nanny as she brings joy and life lessons to the Banks family in London. This production will be directed by Lydia Crist, a local high school theatre educator and founding member of Convergence Theatre Company (CTC). Crist has previously directed “Salt of the Earth” and “Godspell” for Convergence Theatre Company and said she is excited to bring this “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” show to life. Cassie Fifield will be joining the production as music director. A seasoned vocal coach and performer, Fifield has been a part of the Yuba-Sutter arts scene since 2018 and has worked on numerous musical productions, including Center Stage Production’s “Frozen Jr.” last year.

Dancers leap from the stage during a performance of “Newsies” by Center Stage Productions at the Sutter Theater Center for the Arts in Yuba City last summer. Courtesy photo

“Aristocats Kids” is based on the Disney animated film, this fun-filled show follows a group of Parisian cats on a wild adventure filled with jazz, friendship, and a little bit of feline mischief. Mary Banach, a senior at River Valley High School, and Cameron Kersting, a senior at Yuba City High School, will co-direct this production. Both directors were involved in Center Stage Production’s “Frozen Jr.” last year and said they are passionate about children’s theater and bringing new and returning actors together for a fun-filled summer production.

Young performers ages 7 to 17 (or 18 if still in high school) are invited to audition. Participants must bring a headshot and resume and prepare a 32-measure cut of an age-appropriate musical theater song to perform for the directing team. Those auditioning may choose a selection from one of the upcoming productions. A backing track on a personal device is required—no live accompaniment will be provided.

All auditioners must register online by March 11 to secure a spot. Walk-in auditions cannot be guaranteed. 

Since 2022, Center Stage Productions, powered by Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture, has provided high-quality youth theater experiences with the goal of inspiring creativity, confidence, and teamwork. With each production, young performers develop their talents while bringing magical stories to life for local audiences. For more information on auditions, show details, and rehearsal schedules, visit centerstageys.org or follow @CenterStageProductionsYubaCity on Facebook and Instagram.