The arts are coming back. Live performances return to Rochester including at the non-profit youth theater, A Magical Journey Thru Stages at the Auditorium Center on East Main Street.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on the performing arts. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that arts, entertainment and events venues could reopen April 2 at 33% capacity, with a limit of 100 people indoors or 200 people outdoors, and a requirement that all attendees wear masks and be socially distanced.


What You Need To Know

  • A Magical Journey Thru Stages is a non-profit youth theater for kids ages 6 to 18

  • For the first time in a year, students can perform in front of a live audience

  • Programs include theater productions, summer camps, improv troupes, technical training, open mic nights and specialized workshops

  • Tuition assistance is available for economically disadvantaged youth

Stages has been a part of the Rochester community for 20 years for kids ages 6 to 18. It's where young entertainers grow and expand their talents. After a year of mostly virtual performances, the students are finally able to perform to a live audience.

JB Fantigrossi’s first-ever live theater performance was at Stages in 5th grade. The Penfield sophomore and his cast-mates are in scene studies for the upcoming “Harry is Hotter at Twilight.”

“There is such an energy when you have a crowd for the first time in over a year at this point,” said Fantigrossi. “It is really unmatched.”

The stage is home away from home for Emma Barstow, a junior at Victor High School. She has been performing since she was five at school, Cobblestone, Spotlight and Stages.

“The best part is having a live audience and hearing them clap or laugh. It is really rewarding and the fact that we don’t really have that is definitely different, but I am excited that this is our first show that we will be able to have a live audience,” said Barstow.

Stages director of production operations Lisa Shearer is loving the energy in the Auditorium Center again. She is so proud to add more cast photos to the 20 years of theater history here.

“Nothing beats that and you can just feel this energy between the audience who is largely parents and families and extended families and the kids up on stage. It is just magical and we are so happy,” said Shearer.

The spring and summer camp theater season at Stages is packed with opportunities for kids ages 6 to 18 with help from the Rochester Broadway Theater League and the JCC. From Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. to Oliver Jr., Freaky Friday and Frozen, live theater is back at Stages.

For more information about upcoming shows, auditions, camps and live performances check out mjtstages.com.