Homeschool Junior Thespian Company

The stage is more than a place to perform. It is a place to belong.

As part of Orlando Family Stage’s Junior Thespian Company, affiliated with the Educational Theatre Association, homeschool and virtual school students become part of a national community of young theatre artists. Throughout the season, they build confidence, strengthen their performance skills, and create lasting friendships through rehearsal, coaching, and collaboration, as they prepare to represent Orlando Family Stage at the Florida Junior Thespian District Festival.

Designed for students who are looking for an in-depth theatre experience, Orlando Family Stage’s Junior Thespian Company offers the opportunity to grow as performers, collaborators, and storytellers. Company members rehearse a competitive one-act production, prepare Individual Events, receive personalized coaching and professional feedback, and experience what it means to be part of a supportive theatrical ensemble.

Whether you are stepping onto the stage for the first time or looking to take your theatre training to the next level, curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to collaborate are all you need to begin.

What You Will Learn

• Self-confidence and bravery in making creative choices and expressing yourself
• Acting techniques that strengthen character development and storytelling
• Collaboration, leadership, self-discipline, and empathy as members of an artistic ensemble
• Audition, rehearsal, and performance practices used by theatre professionals
• Skills for preparing and presenting adjudicated performances

What to Expect

• Professional instruction from experienced theatre artists
• Opportunities to perform, collaborate, and grow within a welcoming ensemble
• Rehearsals for a competitive one-act production
• Coaching and preparation for Individual Events (optional)
• Participation in the Florida Junior Thespian District Festival

Tuition Includes 

• Junior Thespian membership dues, Florida District Festival registration, participation in the competitive one-act production, coaching for one-act and Individual Events, and a troupe t-shirt.
• Students may be asked to provide basic costume pieces, shoes, or other items appropriate for their assigned role or Individual Events.

Auditions & Commitment

• Auditions held in August are designed to help instructors get to know each student and create a well-balanced ensemble. No previous theatre experience is required, and students of all experience levels are encouraged to audition.
• Because the company works together toward the festival performance, students are expected to commit to the full September through February rehearsal schedule. Spring schedule and programming are to be determined.

What to Bring

• Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and a nut-free snack each day
• Students should bring their script and a pencil to each rehearsal
• Students should dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes each day

Schedule

• • Auditions: August 18 and 19, 2026
  • Parent and Student Orientation: September 8 at 11:30am (prior to the first rehearsal)
  • Rehearsals:
    • Tuesdays & Thursdays; September 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29; October 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22; November 10, 12, 17, 19; December 8, 10; January 12, 14, 19, 21, 25, 28
  • Tech Week: (Mandatory Rehearsals)
    • Monday October 26; Tuesday October 27; Thursday October 29
    • Monday November 2; Tuesday November 3
  • Performance:
    • Thursday October 29 at 7pm (Mandatory)
  • Junior Thespian District Festival; November 5-7 (Mandatory; times to be announced)
  • Additional coaching sessions may be scheduled if a student participates in Individual Events.
• If the company or individuals qualify for the Florida Junior Thespian State Festival, additional festival information and fees will be shared at a later date.

Questions? 

• See our Policies and FAQs
• Contact us at 407-896-7365 ext. 219 or [email protected]