“We must all do theatre, to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.”
Augusto Boal
About AJT
Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) is Asheville’s premier semi-professional youth theater company. We have theater programs, summer camps, and dance and music classes for kids ages 4-18.
We are extremely proud to say that our productions are not just “good children’s theater,” but are great theater more broadly. We are not-for-profit and all the money we bring in from families and donations goes back into our shows and our programs. We go “all out” on costumes, sets and props, making the production value of our shows nothing like Asheville has seen before.
We believe that when kids put their mind to something and work harder than they think they can, magic is created on stage. We push children to be great and we don’t believe that everyone gets an equal role on stage. Natural ability in singing, acting and dancing, plus experience on the stage is what earns our actors lead roles.
With that said, we do have opportunities for kids new to musical theater and performance. Those trying this out for the first time are welcome here as well, and our directors go to great lengths to teach all kids to be great performers, help them find their confidence on stage, and teach them what goes into semi-professional theater.
We also recently opened AJT’s School of Dance and AJT’s School of Music to help kids continue to grow in all areas of their performance; we are proud to say that AJT creating triple threats. Our classes are performance based, which is a unique feature in Asheville’s performing arts scene. Stay tuned next year for the School of Acting to open as well.
Here at AJT, we are dedicated to helping children express themselves both on and off the stage. We provide engaging, innovative and high quality theater education and productions for children of all ages and backgrounds. We value creativity and face-to-face theatrical opportunities. Whether your child is simply being introduced to the stage or joining us as a seasoned performer, Asheville Junior Theater welcomes you.
Videos of the AJT Experience!
Take the stage!
Membership Application
We’d love to talk to you about your family joining Asheville Junior Theater. Please complete the application.
About Us
AJT is a collaborative team of lifelong theater enthusiasts and experienced professionals.
Upcoming Shows
The show must go on! And we’re excited to be performing amazing shows during this season.
Our Philosophy
Here at Asheville Junior Theater, AJT, we profoundly understand the numerous benefits of musical theater and want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to do the following:
Learn effective communication strategies
Learn how to work together in groups
Learn about real life situations by embodying a character experiencing those situations
Manage anxiety that can often come with performing in front of an audience
Increase their happiness through playful peer interactions
Identify emotions and understand the emotions of their fellow actors
Learn that every role on or behind the stage is crucial to the musical's success
Increase their confidence after successfully performing in a musical or play
and the list goes on and on...
Pricing
$50 Registration fee per year
Main Company $450
Includes:
- four months of rehearsal time with two rehearsals per week and day-long rehearsals as we get closer to performance time
- performance video, professional photos of dress rehearsal, a script to keep, access to performance tracks and more.
This price works out to less than $3 per hour!!! *Costumes will be provided for use in this musical but are the property of AJT.
Mini Company $225
Includes:
- one hour practice per week before the Main Company’s rehearsal
This group will focus on introducing kids to movement, choreography and singing with theater games and repetition. The Mini Company helps kids develop confidence and provides the foundation necessary to step on the big stage once they get older.
Introducing AJT Dance School
*Now registering for the FALL 2024-Spring 2025 Season*
AJT School of Dance is a vibrant dance school dedicated to nurturing artistic talent and fostering a love for the performing arts. Offering a diverse range of dance classes for children, teenagers and adults, our school provides expert instruction in various dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, acro, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. With a focus on creativity, performance, and technique, students have the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and express themselves through dance in a supportive and encouraging environment. Led by experienced instructors who are passionate about the performing arts, Asheville Junior Theater School of Dance strives to inspire the next generation of dancers and performers while promoting artistic excellence and personal growth.
Help Give the Gift of Theater
We’re honored to have donors who support our mission! Because of the generous support of people in our community, we’re able to offer financial aid to families in critical need.
There are two ways to give: a one-time donation or a monthly recurring gift.