“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 a 501c3 non-profit, and all the money we bring in for our shows goes back into our shows.
Here at AJT, we are dedicated to helping children express themselves both on and off the stage. Learning lines, choreography, and stage directions challenges kids to focus and manage emotions like nerves or self-doubt, while rehearsing alongside peers fosters collaboration, empathy, and communication skills. Together, these experiences prepare them for the moment of performing in front of an audience, which builds resilience, self-assurance, and the ability to express themselves authentically while handling both success and mistakes with grace. All of this unfolds within the supportive environment of a theater company, where friendships, a sense of belonging, and the joy of working toward a shared goal become the foundation for healthy self-esteem and emotional well-being.
We believe that when kids put their mind to something and work harder than they think they can, magic is created 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. 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. Stay tuned for our Spring 2026 season when our company divides into two groups, a conservatory program and a more recreational group.
AJT’s School of Dance and AJT’s School of Music help kids continue to grow in all areas of their performance; we are proud to say that AJT is passionate about 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.
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
Mini Company $195
Includes:
- one hour rehearsal per week on Sundays from 12-1pm
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.
Rising Stars $350
Includes:
- three – four months of rehearsals on Saturdays
Designed for kids who are new to theater, younger actors, or seasoned AJT students looking to grow into lead roles, this group offers a fun, supportive, and low-commitment way to build confidence and develop essential stage skills.
Conservatory $450
Includes:
- three – four months of rehearsal time on Fridays and Sundays and day-long rehearsals closer to performance time
AJT’s Conservatory is our most advanced theater group, designed for passionate and experienced young performers who are ready to fully commit to their craft. This elite ensemble is for students who take theater seriously and are eager to embrace the rigor, discipline, and artistry of professional-level productions.
Introducing AJT Dance School
6*Now registering for the FALL 2025-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.