CPT’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP) is a rigorous arts-based program that provides hands-on job training and engages youth from Cleveland families in a powerful learning experience that develops job skills, academic achievement, and interpersonal skills. As part of this eight-week summer program, youth ages 14–19 work together to create, produce, perform, and tour their own play. This program is the longest-running arts-based workplace development program in Cleveland and is an international model for engaging youth. Since its beginning in 1994, STEP has received multiple awards and recognitions including those from the City of Cleveland, The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Through STEP, teens see themselves as a positive and inspirational force and watch as their work has an impact on the larger Cleveland community.
STEP is a paid artistic opportunity. This year’s program will run June 8–August 2, Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm. Performances are scheduled during afternoons and evenings on weekdays and weekends from July 23 through August 2.
Cleveland Public Theatre hires artists for the Performance Ensemble as well as the Technical Theatre Ensemble. Performance artists will need to attend an audition (See audition date and information below). Technical Theatre Artists should email Melissa Crum, Director of Education, to schedule a 30-minute interview: mcrum@cptonline.org. Parents/guardians must attend an information session for their artist to be considered for the ensemble. There will be information sessions at the top of auditions at CPT on April 23 at 6pm and April 25 at 1pm. Sessions can also be scheduled over Zoom to accommodate schedule needs.
*Note: The Performance Ensemble works together for eight weeks. The Technical Theatre Ensemble will join halfway through the process and work four weeks.*
Performance Ensemble works: June 8–August 2 (M–F, 11am–5pm)
Technical Theatre Ensemble works: July 6–August 2 (M–F, 11am–5pm)
Audition Dates:
Thursday, April 23, 2026, 6–8pm & Saturday, April 25, 2026, 1–3pm
Location:
Auditions will be held at Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave. Cleveland OH, 44102.
Video Submissions:
Artists may also send in a one-minute video performance to be considered for the Performance Ensemble. Video submissions should be emailed to mcrum@cptonline.org.
What to Prepare:
Young artists should come prepared to perform one minute of material. This should highlight whatever talent you would like to showcase and can be acting, singing, dancing, or even playing an instrument! (Instrumentalists will also be asked to participate in the acting and creation process).
Technicians:
Please email Melissa Crum, mcrum@cptonline.org, to schedule a 30-minute interview (virtual). Parents/guardians will be asked to join the top of the session to receive important information about the program. You must also register by following the link below.
How to reserve my place:
To attend auditions, please email Melissa Crum to reserve your spot, followed by registering via a simple Google Form (see below).
Email: mcrum@cptonline.org
Register Here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3foMQXXIRaCk_Y0k4sKTQkxJpZlk-dJid2AAeUS8oklfMxQ/viewform
Any Questions:
Please reach out to Melissa Crum, Director of Education.
Email: mcrum@cptonline.org, Phone: 440-429-5876
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