WRCT Youth Theatre and HOPO Summer ‘25

In a recent interview on The Rapids Report host James J. Malouf was joined by Gretchen Powers, Theatre Director at Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre. They discussed the growing youth theatre and HOPO programs coming up this summer.

Time to Expand

Last summer proved to be an enormous success with Newsies. Gretchen said that turnout for youth participants was great, but overwhelming for most. So, to respond to that need the theatre is having three shows on the mainstage for area youth, two musicals and the HOPO show.

The first of the three shows is “Dare to Dream Jr. Auditions will be on May 5th from 4:30 PM- 8:00 PM with performances June 19-21. This show is for youths aged 8-11 and will be directed by Gretchen Powers. Gretchen is looking for some teenage mentors to help with this show, and encourages those interested to contact her.

The second show will be West Side Story (School Edition). Auditions will be on Tuesday May 6th from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM with performances July 10-13. This show is for ages 12-19 and will be directed by Susan Becker.

The last show of the summer will be The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon presented by HOPO. Auditions will be on July 14th from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM with performances August 2-3. This show is for ages 8-18 and will be directed by Stephanie Hoerth.

The regular season mainstage shows have also already been selected. For information on those shows visit the Wisconsin Rapids Community Theatre website.

To hear the interview in full visit our website here.