Season schedule

All-of-us Express Children's Theatre brings four major productions to the Greater Lansing community each year with the help of hundreds of youth from throughout the region. Seasons correspond with academic years, so the fall show is the first in a given season, and the summer production wraps up the season. Typical audition and performance dates are as follows:
  • Fall Show — Auditions in late August, performances in November
  • Winter Show — Auditions in mid-November, performances in February
  • Spring Show — Auditions in mid-February, performances in late April/early May
  • Summer Show — Auditions in mid-May, performances in late July/early August

Age Ranges

Theatre lovers ages 6 to 18 have the opportunity to become involved in AECT. Youth participants are guided by experienced older teens and adults, but all cast and crew members are in grades K-12. Directors, stage managers, and adult crew heads are all familiar with theatre and are eager to work with local youth. 

Cast
  • School-year productions generally cast children ages 9-18
  • Summer productions generally cast children ages 6-18

Crew
  • Experience crews (ushering and party planning) are open to youth ages 6-18
  • Production crew age minimums vary (see Guild Program page for further details)

CAST auditions & CREW SigN-Up

AECT is always seeking talented youth participants! No previous training or experience is required to audition. There is no fee to audition, but there are participation fees for cast and crew members (more information about fees is provided on the form when you sign up for a crew or auditions; there is also a fee chart here). Scholarships are available to help with fees—you can request a scholarship form any time before fees are due.

Rehearsals are generally held Monday through Thursday evenings. Rarely, a show might require Saturday rehearsals for singing, dance, or combat practice; date requirements will be made clear in the audition process. The number of rehearsals required weekly depends on the participant's role or crew. Performances run during two consecutive weeks, with shows each weekend on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday afternoon.

Minimum ages for cast members vary according to the show (typically ages 9-18 for school-year shows and 6-18 for summer productions). Crews also have varied minimum ages; Experience Crews like ushering are open to children as young as 6, while Guild Crews require that participants be at least 11, 12, or 14 depending on the crew. 

Audition information for upcoming shows can be found on the City of East Lansing website.

Participants new to the theatre world may come across new vocabulary. AECT has compiled a short glossary of common terms if you want to learn more!