How do I earn a free ticket through this program?

To earn a free ticket, you must complete 4 hours of volunteer work with the Festival. Volunteer time is calculated at a rate of 1 hour per $5, so after 4 hours, you'll earn a voucher for one free $20 ticket. You can accumulate hours over time or all at once.

Can I choose what kind of volunteer work I do?

When applying, you'll have the chance to tell us your skills and preferences. We’ll try to match you with suitable roles such as ushering, set construction, costume work, or facility maintenance. However, assignments depend on availability and Festival needs.

Can I volunteer the day of the show to earn a ticket for that night?

No, you must complete your volunteer hours at least one week before the performance you want to attend. We recommend applying as far in advance as possible (at least 3 weeks in advance) to allow time for scheduling, orientation, and volunteer work.

Is everyone who applies guaranteed a spot in the program?

Unfortunately, not at this moment. Space in the program is limited due to its being a new initiative, but will be ramped up in the future. Acceptance depends on volunteer needs, scheduling, capacity, and how far in advance you apply. We’ll review each application and notify you if you’re accepted, along with next steps and training info.

Can minors volunteer?

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. We cannot accept unaccompanied minors for any volunteer work, regardless of interest or availability.

Little Shop of Horrors (2025)

SSF

SCRANTON
SHAKESPEARE
FESTIVAL
YOUTH ENSEMBLE

ANNOUNCING
SUMMER 2026!

YOUTH ENSEMBLE HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTIONS

Applications are open for our Summer 2026 programs now through March 20th!

Enrolled participants will be completely immersed in the professional theatre process from auditions all the way through to performance.
They'll begin to build first-hand knowledge of theatre etiquette and will gain the valuable experience of putting on a show in collaboration with industry professional theatre-makers.
Participants will also have the opportunity to access masterclasses with our versatile, international company of professional main-stage performers.
Students will have the additional opportunity to perform in a cabaret of selected songs, dances, monologues, and scenes that are curated, directed, and acted by students in the Youth Ensemble meant to promote students’ repertoires of performance and push their creative boundaries.
They will also have the opportunity to grow an industry based network of their own.
Based on available opportunities, students will have the chance to serve as an associate director, production assistant, or perform in our main stage productions.
This program is audition-only; admission is granted only for students who complete an application, interview, and audition process.

Testimonials from our 2025 Youth Ensemble:

"I saw the most immediate and tangible improvement in my craft. I learned a lot over the course of the program, but this was when it was most overt and tantalizing. I felt like I was stepping into a more professional experience after."

"Being part of the Youth Ensemble was truly life changing for me. They welcomed me, encouraged me, and celebrated me in ways I didn't know I needed. Slowly, I was brought out of my shell, step by step, rehearsal by rehearsal. I discovered a confidence I didn't know I had. The Youth Ensemble didn't just teach me about performing, it taught me about myself. It showed me I could be brave, confident, and valued. Being part of this ensemble changed how I see myself and the world, and I will carry that with me forever."

SUMMER 2026 APPLICATIONS

Click to learn more about each program and how to apply!

YOUTH ENSEMBLE

YOUTH ORCHESTRA

FOUNDATIONS

If you are an interested young designer looking to gain experience, please reach out to Lizzie Gumula at LGumula@scrantonshakes.com for more information on how to get involved!

CONTINUING EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Hear more about Spring Awakening and our first ever alumni production on WVIA ArtScene

Alumni of the Youth Ensemble Productions

The Youth Ensemble is not just a summer program. The Youth Ensemble aims to engage with students after they graduate, whether they go on to study the arts or not. Our Alumni of the Youth Ensemble program hopes to utilize tools and knowledge learned from the high school programming to apply it to college-age appropriate productions with community-based messaging.

Most recently, our college-aged alumni produced Spring Awakening, the transformative rock musical, in collaboration with our community partners the Catherine McAuley Center and Scranton Friends of the Poor. Through our talkbacks, resources packet, period product drive, and more, we hope to help bring awareness to period poverty in Scranton and use theatre and the arts as a tool for positive change in our community.

Junior Producers

The Junior Producer position is a professional apprentice track meant for early-career artists interested in administration, marketing, education, design, direction, or producing who want to experience a "boots on the ground" approach to learning more about the craft. Junior Producers join the Scranton Shakes team specializing in a field of their choice and are integrated directly into the operations to help run our organization, and ultimately, creating their own art and projects.

HISTORY OF OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Summer 2021 saw the launch of our Youth Ensemble, a sister company to our Main Stage theatre company, of 14-18 year olds artists. In 2021, we performed the magical Peter and the Starcatcher. In 2022, we nearly doubled in size and presented Heathers: Teen Edition, as well as our first student-produced cabaret, The Player’s Piece. 2023 saw the implementation of two full-length productions, and the Youth Ensemble’s first Shakespeare production of Twelfth Night, alongside The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.

In Summer 2024, the Youth Ensemble expanded to offer a number of programs for students of all interest levels, including our Youth Ensemble: Foundations program, Student Designer program for technicians and designers, and Youth Orchestra program for student instrumentalists.

We now offer programming additionally for Alumni of the Youth Ensemble with college-aged productions meant to continue students' education in the arts beyond high school, which began in early 2025 with our production of Spring Awakening. Many of our alumni also go on to return to SSF to perform in our main stage, volunteer, design, and teach with the Youth Ensemble. We have housed over 100 students across all 5 branches from over a dozen NEPA school districts - and counting!

The Lightning Thief (2023)

Spring Awakening (2025)

Heathers: High School Edition (2022)

Frequently asked questions

Free Ticket Program

Scratch Night

Youth Ensemble - Students & Parents

Panto

Not necessarily, but we hope you'll stick around! While the program allows you to volunteer in exchange for individual tickets (and save them up!), our greatest need is for dedicated volunteers who want to be part of the Festival long-term. Volunteers who stay involved often find a strong sense of community, gain valuable experience, and become an essential part of our team. If you love theatre and want to support the arts in Scranton, we’d love to have you with us beyond just one show.