Young Star Musical Theatre — Attraction in Winter Garden

YSMT puts on fabulous shows all year long! The costumes are elaborate, the choreography is challenging and exciting to watch, the sets and lighting designs are top-notch, and the kids are truly talented.

As a performer and teacher, I'm sometimes picky when it comes to musical theatre programs. My high-schooler, middle-schooler, and elementary kids are all very happy with the atmosphere YSMT creates. I have learned that acceptance is what means the most to my family right now, a home away from home.

The staff is always friendly and welcoming, even if you take a break from the studio or miss out on a show, even if you have never performed before or are shy, and even if you sometimes have to miss rehearsals. The directors form several casts per show to provide many students with the opportunity to have special roles.

While there are lots of amazing theatre options in our area, these are things I love and appreciate about Young Star...

Everyone in the building feels like family. The older teenagers are kind to the younger kids, making them feel comfortable and helping them grow as performers. The staff and students regularly attend the various outside shows that their performers are involved in, and the students are always cheering each other on and building each other up. It's not about competition. There is room for everyone to shine.

Teachers do not hold absences or tardies against the kids or retaliate against them. They understand that parents are the ones in control of schedules and rides and that kids sometimes have more than one place to be. They expect students to learn their material and practice, but it's one of the few companies where I know my kids will not be punished if they have a schedule conflict they can't miss or miss due to a health issue.

These kids are having FUN. When you watch the performances, you see great dancing, hear great vocals, and are wowed by the whole spectacle. But what has always stood out to me is the giant smiles on the faces of ALL cast members. Front or back, stage left or stage right, in the booth or in the spotlight...the team is having a blast together. When moody teenagers can't hide their giant grins, you know something is being done right.

YSMT is not perfect. There are always things that some companies do better or worse than others. But when it comes to things that matter in 2025 (acceptance, kindness, opportunity, growth, FUN), YSMT checks...

🌟 A Standing Ovation for Young Star Musical Theatre! 🎭✨

Watching my daughter blossom over the years at Young Star Musical Theatre has been one of the greatest joys of parenting. I honestly can’t imagine a better place for her to grow up.

My daughter (who turns 11 this year!) began her YSMT journey at just 5 years old and I can honestly say, she is growing up in this theater family. The colorful costumes, the lights, the applause… yes, those are magical. But what happens behind the curtain is where the real magic lives.

From the very first day, she was met with open arms, encouragement, structure, and love. She came in as a wild, outgoing, confidence-packed little firecracker and through the years, she’s learned to channel that spark into collaboration, leadership, empathy, and discipline. Traits that, as a parent, make you stand back in awe. She’s not just performing on stage - she’s transforming.

The staff and owners? Outstanding. You can feel their heart in every rehearsal and see it in every show. They don’t just teach theater, they nurture human beings. They see every child, celebrate their individuality, and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.

The interns? Next level. These young leaders model teamwork, joy, and patience in ways that make you wish every organization had a few of them on hand. My daughter sees them and wants to be in their shoes!

The shows? Broadway-level vibes, with pint-sized powerhouses! Whether she’s a dazzling elf in a Christmas parade, the Cat in the Hat stealing the show, or a sweet storybook character from Shrek, each moment has been packed with professionalism, pride, and joy.

I’ve seen her take the stage with pure confidence, (this comes after completely freezing up on stage) support her fellow cast members, and bring home life lessons that will stick far beyond the final curtain call. And every time I watch her perform, I see not just a talented kid - but a cared-for, coached, and courageous young star.

This place is a gift. A gift to kids, to families, and to our community.

We are beyond grateful to call Young Star Musical Theatre our daughter’s second home. And honestly? Every child deserves a place like this.

Bravo,...

Young Star Musical Theater is an absolutely wonderful place for children to not only learn the skills of musical theater, but it is a place where they can experience a second family. I've never met a more dedicated group of people in the owners Lexy and her mother Shmaine, but also their staff and their wonderful group of middle to high school interns. All who have gone through their program from early on. What does this tell me, that these kids now teens WANT to be there! This is a community of people that care for one another and are dedicated to the experience you can expect for your child.

My son (8 at the time) has always been a baseball kid, but since his older sister was attending a camp, we put him in a Hamilton Camp. He LOVED it, and has since never stopped being a part of the program. My son loves the staff, loves the atmosphere, the friends, and has become one heck of an actor. As you can see in the pics, when they put on a show...they put on a show. Check out those costumes. They literally installed a rotating tray stage (donated mind you)!!

The building they are in now as of last fall, it is a 100 yo building that they had to gut, and rebuild, and a major part of the work was done by volunteers. People who love these people and their program so much that they were willing to give their time, effort, and /or money to help resurrect this old building into a magical Children's Theater. Lexy and Shmaine just kept on going no matter what because they wanted to create a space for their community to come together and bring the arts to life and safe space where kids can find their inner voice and shout it out in theater!! My son calls it his second home. Their story NEEDS to be told!!

Thank you to YSMT for keeping the dream alive and bringing the dreams of...