PROGRAMMING FOR AGES 18 AND UNDER
"We’re here to create a theatre journey that starts with Guild Jr. and lasts a lifetime in one way or another."
Children & Teen programs with the Guild
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Welcome to Guild Jr., where kids and teens come together to learn, grow, and create through the magic of theatre. At Guild Jr., the focus is on teamwork, discovery, and creativity as young artists bring stories to life. From learning lines and trying out dance moves to sharing laughs during rehearsals, every day is an opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and experience the joy of collaboration. Theatre here isn’t just about the final performance—it’s about finding joy in the process, sparking imagination, and fostering connections that last a lifetime.
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Our Values
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Growth: We nurture personal and artistic development, encouraging participants to challenge themselves and grow in new and exciting ways.
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Positivity: We create a welcoming environment where young people feel supported, valued, and excited to learn and create together.
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Creativity: We celebrate the art of storytelling and provide opportunities for young artists to express themselves in imaginative and meaningful ways.
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Teamwork: We emphasize collaboration, teaching the importance of working together to achieve shared goals.
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Responsibility & Professionalism: We instill essential skills such as accountability, time management, and professionalism to prepare young artists for future success both on and off the stage.
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Community: We are committed to making a positive impact through performances and outreach initiatives that extend beyond the stage. By empowering young artists to be their authentic selves, we create a ripple effect that uplifts and inspires others.
Program Descriptions
Guild Jr. Productions
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​Guild Jr. brings the magic of theatre to life with exciting hour-long musicals for young performers from third grade through high school. The titles we choose are crafted by top industry professionals, and specifically designed to help kids learn, grow, and shine on stage. Auditions are open to all, offering a traditional audition experience, and it’s completely free to be a part of the cast—just bring your enthusiasm, creativity, and love for the arts!
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Our productions aren’t just about putting on a great show; they’re about building confidence, teaching teamwork, and instilling a strong work ethic in every participant. Through rehearsals and performances, kids learn the importance of commitment, responsibility, and supporting one another. We create a positive and professional environment where young artists are encouraged to take creative risks and celebrate each step of their journey. While not everyone will be cast in every production, we always encourage young artists to come back and audition for future experiences.
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Each production lights up the stage for one weekend, giving the community a chance to experience the hard work and passion of our young performers. While there’s no cost to join the cast, we do sell tickets to share these amazing performances with everyone. We also encourage our Guild Jr. family to get involved in fundraising to support the arts and highlight the impact theatre has on young lives and the community as a whole.
Guild Jr. Break Camps​
Guild Jr. offers theatre-filled fun during spring and summer break camps, perfect for 1st through 8th graders. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., providing young performers with a full day of activities focused on acting, voice, and dance. Camps are fully musical theatre-based , culminating in a 30-minute show featuring all campers in the final performance. The titles we choose for the Break Camp productions are specifically designed and curated for young and growing performers, ensuring an experience that is both educational and exciting. Our camps aim to boost kids' confidence and deepen their theatre skills, making them ideal for newcomers to the arts as well as young performers looking to hone their craft. With a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth, campers can explore the world of theatre and enjoy the creative process from start to finish.
Meet The Team
The Kellys -
Brandon, Willow, & Lindsay
Brandon and Lindsay Kelly lead Guild Jr. with a shared commitment to enriching the lives of young artists through theatre. As parents to their five-year-old daughter, Willow Brooke, they understand the importance of fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork in children. Married in 2017, they have taught over 100,000 children in 19 countries with the former Young American leadership, now known as Heart Global, and have produced more than 40 children’s theatre productions. They have also coached and worked with kids who have gone on to be young performers on Broadway and in National and International tours, including Matilda, Annie, The Grinch, and The Lion King. Through Guild Jr., they ensure that children not only experience the joy of theatre but also develop the professionalism and discipline required to succeed in the arts and beyond. By creating a supportive and structured environment, they prepare young performers to take on their next challenges, whether pursuing the arts professionally or applying the confidence, teamwork, and resilience learned in theatre to other fields. Brandon studied Musical Theatre performance, direction, tech, and music composition at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Lindsay, a Jackson native, brings extensive experience working with professional equity theatre companies, including theatre management, administration, and fundraising. Hired by the Jackson Theatre Guild at just 16, she was the youngest office manager in its history, showcasing her early dedication to theatre. Having recently returned to Jackson from Galveston, TX, they are committed to enriching the local arts scene by nurturing young talent and building a theatre community that uplifts not only its performers but also the Jackson area. Through Guild Jr., they aim to create lasting connections that resonate beyond the stage, inspiring future generations and strengthening the cultural fabric of the community with a shared commitment to enriching the lives of young artists through theatre.
×´Our productions aren’t just about putting on a great show; they’re about building confidence, teaching teamwork, and instilling a strong work ethic in every participant.×´
- The Kellys