John Carroll University is pleased to announce its partnership with Heights Youth Theatre (HYT) for its 2026-2027 season. Through this collaboration, Heights Youth Theatre will bring three youth theatre productions to John Carroll’s Kulas Auditorium, while creating new opportunities for John Carroll students to mentor youth and gain hands-on experience in the performing arts.
The partnership will bring All Shook Up, Moana Jr., and Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure to the 800-seat Kulas Auditorium, located within Saint Ignatius Hall on John Carroll’s campus. Performances will take place throughout the academic year, beginning with All Shook Up in October, followed by Moana Jr. in January and Peter Pan, A Musical Adventure in April and May.
“John Carroll University is excited to partner with Heights Youth Theatre and provide a dedicated space where students can grow, create, and engage in the arts,” said Amy Payne, Director of Fine Arts at John Carroll University. “Heights Youth Theatre’s young artists are the future of John Carroll University, and this partnership is a wonderful way for us to support the arts and our Greater Cleveland community. It also provides John Carroll students with an opportunity to work with a respected organization and gain hands-on experience in professional theatre.”
Founded in 1954, Heights Youth Theatre is one of the oldest children’s theaters in the country. The organization is committed to inspiring young artists and offers students aged 6 to 18 from across Northeast Ohio the opportunity to participate in high-quality theatrical experiences and training, and develop their skills both on and off stage.
“Bringing Heights Youth Theatre to John Carroll University marks an exciting new chapter for our organization,” said Pam Fine, Executive Director of Heights Youth Theatre. “We are thrilled about this partnership and the opportunity to create new experiences for our young people while engaging with John Carroll’s students and the broader university community. We look forward to learning from one another and seeing what we can accomplish together.”
Beyond the stage, the partnership will also create experiential learning opportunities for John Carroll students interested in theatre, arts, marketing, business, or other fields. JCU students will have the opportunity to gain experience in set construction, costuming, lighting, marketing and business operations, and arts education, while engaging in internships and networking opportunities with HYT.
“John Carroll’s partnership with Heights Youth Theatre builds on the institution’s commitment to the arts and engagement with the Greater Cleveland community,” said Dr. Julia Karolle-Berg, Associate Dean for Humanities and Professional Studies at JCU. “Arts programming at JCU is growing, and we can see how it enriches the lives of our community members."
John Carroll’s campus is also currently home to Ensemble Theatre, which presents productions in the University’s Marinello Little Theatre. Together, these partnerships bring local artists and audiences to campus while creating opportunities for John Carroll students to learn alongside working arts professionals.
For performance dates, ticket information, and more about Heights Youth Theatre’s 2026-27 season, visit www.heightsyouththeatre.com/.
