Theater for Young Audiences

Embark on a journey into the wonderful world of musical theater for young audiences at Berklee College of Music.

Each spring, Berklee students (the Theater for Young Audiences Ensemble) bring to life a new piece from traditional children's literature that becomes an original musical to present for Boston Public Schools, charter schools, and families. Led by the composer and playwright Rene Pfister, the artistic director of the Berklee Theater Arts Collaborative, this new initiative is bringing the joy of children's theater to Berklee with a soundtrack that everyone can sing along to. 

This Year's Production
Journey to the West
Berklee Performance Center 
May 1, 2020, at 10:30 a.m.

Order tickets online, or call the box office Mondays–Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 617-747-2261.

Email us at MusicalTheaterYA@berklee.edu for more information or with questions.

Past Productions

The Pied Piper
Spring 2019

The little town of Hamelin has a big problem: rats. A young musician with a mystical tune faces off with the Jazz Rat. The audience joins the Pied Piper on her journey to a magical place. The Theater for Young Audiences Ensemble performed this show alongside young Boston actors from local schools, presenting this original musical composed by Pfister.

Hansel and Gretel
Spring 2018 

The Theater for Young Audiences Ensemble performed Hansel and Gretel, a musical twist on a familiar plotline written by Pfister. 

What do Mary Poppins, the rock star, and the babysitter have in common? They each are trying to get Hansel and Gretel home before the witch eats them. The production features the Theater for Young Audience Ensemble and is suitable for family audiences.

The Emperor's New Clothes
Spring 2017

The Musical Theater for Young Audiences and Contemporary Musical Theater initiatives at Berklee presented The Emperor's New Clothes, an original children's musical written by Pfister.

Alice in Wonderland
Spring 2016

A new musical adaptation for young audiences written by Pfister, this delightful show featured Berklee students from the Musical Theater for Young Audiences Ensemble, with vocals, bass, percussion, and a five-piece band. The show gave kids a new look into Wonderland with songs like "200 Rules for a Tea Party," "I'll Have Your Head!" and "There's a Foot Sticking out of My House!"

Pinocchio
Spring 2015

With a jazz and pop score and a 45-minute running time, this mini-musical invited kids to learn and sing along as the Blues Fairy and the Funky Cricket tried to help Pinocchio do his best to tell the truth. He escaped the Evil Coachman and was sneezed out of the belly of a whale before he finally became a real boy. Featuring an original score by Pfister, it showcased students from the Berklee Musical Theater Ensemble as well as the Berklee Musical Theater Orchestra.