Frequently Asked Questions about Fall 2025

Our fall 2025 line up is out (view the schedule here) and we are here to answer your questions! If you have more questions after reading these, please let us know!

Q: When will fall class signups begin?
A: Enrollment in fall classes and shows will begin on July 25th, 2025. Please make sure you have purchased a 2025-2026 annual registration prior to enrolling in a class.

Q: What will be the mainstage offering, and who can participate? 
A: The mainstage show that we will be preparing this fall will be an original work, The Melodies and Memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It will be open to high schoolers who have previous Play Theory experience (summer camps count).

Q: I haven’t heard of this show before. Has TNT ever staged it before? 
A: Yes, we have staged it multiple times in the past. The last staging was in 2016 at the State Theater in Auburn. It has a fan following among those who have seen it before. 😉

Q: When and where will the shows be performed? 
A: We anticipate performing on the TNT studio’s stage, though this might change if an ideal alternative can be secured. The performances will be in the second and third weeks of January 2026.

Q: Since I haven’t seen this show, I don’t know what to expect. What is it like?
A: The show is a thoughtful journey back in time. We meet Laura Ingalls Wilder towards the end of her life and go along with her as she reflects on her younger years. There is lots of lively music, with opportunities for musicians to play as well as singing and dancing, especially partner dancing. Our director, Michael Anderson, says it was the first show that he performed in and the experience was so good it got him to continue participating in TNT.

Q: How can I prepare for this show? 
A: We encourage you to participate in a summer camp to hone your Play Theory skills; taking an improv or dance camp would be the most beneficial. If you haven’t done a Play Theory class or camp with TNT before, or if it has been a while, then a summer camp is a requirement if you want to audition this fall.

Q: Will there be any productions available for participants younger than high school?
A: TNT will be producing A Year with Frog and Toad Kids, which will be open to children ages 8-11. A summer camp is highly recommended for those who wish to participate.

Q: What other opportunities will there be for youth development at TNT this fall? 
A: We will have many Play Theory classes including improv, musical improv, choir, costumes & makeup, stagecraft, rhythm, and movement. These classes will help youth further develop and practice their Play Theory happiness skills, while building theater skills as well. The costumes & makeup and stagecraft classes will have an opportunity to support some of the shows going on at TNT this fall, which is another fun way to be involved.

Q: I don’t see a production opportunity for my junior high-aged child this fall. What do you have for them?
A: We believe that there is great value in giving children and youth opportunities to perform in productions because it allows them to practice and share their Play Theory skills. We also believe in giving them lots of opportunities to build these skills and practice when the stakes aren’t as high and when there are fewer demands on their and their families’ time. We hope that our junior high participants will take the opportunity to take one or more of the Play Theory classes we are offering to build skills. We will be staging a junior production for our junior high youth in the spring. Priority enrollment will be given then to those who have participated in a Play Theory class during fall 2025.

Q: My child has other theatre experience but hasn’t participated at TNT before. Can they audition?
A: For our mainstage productions, youth must have prior Play Theory experience. This is more important to our process than previous theatre experience. Summer camps fulfill this requirement for those who are new to the program. We love to have new participants, we just ask that you learn some Play Theory first!

Q: Is a concurrent Play Theory class required for this mainstage show?
A: Yes, as with our other mainstage productions, participants are required to take a concurrent Play Theory class or be a Play Theory coach in one of our classes or productions. This gives them leadership opportunities as well as more time to practice and hone their Play Theory skills.

Q: Why is Play Theory emphasized so much at TNT?
A: Play Theory is our foundational method and supports our mission of helping youth develop positive paradigms and the happiness skills they need in life. Theatre is a way we apply those skills, but our purpose in all we do is to help the youth understand and implement these principles. Play Theory must be practiced often, just like a sport or musical instrument. Those who practice Play Theory tend to be more resilient, better collaborators, and less plagued with fear of failure. A cast willing to practice Play Theory has a better, more united experience and produces a better show for their audiences. We hope the youth walk away from TNT with substantive practices that provide more for their life than other theater programs do.

Q: Do you know what the spring shows will be for 2026?
A: Not yet, but we hope to announce them soon! Stay tuned!