Upstage Youth Theatre
Student-Driven, Community-Powered
Upstage Youth Theatre Collective is a student-driven program bringing high-quality theatre to the Fraser Valley.
Open to grades 6–12, Upstage Youth Theatre partners with Colorado AeroLab to produce mainstage and student-led shows and workshops, giving young people the chance to lead, create, and shine—while building confidence, community, and a love for the arts.
Our Story
Upstage Youth Theatre was founded in 2025, but our story began long before our name did. For over eight years, our team has been creating theatre magic in Grand County, producing full-scale productions where students take the spotlight — onstage and behind the scenes.
In collaboration with theatre professionals from around the country, we help young artists develop the tools, confidence, and community they need to shine. From set design to lighting, from leading roles to backstage leadership, our students do it all.
With Upstage, theatre is about more than performing — it’s about fostering creativity, confidence, leadership, and community— and establishing a place to belong, grow, and tell stories that matter. Our productions have become a vibrant part of the valley’s arts scene, and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward into a new chapter.
Our Passion
At the heart of Upstage Youth Theatre is Christal McDougall, whose vision and dedication have shaped student theatre in Grand County for over eight years. Known for her creativity, high standards, and unwavering belief in her students,
Christal has guided countless young performers and technicians to discover their voices, grow their skills, take bold creative risks, and mentor and support each other every step of the way.
Under her leadership, dozens of students have taken part in full-scale productions, building confidence, friendships, and even career paths. Her passion for the arts — and for the students she works with — is what makes Upstage more than just a theatre program.
Your donation helps us pave the way for a more permanent theatre arts learning environment in Grand County.
In Partnership with Colorado AeroLab
Upstage Youth Theatre Collective operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Colorado AeroLab, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Through this partnership, Upstage is able to receive tax-deductible donations, benefit from nonprofit compliance, and operate with liability insurance that protects our programs, participants, and supporters.