Asheville Junior Theater: Where Young Stars Rise and Community Comes Alive
Step inside Asheville Junior Theater and you immediately feel the energy. It is more than a studio and more than a stage. It is a lively mix of creativity, courage, and community where kids find their voices, teens discover their confidence, and families feel at home. From the first warmup to the final bow, something special unfolds here.
What began as a small spark in Asheville’s arts scene has grown into a vibrant nonprofit committed to delivering professional quality youth productions, transformative performing arts education, and accessible opportunities across Western North Carolina. The mission is bold in its simplicity: empower young people through the performing arts and let their brilliance shine.
A Nonprofit With Heart — And Big Dreams
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every dollar at AJT goes straight back into the experience — the shows, the classes, the costumes, the sets, the instruction. There is no corporate structure behind the curtain. What you see is the result of passion, dedication, and a deep belief in what arts education can do.
Parents often walk in and say, “I can’t believe this is all for kids.” But it is. The direction, the choreography, the costumes, the lighting — all created with the same care you would expect from a professional theater, because children deserve that level of excellence.
And what happens on these stages matters far beyond the performances. The arts give young people a healthy outlet for their emotions and an anchor in a world full of pressure. Kids learn resilience, empathy, collaboration, and leadership, and they build friendships that last.
A New Era — Introducing THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville
As programs have grown, so has the vision. AJT is stepping into a new chapter as a full performing arts school offering theater, dance, choir, musical theater, homeschool enrichment, and opportunities for performers of all ages.
Beginning in the new year, the organization will officially adopt its new name:
✨ THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville ✨
The change reflects everything the program has become:
• a creative home
• a school for the arts
• a place where performers grow in confidence, skill, and community
The programs families love will remain, simply organized more clearly within two branches:
Asheville Junior Theater (AJT)
The recreational branch for ages 8 to 18 — perfect for:
• new performers
• kids exploring dance, choir, or theater
• families seeking community centered arts experiences
• students who want fun, creativity, and growth
AJT will continue producing its beloved youth shows and offering beginner and intermediate classes, including AMT Minis (ages 4 to 7), dance, choir, and musical theater.
ART — Asheville Repertory Theater
The conservatory style training track for:
• ages 13 through adult
• experienced and dedicated performers
• students seeking rigorous, pre professional instruction
• artists ready for advanced technique and challenging roles
This path is designed for serious performers who want to dive deeper into the craft.
In short, this is no longer only a youth theater company. It has grown into a full performing arts school and a creative community for performers at every level.
To explore the full list of programs — Dance, Choir, Musical Theater, AMT Minis, Homeschool Fridays, ART, and more — visit the Programs page:
👉 https://ashevillejuniortheater.com/programs/
A brand new website for THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville will be launching soon.
Productions That Feel Like Off Broadway
AJT shows are not recitals or school plays. They are productions — carefully cast, professionally staged, thoughtfully rehearsed, and full of heart. Whether it is a big musical like Matilda JR or a classic story like Little Women, the transformation during show week is unmistakable.
Kids stand taller.
Teens step into leadership roles.
Beginners discover courage they did not realize they had.
Families cheer, cry, and celebrate.
For many students, opening night is the moment everything changes.
Coming this winter:
THE LION KING JR
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts — January 2026
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.worthamarts.org/events/the-lion-king-jr/
A Thriving World of Dance, Music, and Musical Theatre
The stage is only part of the AJT experience. Every week the building is alive with dancers running combinations, vocalists warming up, and young performers building skills.
Dance includes jazz, contemporary, tap, theater dance, stage combat, hip hop, aerial silks, and more — blending technique with creativity and expression.
The Choir teaches harmony, breathwork, musicality, and performance skills while building confidence and community.
AMT Minis (Ages 4 to 7)
A playful introduction to acting, singing, and dancing. Through games, choreography, and simple performance skills, Minis build coordination, confidence, and imagination. Their end of session showcase is always a highlight for families.
This series begins again this spring, February 15 through May 20.
Homeschool Fridays: Creative Enrichment for Ages 10 to 18
Each Friday, the theater turns into a creative workshop where students explore makers projects, costume design, improv movement, visual arts, and more — all within a supportive artistic community.
A Professional Environment Where Kids Truly Grow
Everything at AJT is designed to help young performers grow with structure, focus, and encouragement. Students learn blocking, choreography, timing, teamwork, and technique in a setting that treats them like capable young artists.
Why Families Choose AJT
Families are not just signing up for classes or shows. They are joining a community. Kids make lifelong friends. Teens find mentors. New performers discover courage. Parents feel included and supported.
The Curtain Is Rising — Come Be Part of the Story
What started as a dream is now one of Asheville’s most exciting youth arts organizations. As AJT becomes part of THE Performing Arts Company of Asheville, the mission remains the same:
Every child has a place here.
A place to grow.
A place to express themselves.
A place to shine.
Ready for Your Child to Shine? Join AJT This Spring
Spring 2026 Shows
⭐ Matilda JR
⭐ Little Women
Registration is open now. Spots fill fast.
👉 Parent Portal: https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/regv2.asp?id=552202
AMT Minis — for ages 4 to 7
Dance Classes — Aerial Silks, Stage Combat, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet Foundations, and more
AJT Choir — confidence meets community
Spring registration is open
👉 AshevilleJuniorTheater.com
✨ Their next big moment begins today. ✨
Ticket Information
Christmas Spectacular
December 12 and 13, 2025 — 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 2:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/11146/ashevillejuniortheater
Price: $10
The Lion King JR
January 10 and 11, 2026 — 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville
🎟️ Tickets: $25 to $30