What is the Nucleus?

The Nucleus is Northwest Theatre Lab’s teen leadership program—where young artists learn what it means to be the heart of a theatre community. It’s not just about stepping into the spotlight. It’s about everything that makes a show possible: leading with kindness, supporting your castmates, and taking ownership of the work that happens both on and off the stage.

At its core, The Nucleus is about:

• Recognizing that leadership isn’t always center stage

• Building the trust, care, and culture that fuel every rehearsal room

• Becoming the kind of leader others want to follow

Why Join The Nucleus?

At The Nucleus, teens don’t just assist—they lead. Through guided mentorship and hands-on experience, participants learn how to show up with confidence, take initiative, and support the success of everyone around them. It’s leadership training through theatre—but the skills go far beyond the stage.

When you join The Nucleus, you’ll:

• Develop leadership and communication skills that apply to any career

• Learn how to manage a rehearsal space, support younger performers, and work as part of a team

• Help build the culture of kindness, accountability, and fun that makes our theatre thrive

• Earn real responsibilities that grow with you throughout the year

This year, several of our teens have already begun stepping into leadership—helping with rehearsals, leading warm-ups, and supporting backstage with props and costume changes. The Nucleus takes that spark and turns it into something intentional: a full year of training, guidance, and real leadership in action.

Rehearsal & Cast Support

Warm-up leaders, dance captains, line readers, student stage managers—roles that directly support the rehearsal room and help cast members feel confident and prepared. These leaders contribute to the creative flow of rehearsals and often help younger students stay focused, engaged, and encouraged.

Backstage & tech

Props, costumes, dressers, light board operators, and cue support—roles that manage the behind-the-scenes elements of a production. Leaders in this category thrive on organization and detail, helping every show run like clockwork from backstage.

Production & Organization

Front of house, front desk assistants, assistant teachers for lab classes, welcome crew, and peer mentors—roles that keep NWTL running smoothly both behind the scenes and in the community-facing areas of our space. Peer mentors and teaching assistants are experienced leaders who model kindness, responsibility, and professionalism.

Your Invitation to Lead

If you’re excited about becoming a leader in our theatre community, The Nucleus might be the next step for you. This program is for teens who are ready to grow, take initiative, and support others. If that sounds like you, here’s what you’ll need to be eligible to apply:

• Be between 13 and 18 years old
    *We’re building a team of teen leaders who are ready for responsibility and growth.*

• Have participated in at least 3 Northwest Theatre Lab productions
    *We want to know you understand how our process works and have experience in our rehearsal culture.*

• Have completed or be enrolled in a one-week summer tech camp (backstage, props, or costuming)
    *This helps ensure that every leader has hands-on experience supporting a production beyond performance.*

You don’t need to be perfect—but leadership starts with kindness. If you’re responsible, open to feedback, and ready to grow as part of a team, you’re in the right place.

What It Means To Be In The Nucleus?

Being part of The Nucleus is more than just holding a title—it’s an active, ongoing commitment to yourself, your team, and the theatre community around you.

When you join The Nucleus, here’s what you’re committing to:

• Attend all summer leadership training sessions
    These three two-hour workshops are required and set the foundation for your year of growth.

• Participate in quarterly check-ins
    Once per quarter, we’ll meet one-on-one to talk about your progress, goals, and where you’d like to grow next.

• Take on leadership responsibilities each quarter
    Whether it’s by helping create a welcoming environment, supporting a class, assisting during a rehearsal process, or contributing to a production, you’ll serve in a leadership role based on your skills and experience.

• Maintain professionalism and strong communication
    This means showing up prepared, staying accountable, supporting your team, and communicating with kindness and respect.

Commitment Details & Cost

• Selected students must attend three 2-hour summer workshop trainings on the following dates:
  July 18, August 1, and August 15 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Northwest Theatre Lab.

• There is a $65 leadership program fee which covers all training sessions and materials.

• Need-based scholarships are available—just reach out, we’re happy to help.

And in return, here’s what you can expect from us:

• Personalized mentorship and support

• Ongoing training to strengthen your leadership skills

• Opportunities to grow and take on more responsibility

• A community that sees you, supports you, and believes in what you’re capable of becoming