named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Assistantships
Hands-on leadership roles in directing, choreography, music direction, costume design, and non-profit administration for advanced students.
Broadway Rising
Theater program for homeschooled students in grades 1–8 focusing on Broadway-style performance and culminating in a cabaret show.
Improv Troupe
Youth improv program for teens in grades 7–12 that builds comedy and performance skills, including performances at the Rochester Fringe Festival.
Mainstage Productions
Fully-produced musicals and plays for students in grades 1–12, performed onstage and supported by student technical crews.
Open Mic Night
Performance opportunity for students in grades 6–12 to showcase talents in singing, dancing, comedy, poetry, or music.
Summer Camps
Seasonal theater camps focusing on singing, dancing, and acting, culminating in full performances.
Tech Training
Workshops in sound design, lighting design, and stage management that can lead to assistantship opportunities.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Youth Theater Arts Education 2 activities
- Technical theater training and assistantshipsProvides workshops and hands-on training in sound design, light design, stage management, costume design, and stage crew roles for youth, with pathways to assistantship opportunities in theater production and nonprofit administration.
- Youth improv and Open Mic programsHosts improv shows at the Rochester Fringe Festival using audience suggestions and organizes Open Mic Night events for students in grades 6–12 to perform in a supportive environment. Also offers a comedic condensed adaptation of Jane Austen’s novels during Spring Break camp for students in grades 6–12.
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Youth Musical Theater Productions 2 activities
- Youth summer theater campsOffers summer theater camps that culminate in full musical theater productions for youth, including Disney's Finding Nemo JR., Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, High School Musical JR., and The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical. These programs provide immersive training and performance opportunities during summer months at the West Herr Performing Arts Center in Rochester, NY.
- Youth theater productionsProduces fully-staged musicals and plays for youth in grades 1–12, including titles such as Shrek the Musical JR., Frozen, Chicago, The Wizard of Oz, and age-specific adaptations like Finding Nemo KIDS and The Lightning Thief. These productions involve both onstage performance and behind-the-scenes technical roles and are performed annually for approximately 7,000 audience members in the Greater Rochester Area.
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Community Event-Based Giving Programs 1 activity
- Community engagement through donation drivesCollects donated items during every theatrical performance to support local youth charities, integrating community service into regular programming operations.
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Arts Education Scholarships 1 activity
- Tuition assistance for economically disadvantaged youthProvides tuition assistance to ensure access to theater programs, performances, camps, and workshops for economically disadvantaged youth in the Greater Rochester Area.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$601K
Contributions & grants$325K54%
Program service revenue$275K46%
Investment income$2K0%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$526K
Program expenses89%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$267K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$173K
Cash$23K
Investments$0
Liabilities$116K
Net assets$57K
Liquid reserves0.5 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +28.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 4
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHERRY VILE | FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $57K |
| LISA SHEARER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $50K |
| THOMAS PEMBROOK | DIRECTOR | 40 | $42K |
| ERICA SILLOWAY | DIRECTOR | 1 | $5K |
board members · 12
- ADMIRAL LORD — TREASURER
- CHRISTINA LACAGNINA — DIRECTOR
- DEBRA ROSS — DIRECTOR
- DONNELL ADLER — VICE CHAIR
- HECTOR MANUEL ORTIZ JR — DIRECTOR
- JAMIE MANCE PIOTROWSKI — SECRETARY
- JODI AMAN — DIRECTOR
- JOHN PALOMAKI — CHAIR
- KELLI WOODS — DIRECTOR
- KELLY METRAS — DIRECTOR
- MERY PALAREA — DIRECTOR
- SARA JANE OLLES — DIRECTOR
relationships · 24
Who they work with
- 3rd ROC Solar Partner — Alumnus employed as Sales Coordinator, indicating a professional connection.
- APAC Partner — Linked as a resource on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity in the performing arts.
- August Wilson Partner — Inspires youth theater programming through legacy of plays capturing Black life across decades.
- Carolyn Curran Partner — Production Manager for summer camp productions.
- Chris Martin Partner — Director and Production Manager for summer camp productions.
- DreamWorks Animation Partner — Licensed to produce a stage adaptation of "How to Train Your Dragon" based on the DreamWorks Animation film.
- JM McDonald Foundation Funder — Funds programs at A Magical Journey Thru Stages.
- Kelly Metras Partner — Marketing & Fundraising Director at A Magical Journey Thru Stages
- Kyrias Foundation Funder — Provides grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs.
- Langston Hughes Partner — Inspires youth theater programming through legacy of work celebrating Black identity.
- Lorraine Hansberry Partner — Inspires youth theater programming through legacy of groundbreaking playwriting.
- Masline Electronics, Inc. Partner — Serves as a producer donor, providing financial support at the $1,000–$2,499 level.
- Matt Mayne Partner — Director and Production Manager for summer camp productions.
- Monroe County Government — Provides arts grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs.
- National Endowment for the Arts Funder — Provides grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs.
- National Endowment for the Arts Government — Funds programs at A Magical Journey Thru Stages.
- New York State Council on the Arts Funder — Provides grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs with support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
- New York State Council on the Arts Government — Provides support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs through funding.
- Rochester Area Community Foundation Funder — Provides grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages programs.
- Rochester Area Community Foundation Funder — Supports A Magical Journey Thru Stages through grant funding.
- Sam Janover Partner — Production Manager for multiple summer camp productions.
- Spencer Foundation Funder — Provides grant support for A Magical Journey Thru Stages.
- Upstate Theater Coalition for a Fairgame Partner — Collaborates with A Magical Journey Thru Stages in theater programming or advocacy.
- Zora Neale Hurston Partner — Inspires youth theater programming through legacy of work celebrating Black identity.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- High Expectations and Professional Standards for Accountabilitymethodology: high-expectations-trainingBy applying professional-level theater standards and requiring dedication, teamwork, and commitment, we foster student accountability and personal growth because high expectations in a creative context promote discipline, resilience, and pride in collective achievement.
- Inclusive Participation to Build Community and Belongingmethodology: inclusive_youth_theater_communityBy guaranteeing every enrolled youth a role in productions and fostering an inclusive theater environment, we strengthen community belonging and personal agency because consistent inclusion reinforces dignity, reduces barriers to access, and cultivates shared ownership of the artistic process.
- Storytelling for Social Change and Dialoguemethodology: storytelling-for-social-changeBy using narrative-driven and community-based theater, we challenge injustice and promote social change because emotionally resonant stories inspire reflection, spark dialogue, and build empathy across audiences and participants.
- Theater as a Tool for Youth Development and Personal Growthmethodology: theater-for-personal-developmentBy engaging youth in theater and storytelling, we foster confidence, self-acceptance, empathy, and personal development because active participation in narrative and performance allows young people to explore identity, build emotional connections, and practice collaboration in a supportive environment.