Studio 8 Arts Program

A free performing arts program for Central Ohio high school students

Shadowbox Live’s free after-school performing arts program allows select Central Ohio high school students to work alongside experienced Shadowbox metaperformers. The audition-based intensive provides a rare glimpse of the theater industry through the collaborative mentorship of professional teaching artists, performers, and production designers, creating an immersive portfolio-building experience.

Professional artistry meets theatrical mentorship with two live performances

Students study under working artists and gain professional experience while exploring a variety of disciplines:

Performance arts:

  • voice
  • acting
  • dance
  • music

 

Production arts:

  • lighting
  • sound
  • costuming
  • backstage

 

The Studio 8 week concludes with two live showcase performances of a full-length sketch comedy and music production alongside the professionally trained Shadowbox Live meta-performing artists before public paying audiences.

Central Ohio high school student getting mentored by a Shadowbox Live metaperformer in The Shadowbox Live Studio 8 Arts Program.
The Studio 8 Arts Program is generously underwritten by our sponsors, including the AEP Foundation, the Columbus Foundation, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Ohio Arts Council, and the Rosen Family Fund.
Student musician performing in a Shadowbox Live Performance Academy showcase performance.

Students must be enrolled in high school. 
Applications must be submitted by Thursday, January 22, 2026. 
Students must be available to attend scheduled performances on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 at 7p.

Audition materials will be available once the application has been submitted.

Audition times are scheduled based on school dismissal time. 

Auditions are Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 3p to 6:30p

Location: Shadowbox Live, located at 503 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215. (Parking details)

Students can select up to two disciplines.

With advance notice and clear details, Shadowbox Live accommodates prior extracurricular commitments. Participating students will have an opportunity to provide conflicts once the application is submitted.

Rehearsals will be held after school, on the weekend, and all day Presidents Day at Shadowbox Live, located at 503 S Front St, Columbus, OH 43215.

Rehearsals: Monday, February 9, 2026 to Friday, February 13, 2026 (3p to 7p)

Music Tech Rehearsal: Saturday, February 14 (Noon to 5p)

Comedy Tech Rehearsal: Sunday, February 15 (1p to 5p)

Technical Rehearsal: Monday, February 16 (Presidents Day) (8a to 5:30p)

Performance participants will have three workshop sessions in addition to weekend technical rehearsals Saturday and Sunday.

Vocals: three 30-minute sessions

Comedy: three 45-minute sessions

Musical Instruments: three 30-minute sessions

Dance: three 90-minute group sessions

Behind the Scenes participants will have their workshops Friday, February 12 through Monday, February 16.

Public Showcase Performances: 

Monday, February 16 at 7p

Tuesday,  February 17 at 7p

Presidents Day:

On Monday, February 16 (Presidents Day) students will be required to be at Shadowbox Live by 8:30a, and will remain at Shadowbox Live the entire day, through the end of the show.

Tuesday, February 17 students will have an after-school arrival time.

Form submission is now closed. Please email education@shadowboxlive.org with any questions.