New Member Auditions:
Wednesday, August 12, 5-8 p.m. at The Judy

View the audition process and audition registration forms at the end of this page.

Catalyst: NWCT’s Youth Company is an advanced training program for performing arts and technical and design theater students ages 12 to 18.

The main goal of Catalyst is to facilitate learning by doing. Through a combination of performance and production opportunities as well as classes and workshops, students develop their craft under the mentorship of professional theater artists.

Participation in Catalyst is by application and audition, or invitation only.

A few updates have been made to the Catalyst program for the 2026/27 season. Specifically:

• Moving from our current tuition model (pay per project) to a flat annual fee covering Fall, Winter, and Spring.
• Updated Participation Expectations that include:
  • Participating in at least one project per term (Mainstage, Catalyst, 48-hr play fest, etc)
  • Attending the monthly Masterclass
  • Performing at the Annual Gala
  • Participating in Catalyst Social Events (Holiday Party, Season Wrap-up/Graduation)
  • Regularly attending Mainstage and Catalyst performances as either a volunteer usher or attendee

Expanded Catalyst Offerings

To ensure we have enough program space for every member, we are increasing the number of Catalyst performance and educational opportunities. Programs will include:

• Two Catalyst productions that rehearse simultaneously each term (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• Student performer roles in Mainstage productions
• Monthly Masterclasses –
  • Age-grouped workshops led by professional theater artists.
  • Meets on the Third Friday of each month.
  • Masterclasses will never conflict with Catalyst or Mainstage rehearsals.
• 48 Hr Playfestival to start the year
  • Opportunities for student acting, directing and playwriting 
• Opportunity for Catalyst students aged 16-19 to apply to be a Resident Artist. Information about this program and application process will be released shortly. 

Tuition

We’re replacing per-project tuition with a flat annual fee:

• Annual Tuition – $1,500/year covers full Catalyst membership, including all productions, festivals, and Masterclasses.
• This does NOT include Summer Intensives which are still priced per session.
• Payment plans and scholarships available — you can apply for partial/full assistance or make monthly payments.

2026/2027 Catalyst Calendar

Check out this season’s Catalyst Calendar, which includes:

• Rehearsals/performances for all Catalyst productions
• Monthly Masterclass dates
• Social events and parties
• Gala Fundraiser rehearsals

Note: Mainstage production rehearsals are not included on this calendar.

Catalyst Backstage

For our tech-only students changes are minimal

• $300/year covers crew participation for all Catalyst and Mainstage productions
• Includes social events, volunteer opportunities, and eligibility to apply for Catalyst Resident Artist
• Masterclasses will include technical theater training tailored for Backstage members

Interested in a scholarship? Email dustin@nwcts.org

Application & Audition Process

New Member auditions take place twice per year, in the spring and fall.

Students must be at least 12 years old by the day of the audition to participate in Catalyst in the 2026/27 season.

Here is the process for registration and auditioning: