Mustard Seed Children's Theatre
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Hi, my name is Sarah Ehlers!
I am a stay-at-home, homeschool mama (of 3 kiddos!) just like many of you. I have a background in leading worship, teaching piano and vocal lessons, conducting choirs of all ages, and directing musicals.
Several years ago, I recognized a significant need within our homeschool community for elementary-age opportunities in the area of musical theatre. Our local homeschool assistance program has excellent theatre and musical opportunities for high schoolers and middle schoolers. There is even a wonderful elementary school play! However, from what I have observed, the required age is for older elementary students, spots can be very limited, and the waiting list is quite long, making it difficult for some kids to gain experience in this area. Through recognizing this, God began to plant and grow a dream in my heart!
This past fall, I helped set up another program in our community, and through the challenges of that experience, God began to open my eyes to what is possible with just a little bit of faith. In a very short amount of time, Mustard Seed Children's Theatre was born. I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do in and through the children He brings to this program!
What is Mustard Seed Children's Theatre?
The name is based on Matthew 17:20: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." We want our participants to know that though they may be small, they can do BIG things with just a little bit of faith!
The goals of this theatre program are threefold: 1) to provide elementary-age opportunities for theatre and choir experience; 2) to help our children grow their faith in Jesus Christ, their knowledge of God's Word, and their musical gifts; and 3) to spread the good news of the gospel to our community to grow their faith in return!
Not only will participants be learning songs, dance steps, and acting skills in our rehearsals for EVERY musical, we will also dive into vocal tips, music theory basics, and Bible truths. They won't just be learning the musical itself...They will be learning what they're singing about and hiding these truths in their hearts!
Introducing Back To The Manger!
For our inaugural Fall 2026 season we will be learning and performing a Christmas musical entitled Back To The Manger!
SYNOPSIS: During the annual Christmas Caroling Outreach at Midway Community Church, Jackson and his friends discover a time machine in the basement. After accidentally hitting a lever, they embark on an adventure throughout the twentieth century and learn how helping others changes lives. Seeing the caroling outreach effects over the decades, once-skeptical Jackson comes to know Christ better and discovers the true value of God’s gift and why we celebrate His birth.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Homeschooled children ages 6-11 (typically in grades 1-5) are welcome to register. At this time, there is no limit to the number of participants who register. We welcome everyone!
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will run through the months of September, October, November, and the beginning of December. Weekly rehearsals will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:00 PM at New Life Community Church (275 29th Ave. Marion). Drama rehearsals will take place from 5:15-6:15 PM on select Tuesday afternoons throughout the season. A tentative calendar is provided here.
TUITION: The total tuition cost for the fall theatre program is $300 (or 5 monthly installments of $60) for your first child. If you have more than one child in your family to register, the second child's tuition will be an additional $200 (or 5 monthly installments of $100 for both children). If you have more than two children in your family to register, your family's maximum tuition cost will be $600 (or 5 monthly installments of $120 for all children). Tuition covers all welcome packs, sheet music, recordings, copies, lesson supplies, set pieces and props, t-shirts, some of the costumes, rehearsal space rentals, etc. For one child, tuition is less than $15 per hour. With more than one child enrolled, it's even less per child! All of these numbers are super confusing, so to see all tuition payment plan options laid out in an easy to read chart, please click here.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: For those who register before July 18th, you will take advantage of the early bird discount! The early bird discount will save $20 for one child, $35 for two children, or $45 for three or more children. Again, all of these numbers are super confusing, so to see all tuition payment plan options laid out in an easy to read chart, please click here.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE & OTHER IMPORTANT DATES: Early bird registration will go through July 18th. Standard registration will go through August 20th to allow enough time to order materials for all participants prior to our first rehearsal. We may continue to take participants after that point, but they will not receive their materials right away. We will release information about this at a later date. Rehearsals will begin with a kick-off party on September 1st and run through December 8th when we will have our season-end celebration. We will likely have a dress rehearsal in the afternoon on December 4th with the performance taking place in the evening on December 5th or 6th. Location is still to be determined.
Ready to Register?
Whenever you're ready, SIMPLY CLICK HERE to be taken to the registration form. Don't hestitate to reach out if you have any questions!