Stage 2 is a youth theater organization that empowers teens to explore every aspect of the performing arts—on stage and behind the scenes—while building character, confidence, and community. We believe theater is more than performance; it’s a powerful way to develop leadership, creativity, and a lifelong love of service.
For 15 years, Stage 2 has shaped young performers into compassionate leaders—impacting 1,000+ students and giving over 10,000 hours back to the community.
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⭐ 15 Years of Excellence
A decade and a half of empowering young performers through creativity, confidence, and community.
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⭐ 1,000+ Alumni
A powerful legacy of young artists who have grown into leaders on and off the stage.
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⭐ 10,000+ Service Hours
Stage 2 students don’t just perform—they uplift the Meridian community through meaningful service and outreach.
Interested in Registering for Our Performing Arts Program?
Stage 2 is the perfect place for teens and young adults to build confidence, create meaningful friendships, and grow through hands-on performing arts experiences. Whether you love the spotlight or want to explore behind-the-scenes roles, Stage 2 welcomes all students ages 13–22 who are ready to learn, lead, and shine.
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At Stage 2, students develop real skills that prepare them for the stage—and for life. Our program blends creativity, teamwork, leadership, and community involvement.
🎬 Acting
Character work, improvisation, scene study, stage presence, emotional expression.
🎤 Singing
Vocal technique, harmonies, solo performance, musical theatre training.
💃 Dance & Movement
Choreography, physical storytelling, stage movement, ensemble blocking.
🎨 Tech & Design
Costumes • Props • Set design • Lighting • Sound • Backstage crew
Students gain hands-on experience creating the world of the show.📣 Advertising & Marketing
Students help design promotional materials, manage social media, and support ticket sales.
🎬 Production Leadership
Scene directing, choreography, crew leadership, project management, and team coordination.
💛 Fundraising
Students learn how to support their program through fundraising events and creative campaigns.
🤝 Community Service
Volunteer hours, local outreach, and service projects that connect Stage 2 to the Meridian community.
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Our weekly meetings bring students together to learn, rehearse, and grow—both on stage and behind the scenes.
📌 Weekly Monday Meetings
Students meet every Monday for training, rehearsals, and community building.
🎭 Hands-On Learning
Every meeting includes active participation in theater and production activities.
🎤 Warm-Ups & Improv
Vocal warm-ups, acting games, and improvisation exercises to build creativity and confidence.
🎬 Rehearsals & Production Work
Choreography sessions, blocking rehearsals, vocal practice, tech crew assignments, and set/prop work.
⭐ Leadership Opportunities
Students can direct scenes, choreograph numbers, lead small groups, assist new members, and help make creative decisions.
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Stage 2 students are encouraged to use their talents, time, and creativity to uplift others. With over 10,000 hours of volunteer service, our members support local events, assist community organizations, and participate in outreach projects throughout the year.
Students gain:
A strong sense of responsibility
Real volunteer hours for scholarships and college applications
Opportunities to represent Stage 2 in the community
Pride in helping others through creativity and leadership
Whether it’s helping at performances, organizing events, or participating in local service days, Stage 2 students learn that character and kindness always take center stage.
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At Stage 2, students don’t just watch—they do. Our program gives every member real roles in production, leadership, and creative decision-making.
Students receive hands-on experience in:
Acting, singing, and choreography
Stage movement and character work
Set design, props, costumes, and backstage crew
Running lights, sound, and stage management
Marketing, advertising, and social media promotion
Directing, choreography, and leadership roles
Fundraising and event planning
Every project teaches real skills: teamwork, communication, problem-solving, leadership, accountability, and confidence.
From the first rehearsal to final bows, students have a chance to shape the show and contribute to every detail. This experience prepares them not only for theater—but for life
Upcoming Performances
The Stage 2 Showcase is a beloved annual tradition and a cornerstone of the program’s identity. Taking place each December, the Showcase brings together all Stage 2 members in a celebratory night of theater, music, dance, and student creativity.
In early fall, students are grouped and assigned a specific piece—ranging from musical theater numbers to scenes from classic plays. Over the course of two months, students rehearse under the leadership of Stage 2’s Artistic Director and student leaders, with many pieces choreographed or partially directed by teens themselves. This structure teaches leadership, collaboration, musicality, and independence.
The 2025 Showcase lineup features a dynamic mix of musical theater favorites (Les Misérables, Waitress, Shrek, Into the Woods, Newsies, Hairspray, Gypsy, Bright Star) as well as Shakespearean scenes and several special solo and duet performances. The evening concludes with a full ensemble finale of West Side Story’s “Somewhere,” showcasing the entire organization united on stage.
Showcase Information:
December 15, 7 PM
Location: Meridian Community College
Audience: Family, friends, and community supporters
The Showcase is designed to highlight every student’s growth throughout the year, giving them ownership and pride in their work. It is one of Stage 2’s most joyful and community-centered events—celebrating talent, teamwork, creativity, and the spirit of the arts.
Stage 2’s summer production for 2025 is William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Written around 1595–1596, this classic play is known for its enchanting blend of romance, magic, and comedic confusion. Set in ancient Athens and an enchanted forest beyond its borders, the story unfolds through several interconnected plots:
Four Athenian lovers become entangled in a web of misunderstandings and mistaken identities.
A band of amateur actors, known as the Mechanicals, attempts to rehearse a play for the Duke’s wedding—resulting in outrageous comedic moments.
The mischievous fairy Puck, under orders from Oberon, creates magical mayhem by enchanting the wrong people, sparking chaos, jealousy, and unexpected love triangles.
Titania, Queen of the Fairies, is tricked into falling in love with Bottom, who has been given the head of a donkey in one of the play’s most iconic scenes.
This production allows Stage 2’s young performers to explore classical text, physical humor, ensemble acting, and the colorful world of Shakespearean storytelling. Students will work on movement, character development, comedic timing, and the expressive language that makes this play so enduring.
Performance Information:
June 5 at 7 PM
June 6 at 7 PM
June 7 at 3 PM
Location: Meridian Community College
Why We Love Stage 2