CMT Mainstage

I created several props for CMT Mainstage's production of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

About CMT Mainstage

CMT Mainstage is the premier youth musical theater division of Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, a well-respected performing arts organization based in Silicon Valley. It operates under the umbrella of an institution that has been nurturing young performers for over half a century. CMT Mainstage focuses exclusively on musical productions performed by high school age youth and offers fully staged, high quality theatrical experiences.

Historically, CMT began in the late 1940s as a small community musical group. It grew into a nonprofit that produced amateur musicals and eventually developed multiple performance tracks including Junior Talents, Rising Stars, Marquee, and Mainstage. In the early 2000s, the organization restructured to offer fewer Mainstage shows—typically three per season—in order to elevate production quality and diversify programming.

Mainstage productions are typically performed by talented youth between grades nine and twelve. Each Mainstage show is a full scale musical with professional costumes, lighting, scenic design, and direction. The cast size and scope of the productions offer students experience paralleling regional professional theater. Especially notable was the company’s adaptation during the COVID‑19 pandemic when the entire cast performed from home and the recorded show In the Heights was presented at a drive‑in theater.

Mainstage has mounted notable musicals annually. The 2025 production of Rock of Ages featured a cast aged fourteen to nineteen performing a high energy musical set in the 1980s rock scene with hits by Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and more. The run at the Montgomery Theater in downtown San Jose included multiple show times over ten days. Previous seasons have included titles such as Mean Girls, Pippin, and Rent alongside classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and School of Rock. These examples reflect the company’s commitment to presenting varied and engaging titles.

The Mainstage track complements other programs within CMT San Jose such as Rising Stars, Junior Talents, and Marquee. Rising Stars typically features middle school aged performers in mid scale musicals. Junior Talents offers yet younger youth a nurturing environment for age appropriate musicals. Marquee productions add further opportunities for performance beyond the Mainstage offerings.

Each Mainstage season is educationally focused. Students audition and rehearse under the guidance of experienced directors, musical directors, choreographers, and designers. Rehearsals culminate in live performances attended by the community and often feature sold out shows. Many participants describe it as a high energy teen musical experience that teaches discipline, teamwork, performance craft, and confidence.

CMT San Jose has moved into a new headquarters with rehearsal studios, classrooms, costume and set shops, and administrative offices. That facility expansion allows Mainstage and other tracks to rehearse and prepare with greater efficiency and resources in a purpose built environment.

Mainstage performances take place in public venues such as theater houses in downtown San Jose. Shows like Rock of Ages were performed at the Montgomery Theater which hosts multiple performances over several days to accommodate enthusiastic audiences.

In addition to performance opportunities, Mainstage participants benefit from workshops, master classes, and supplemental training offered through CMT San Jose. These may include voice coaching, dance classes, audition techniques, and performance workshops. Summer and fall programming often aligns with Mainstage productions to support student development.

Success stories from Mainstage frequently lead youth into collegiate performing arts programs, summer stock conservatories, and even professional theater auditions. CMT San Jose promotes this pathway by offering support and mentorship as students consider future training and career options in the arts.

Season planning for Mainstage is coordinated alongside other tracks so that each year the organization presents a diverse collection of musicals to serve multiple age groups and interests. The combination of large Mainstage productions, small ensemble shows, youth focused works, and Marquee style projects allows CMT San Jose to serve a broad audience.

CMT San Jose leadership supports Mainstage with administrative staff, fund raising, rehearsal coordination, and community outreach. Artistic direction has spanned decades under Kevin Hauge who received national recognition including a Tony Award honorable mention for excellence in theater education. In March 2025, a new artistic director, Kikau Alvaro, was announced to succeed Hauge.

Community support is central to Mainstage success. Families, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and the broader community contribute through tickets, donations, and outreach programs. The result is a program that not only delivers vibrant theatrical performances but also builds relationships across Silicon Valley.

In summary, CMT Mainstage represents a shining example of youth musical theater done with ambition and care. Its combination of experienced mentorship, professional caliber production, and a supportive environment allows high school aged performers to take center stage in fully realized musicals. The program enriches participants and audiences alike and contributes to the vibrant arts scene in San Jose.

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