Youth Mentor Program

Heading 2

Are you a high school or college student aged 16+ with a passion for creativity and the arts? Join us for an exciting series of Fine Arts classes designed to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and performers!

What You’ll Learn:
Our sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:

Stage Directing: Master the art of bringing stories to life on stage.
Auditioning: Learn tips and techniques to shine in auditions.
Costuming: Discover the secrets to creating stunning and authentic costumes.
Dance: Express yourself through movement and choreography.
Makeup: Explore the transformative power of stage and theatrical makeup.
Lyricist Work: Develop your skills in crafting compelling lyrics.
Composing: Create original music that captivates and moves audiences.
Lighting: Learn how to set the mood and enhance performances with professional lighting techniques.
And More!

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your love for the arts.

Don’t Miss Out!
Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!

2026 Youth Mentors

E.J. Hancock
Scene Painting
Saturday, January 31, 2026

E.J. Hancock is a theatre artist specializing in scenic design, scenic charge artistry, and props. They have been working professionally in theatre since 2018 and hold a B.A. in Theatre Studies from Huntington University, where they developed a strong foundation in both traditional and digital design techniques. They currently serve as a Scenic Designer at Midland Community Theatre and previously worked as Technical Director at Round Barn Theatre. Additional credits include Properties Master, Properties Designer, Scenic Charge Artist, and Assistant Educational Director at various organizations.

In addition to their work behind the scenes, E.J. has appeared as an actor and performer in several productions. Having grown up in Atizapán de Zaragoza, Mexico, they are bilingual in English and Spanish and are deeply committed to creative exploration, collaboration, and continued learning across both hands-on and digital artistic practices. When not working, E.J. enjoys spending time with friends, family, their significant other, and their cat, Marlo.

Adam Sahli
Business of Performing Arts Session
Saturday, February 14, 2026

Adam Sahli has been the Executive Director at Midland Community Theatre for the past 18 months and was the Artistic Director at Round Barn Theatre (RBT) a professional theatre in Nappanee, IN for three seasons. Prior to joining RBT, Sahli served in a multitude of theatre and non-profit capacities including: Professorships with Huntington University and Minnesota State University, Vice-President of the Board at Arena Dinner Theatre, Development Director and Director of Digital Programming for Audiences Unlimited where he stewarded the organization’s selection for its first National Endowment for the Arts Grant. Professionally, in theatre, he is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and has worked across the country including residencies with The Guthrie Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Sahli holds a BA in Musical Theatre from Northern State University, an MFA in Theatre Direction from Minnesota State University, Mankato and is a graduate of the Foellinger Foundation’s Leadership Development Initiative – Rising Leaders Program. As a Director, his favorite projects have included Oklahoma, Eurydice and Big Fish. As a professional actor Sahli is most honored by his roles as Tateh in Ragtime, and originating Abraham Lincoln in the Minnesota Fringe Festival’s Feature Production Robot Lincoln.

A.Chris Barton
Lighting the Mood
Saturday, March 21, 2026

A. Chris Barton is a professional actor, director, educator, designer, and arts leader with over twenty-five years of experience working across professional, academic, and community-based theatre. As an actor, he has performed in more than 100 productions spanning classical, contemporary, musical, dance, devised, and youth theatre. His work is grounded in story-driven performance and a belief in theatre as a tool for empathy, access, and connection.

In tandem with performing, A. Chris has directed, designed, written, and produced work in a wide range of theatrical settings, often delicately balancing multiple projects at once. His professional experience includes collaborations with Broadway artists, nationally recognized educators, and union theatres earlier in his career, as well as his role as Associate Artistic Director of Midland Community Theatre and a teaching role with Midland College.

A. Chris holds an M.F.A. in Theatre from the University of Montana, as well as two B.A. degrees in Theatre with a focus in Direction, and Musical Theatre. He has spent over a decade teaching with elementary, secondary, and collegiate institutions, and has helped found and sustain several thriving nonprofit theatre companies across south Florida. Through his work, A. Chris remains committed to creating art that is challenging, honest, and thought-provoking.

Hailey Eakle
Costume Stitching Session
Saturday, April 18, 2026

Hailey is currently Costume Shop Manager/Costume Designer for Midland Community Theater. She previously served as the Costume Supervisor at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Hailey earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design and Technology from the University of Texas at Arlington. She then went on to earn her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts (Costume Design) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has spent multiple summers interning for the Pacific Conservatory Theatre, in Santa Maria, California, as a dresser, stitchery, and design assistant.