Stages Theatre Co. & Hopkins Center for the Arts in Hopkins, MN 55343

Stages Theatre Company mounts bouncy productions for young children, and more thought-provoking fare for teens, with local youth performing alongside professional actors and mentors onstage at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

Generally, the quality is good - and a good value, given the low ticket prices. Discount options for those who want to attend often include season subscriptions, and packets of vouchers - sold in lots of 10 or 20 - for use anytime during the season.

Stages' educational offerings are inventive and enriching. During workshops and summer camps, imaginations get kicked into high gear as kids ages four and up explore the creative process in improvisation, acting, musical theater, and dance offerings.

Programming is offered at the Hopkins Center for the Arts and at other sites in the West Metro. Kids demonstrating talent, discipline and interest might want to look into the more intensive Acting Conservatory for ages nine to 17, and/or audition for Stages productions.