Saratoga Rec Department Hosts Inaugural Theater Program – Spring 2026

The City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department is excited to announce its inaugural youth theater program, launching April 14, 2026.

The program will be directed by Anna Bonner, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School with years of drama experience and a deep passion for the performing arts. She’ll be joined by fellow high school drama club volunteers Finley Armstrong (Stage Manager) and Dante DePaulo (Choreographer). Together, they aim to create a supportive and inspiring space where local youth can step into the spotlight, build confidence, and discover more about themselves through theater.

The program’s first production will be Beauty and the Beast.

“Theater has always been an important part of my life, and I fell in love with it through a Rec Center program,” says Anna Bonner, Saratoga Rec Theater Director. “I want to give kids that same chance to fall in love with theater the way I did — in a healthy, supportive environment — while also coming full circle in my own love for the arts.”

The addition of a theater program marks an exciting expansion for the Rec Center. While the department has traditionally focused on sports programming, this new offering opens the door to creative arts opportunities and welcomes a broader group of participants.

The program is open to youth ages 8–14, and no prior theater experience is required. City and non-city residents are welcome, and every participant will receive a role. Auditions will take place on the first day in a low-stress, fun format that includes theater games and reading lines from favorite characters.

“We’ve been wanting to expand our offerings beyond sports for years,” says John Hirliman, Recreation Department Director. “We were waiting to find the right person to lead it, and Anna came in with both a plan and a purpose. She’s working closely with Hannah Hertik, our newest Program Coordinator and Camp Saradac Director, to get this program off the ground. With the two of them leading the way, it’s sure to be a program the community will remember for years to come.”

Event Details

Date: Tues & Thurs, April 14 – May 15 

Time: 4:00-6:00PM

Show Dates: Thursday, May 14 & Friday, May15 (participants will meet 4:00-8:00pm on show days)

*There will be a Tech Week 5/11-5/15 to prepare for the shows at the end of the week. 

Location: Saratoga Rec Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue