KCS KIDS Fall 2026

September 28, 2026 ~ January 17, 2027

• YOU CAN CHOOSE: Classes on either Mondays OR Wednesdays 
• Rehearsals: Bedford Hills Community House
• Performances: Whippoorwill Theatre, North Castle Library

Katonah Classic Stage has partnered with the Town of Bedford Department of Recreation and Parks to bring you KCS Kids! Northern Westchester’s newest premier youth theatre experience is now serving families throughout Putnam County, Westchester County, Connecticut, and the greater Hudson Valley. Built upon decades of proven success in performing arts education, professional production, and youth development, KCS Kids Theatre provides young people with far more than an opportunity to perform. It offers a positive, safe, and inspiring environment where students develop confidence, creativity, discipline, connection, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. At KCS Kids Theatre, we believe the performing arts have the power to transform lives, build community, and inspire greatness in every child.

Our guiding principle is simple and proven: Changing Lives One Show at a Time. KCS Kids exists to inspire confidence, creativity, connection, and joy through the highest quality performing arts education with professional-caliber instruction.

Our Goals

● Develop confident, creative, and expressive young people through the performing arts.

● Provide exceptional training in acting, singing, dancing, and stage performance.

● Produce quality musical theatre productions featuring students of all experience levels.

● Create a positive, safe, and supportive environment where every child feels valued.

● Foster teamwork, leadership, and connection that foster lifelong friendships.

● Offer meaningful opportunities for both recreational and serious theatre students.

● Build a lasting performing arts community that serves families throughout the region.

Fall 2026 Production Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. Join us as we launch the inaugural season of KCS Kids Theatre with one of Disney’s most beloved musicals. To maximize opportunities for participation, KCS Kids Theatre utilizes multiple casts, allowing more students to perform meaningful roles and gain valuable stage experience:

2 CASTS

The two-cast structure allows us to serve more students while ensuring every performer receives meaningful stage time and individual attention.

Lollipop Company Grades 1-8

• Students receive age-appropriate training in: ● Acting ● Singing ● Movement and Dance ● Ensemble Performance ● Confidence Building ● Teamwork and Collaboration Each season culminates in a fully staged musical production performed in a professional theatre.

  • Two Casts

    • Lollipop Green Company (MONDAY CLASS)

    • Lollipop Orange Company (WEDNESDAY CLASS)

•  Students receive instruction in: ● Character Development ● Vocal Performance ● Choreography ● Stage Presence ● Musical Theatre Performance Each season culminates in a full-scale musical production featuring professional production values.

SCHEDULE SUMMARY

Lollipop Company (Green Cast)
Grades 1–8 • Mondays • 4:15–5:15 PM

Lollipop Company (Orange Cast)
Grades 1–8 • Wednesdays • 4:15–5:15 PM

See the complete schedule for all classes HERE

Each Cast Performs: 2 Shows
Regular Rehearsals Per Cast: 14
Season Duration: September 28, 2026 – January 17, 2027

OPEN HOUSE SEPTEMBER 19th, 2026 1PM – 4PM

Bedford Hills Community House

74 Main St, Bedford Hills, NY

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

• No previous experience with acting is necessary.

WHERE AND WHEN?

Rehearsals

• Bedford Hills Community House (74 Main St, Bedford Hills, NY)

Performances

• Whippoorwill Theatre (1 Kent Pl, Armonk, NY)
• January 9-15, 2027 (Tech MANDATORY ATTENDANCE Schedule TBD)
• January 16-17, 2027 (Performances)

Perform on our Main Stage in Armonk, NY!

WHAT IS THE COST?

• EARLY BIRD (Until September 4, 2026)
  • Lollipop: $600/student + $25 Registration fee
• REGULAR (After September 4, 2026)
  • Lollipop: $725/student + $25 Registration fee

PERSONNEL

John J. Fanelli Director of Performing Arts Education John J. Fanelli is a nationally respected Artistic Director, producer, educator, and performing arts entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience developing young artists and building successful performing arts organizations.

Professional Highlights

● Founder and builder of multiple high-impact performing arts organizations from New York to California

● Personally taught more than 15,000 students

● Programs designed and led have reached over 100,000 students

● Students accepted into nearly every major musical theatre university and conservatory in the United States and abroad

● Proven program builder blending artistic excellence with sustainable organizational systems

● Extensive experience from preschool performing arts education through professional theatre Professional Leadership & Organizational Impact In 2006, John founded Lighthouse Youth Theatre, which quickly became recognized as one of the premier youth theatre organizations in the region. Under his leadership, Lighthouse became known for:

● Exceptional production quality

● A nurturing and supportive culture

● Developing confident, disciplined, and expressive young artists

His vision continues through Katonah Classic Stage Kids as he works to create the premier youth theatre experience for families throughout Northern Westchester and beyond. Join the Next Generation of Performers Whether your child dreams of Broadway, wants to build confidence, make friends, or simply experience the joy of performing, KCS Kids Theatre provides a place where every student can thrive.

Contact Information

PHONE: 914-279-6200

EMAIL: KCSKidsShow@gmail.com