Melendez Theatre& Entertainment
Young performers on stage in Melendez Theatre's production of Aladdin Jr.

Youth theatre in Raleigh, NC

Every child
has a story
worth sharing.

A welcoming stage where young performers build confidence, find their voice, and create unforgettable shows together.

Explore programs → Meet our theatre ↓
Confidence.Creativity. Community.
Shrek The Musical Jr. show logo

Upcoming show

November07 & 082026

Shrek The Musical Jr.

Join MTE for a larger-than-life musical adventure filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable young performers.

Purchase tickets
Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka Jr. show artwork

Coming next

Spring 2027

Roald Dahl’s
Willy Wonka Jr.

A world of pure imagination is coming to the MTE stage in Spring 2027.

Registration to be announced shortly

The stage is yours

Big imagination.
Real belonging.

At Melendez Theatre & Entertainment, children learn more than lines and choreography. They practice courage, collaboration, empathy, and the joy of showing up as themselves.

From a first audition to a final bow, every young artist is supported, challenged, and celebrated.

Our approach is grounded in respect, commitment, and connection—giving students a safe place to take creative risks and support one another.

“
Theatre gives kids a place to be brave, be creative, and belong.

Our guiding belief

Our roots

More than two decades
of theatre magic.

The story began in 2001 in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, with Círculo Teatral Hands On Learning. Across twelve musicals, young performers discovered the joy of live theatre while productions helped support less-favored communities.

Today, that same spirit lives on in Raleigh through MTE: artistic excellence, meaningful stories, and a theatre family where every student matters.

Meet the creative team

The artists behind
the magic.

Michael Collier

Artistic Director
& Choreographer

Josh Castillo

Music Director

Janay Lee

Choreographer

Production partners

Creative collaborators

Trusted independent artists who help bring MTE productions to life.

Maricenia Rojas

Makeup Artist

Unframed Media

Photography Credit

Supporting theatre in our community

Helping young artists
take the stage.

Melendez Theatre & Entertainment is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of Jeffreys Grove Elementary School in Raleigh, providing scholarships and support for the Jeffreys Grove Drama Club.

Founded in 2017 The Jeffreys Grove Drama Club was founded by MTE Artistic Director Odry Melendez.

Find their next adventure

A place for every
young performer.

Whether your child is ready for center stage or just beginning to explore, our programs nurture skills at every step.

01

Musical Theatre

Acting, singing, and movement come together in a joyful ensemble experience.

Learn about programs →
02

Stage Productions

Young artists bring a complete show to life—from first rehearsal to final bow.

See past productions →
03

Creative Workshops

Focused sessions invite kids to explore performance, storytelling, and theatre craft.

Find the right fit →

Stories we’ve brought to life

From rehearsal
room to spotlight.

Our productions give young performers the thrill—and responsibility—of creating live theatre as an ensemble.

2023Wizard of OzMusical theatre
2023No One Wraps Like an ElfChristmas musical
2024Forever Treasure IslandStage production
2024MatildaMusical theatre
2024Broadway SantaChristmas musical
2025Moana Jr.Musical theatre
2025AladdinMusical theatre
2026Olympus: The Greek Rock MusicalRock musical

Junior Theater Festival

Ensemble work
worth celebrating.

Learn about JTF
2026

Festival recognition

Excellence in
Ensemble Work

MTE participated in the Junior Theater Festival and received the award for Excellence in Ensemble Work.

2027

Returning to JTF

We’re going back.

Our young performers will return to the Junior Theater Festival in 2027 for another celebration of musical theatre, learning, and community.

What grows here

Respectfor one another
Commitmentto the ensemble
Connectionthrough theatre
Confidenceonstage and beyond

Raleigh’s next generation of storytellers

Ready to step
into the spotlight?

Students train with experienced staff, strengthen public-speaking skills, expand their acting range, and perform in fully staged productions.

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