JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Student Production Will Be Performed By The 5th Avenue Theatre Company’s Rising Star Project

The 5th Avenue Theatre Company's Rising Star Project has announced its upcoming student production of Jesus Christ Superstar, on stage May 28-30, 2026.

One of the most celebrated rock musicals of all time, Jesus Christ Superstar reimagines the final days of Jesus Christ's life through the eyes of Judas. Set to a legendary score featuring unforgettable songs including “Superstar,” “I Don't Know How to Love Him,” and “Gethsemane,” Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of musical theater's most enduring and electrifying works. The Rising Star Project production offers audiences the opportunity to experience this iconic show through the fresh perspective and energy of the next generation of theatre artists. 

The Rising Star Project, which has been a comprehensive part of The 5th's core education and engagement programming since 2011, focuses on career exploration and the development of musicals through a tuition-free program consisting of professional mentorships and a rehearsal process. Students work with industry mentors in their corresponding career tracks to learn skills and execute tasks in the process of mounting a student version of one of The 5th's mainstage productions. Students can participate in the program in a variety of roles including theater design & technology, performance, artistic leadership, and arts administration. 

“Every year, The Rising Star Project gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves artistically while building lasting connections and professional skills,” said associate director of education Jess Ellison, who oversees the logistics of the program and serves as one of the professional co-mentors for the arts administration students. “Jesus Christ Superstar is an ambitious, emotionally charged piece that asks students to bring incredible passion and vulnerability to the work. Watching these students rise to the challenge has been inspiring, and we are thrilled for audiences to experience their talent, creativity, and dedication both on and off stage.”

Involved in this year's Rising Star Project are 71 students from 41 schools including: Alderwood Middle School, Bellevue College, Bellevue Digital Discovery, Bellevue High School, Brightmont Academy, Cedarcrest High School, Central Kitsap High School, Cornish College of the Arts, Decatur Senior High School, Eastlake High School, Eckstein Middle School, Federal Way High School, Garfield High School, Gibson Ek High School, Henry M. Jackson High School, Holy Names Academy, Inglemoor Middle School, Inglemoor High School, Kennedy Catholic High School, Kent Meridian High School, Lake Washington High School, Mount Rainier High School, Mountlake Terrace High, Peninsula High School, Puyallup High School, Redmond High School, Roosevelt High School, Sammamish High School, School of Arts Tacoma, Seattle Academy, Seattle Central College, Shorecrest High School, Shorewood High School, Tahoma High School, The Bush School, The Northwest School, Trillium Academy, University of Washington - Bothell, University Prep, West Seattle High School, and Woodinville High School.