Article by Hannah Olson | Photos by Arianna Skoog

In the heart of downtown Billings, tucked inside the vibrant walls of the NOVA Center for the Performing Arts, kids aren’t just learning to act. They’re also learning to trust themselves, take creative risks, and discover a sense of belonging.

Whether through summer camps, youth productions, improv troupes, or technical theater classes, NOVA’s Youth Conservatory is shaping more than just future performers. It’s creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful space where children of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to grow.

A PLACE WHERE KIDS FEEL SAFE AND SEEN

“Making sure this was a place where people could come and be accepted and respected was a priority from the very beginning,” says Janie Sutton, a teacher, board secretary, and parent. “We want parents to know their children will be safe while they’re here, and that they’ll be respected and supported.”

At NOVA, that culture of care is woven into everything. New students are introduced to a Respect Agreement that emphasizes kindness toward yourself, others, and the space. Safety policies like the “rule of three” ensure accountability during classes and rehearsals. Youth performers also wear base costumes for quick changes, so no one ever feels vulnerable in public dressing areas.

It’s not just about safety; it’s about belonging.

Board member and mother of two neurodivergent children, Lynea Wallace, recalls the relief she felt when walking into NOVA for the first time. “The welcoming by itself was enough, but then we heard about the policies and how involved parents are encouraged to be. I knew right away, this was a place I could trust. A place where my kids could be exactly who they are.”

YEAR-ROUND  PROGRAMMING  FOR  EVERY PASSION

From tots to teens, NOVA has something for everyone:

• Fall & Spring Classes: foundational acting, musical theater, improv, and storytelling for ages 3–18.
• Summer Camps: themed, multi-week performance camps that end in showcases and full productions.
• Improv Troupes: Funky Bunch (high school) and Funky Bunch Junior (ages 10–14) rehearse and perform regularly.
• Youth Shows: Four annual youth productions, plus a mixed-cast musical each season.
• Itty Bitty Pop-Ups: Introductory theater classes and performances for ages 4–7.
• Tech Theater Opportunities: Lighting, sound, stage management, costuming, set building, and more for behind-the-scenes learners.
• School Outreach: NOVA offers workshops in schools and hosts special on-site opportunities for homeschoolers and community groups.

“We’re seeing kids who started in camps now coming back to assist or teach,” says DeLaney Hardy Ray, the Youth Conservatory Director. “It’s really cool to see how NOVA becomes a lifelong community for some of them.”

THEATER AS A TRANSFORMATIONAL TOOL

The benefits of theater go far beyond the stage.

“I’ve seen kids walk in shy, anxious, or unsure of themselves,” says DeLaney. “Then, a few weeks later, they’re leading scenes, cracking jokes, and making friends. One girl started summer camp and wasn’t engaging in creative play at all. That week, she had a breakthrough in therapy, and everyone believed NOVA helped unlock something.”

For Lynea, that transformation is deeply personal. “There are studies that show how theater helps neurodivergent kids build communication skills in a safe, low-stakes way. My children have found confidence here. Not just on stage, but in their lives.”

And it’s not just the kids who benefit.

Parents are welcome, and often invited into the classroom or rehearsal space. “Other programs ask parents to drop off and wait outside,” says Janie. “At NOVA, we say, ‘Come on in.’ And pretty soon, those parents are volunteering backstage or jumping on stage themselves!”

FREE TO PARTICIPATE, RICH IN OPPORTUNITY

One of the most remarkable things about the Youth Conservatory is its accessibility.

• All auditions and performances are free.
• Scholarships are available for all classes and camps.
• Tuition is affordable, and students can assist in classes to earn free enrollment.

“No one is ever turned away,” DeLaney emphasizes. “If a family applies for a scholarship and says they can contribute $10, we say okay. The rest is covered by our community support.”

That support comes from individual donations, business sponsorships, and events like the annual NOVAture Gala, where sponsors can choose to fund a youth production or provide camp scholarships for kids in need.

A COMMUNITY WORTH JOINING

The magic of NOVA isn’t in spotlights or standing ovations. It exists in the quiet moments when a child finds their voice, makes a new friend, or steps on stage for the very first time.

“One time, a teen who wasn’t even in a show just showed up during rehearsal,” DeLaney recalls. “He said, ‘I need someone to talk to, and you’re someone I trust.’ That’s the kind of place NOVA is.”

Whether your child wants to act, direct, design, or just explore who they are in a creative, compassionate environment, NOVA has a place for them. And if you’re a parent, grandparent, donor, or neighbor, there’s a place for you too.

Originally printed in the November 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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