A day at the Milford Youth Theater

"Good Day Clermont!" Season 3 Episode 11.

Posted Wednesday, September 30, 2026 7:00 pm

by Anthony Palmer
Chief Editor

As many children’s arts programs struggle with funding and support across America, the Milford Youth Theater offers renewed opportunities for Clermont’s community. Executive Director of the theater, Josselyn Gulbrandson, spoke about the organization’s recent success on Good Day Clermont! and what it means for young aspiring actors.

Milford Youth Theater rehearsal space.

The idea to develop a community theater began in 2020, as the COVID-19 lockdowns restricted arts opportunities for young children. Gulbrandson believed her background in worship service leadership and her degree in childhood education provided the foundation to pursue this ambitious project.

Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”

In its early days, the Milford Youth Theater had only a handful of students and volunteers from two local schools. Over the last several years, the mission grew, and children from over 56 regional schools have participated in the program.

“I love seeing the growth of what we can do,” Gulbrandson said. “People see the value of the arts and what these kids can present.”

The Milford Youth Theater offers a range of performance classes and skill-building programs, including:

Acting
Musical intensive courses
Musical jazz courses
Theater classes
Dance
And more

Gulbrandson described these programs as ways for children to develop their acting “toolbox,” focusing on facial expressions, public speaking, script reading, improv, and creating their characters.

Josselyn Gulbrandson, Executive Director of the Milford Youth Theater.

“We have had parents tell us that their kids have found their fit,” she told Good Day Clermont! “They didn’t know where their place was in the world, and Milford Youth Theater has just helped them be who they are.”

The organization’s leadership has explored new ways to expand its rehearsal and storage space over the years. The theater started at Rivertree Church, which had no stage, backstage, or storage room. Recently, the team partnered with Mosaic Church, which can seat 556 people and provides a large stage for actors.

The theater offers opportunities for children in grades 1-12. Each year, the group puts on spring and fall performances.

Gulbrandson described their shows as more than just on-stage play. They encourage positive youth development, instill discipline, and provide a real service to the community.

Musical accompaniment for rehearsals.

Many people who attend Milford Youth Theater performances do not have children in the shows themselves. “There is a weight and responsibility that comes with that,” Gulbrandson said. The performances demonstrate that the youth play as much of a role in Clermont County as adults. “We’re asking [the children] to be great,” she added.

Gulbrandson says that these programs are key to growth in Clermont County.

“When you look at the creativity, the life and the vibrancy of a community, you find people who were creative young. You find people who did theater, who went to art classes, who went to a pottery studio, who took a painting class. Those opportunities when they are presented, and people take advantage of them… It's everything. It makes a generational impact.”

Stream the latest episode of “Good Day Clermont!”

Milford Youth Theater will participate in many upcoming community events, such as Harvest Fest, to promote its programs and volunteer opportunities. Teenagers and adults can also provide time and labor toward stage productions and theater development.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Milford Youth Theater survives off the donations and support of the local community. According to the website, the team believes every participant plays an important role in the organization's success. Family and community involvement is a cornerstone of every production.

In front of the Milford Youth Theater.

“When a child can be on stage and find the confidence to stand up in front of 1,500 people and sing, and act, and dance, that is a lifelong gift that they have been given.”

The theater will feature Willy Wonka Jr. as its Fall play. Tickets go on sale October 28.