Stephen Schwartz mentors Young Artists of America during D.C. staging of The Prince of Egypt

Stephen Schwartz, the Academy Award–winning composer behind musicals including The Prince of Egypt, made a visit to Washington to support Young Artists of America as the company staged his musical. According to DCTheaterArts, Schwartz attended events tied to the production and spoke about the importance of mentorship in shaping young performers’ artistic paths. The visit paired the high-profile composer with a Washington-based youth theater organization that focuses on training and showcasing local talent.

Young Artists of America — a D.C.-area nonprofit that mounts full-scale musical productions with youth casts — staged The Prince of Egypt in early May. Schwartz’s presence drew attention to the program’s emphasis on professional guidance and long-term creative development for participants. Local arts leaders said the engagement offered both inspiration and practical feedback for students preparing for careers onstage and behind the scenes.

For Young Artists of America

The visit comes as Washington’s youth arts organizations work to rebuild and expand programming after pandemic-era disruptions, leveraging high-profile collaborations to raise visibility and community support. For Young Artists of America, hosting a composer of Schwartz’s stature is a milestone that underscores the organization’s growing role in the District’s performing-arts ecosystem.

Stephen Schwartz

A visit from an Oscar-winning composer spotlights Washington’s youth theater scene, brings national attention to local arts education, and can strengthen pipelines for young performers and arts programming in the District.

• Composer Stephen Schwartz visited Washington to support Young Artists of America’s production of The Prince of Egypt.

• The story was reported by DCTheaterArts and written by Nicole Hertvik (published May 6, 2026).

• Young Artists of America is a D.C.-area youth theater organization that stages full-scale musicals with student casts.

• Schwartz emphasized mentorship and the long-term impact of guidance on young artists, according to DCTheaterArts.

• The visit highlights efforts by local arts groups to rebuild and expand youth programming in Washington, D.C.

Look for follow-up workshops or mentorship programs from Young Artists of America, announcements of future high-profile guest artists, and how the organization leverages this visibility for fundraising and expanded programming in D.C.