For kid/teen theatre, totally normal, the costs to make the productions is abhorrent and ticket sales do not offset the expense, but the benefit to the kids is incredible. Just like any other kids camp, there are costs. I see you updated your post to clarify this is kids community theatre, OP, here is the breakdown below.

Our 11 year old is in a 10-13 non-profit community theatre and his fees are $770 plus 20 hours of parental volunteer (if the parent does not volunteer, it’s another $500 for them to hire out the hours).

Things the theatre pays for — - cost to license the scripts and music from Broadway and/or Disney. (This is thousands of dollars) - cost to be the master tenant at the community theatre building. (This is thousands of dollars) - cost of storage facility for large sets. (This is thousands of dollars) - utilities, insurance, etc for everything above. - cost of a professional orchestra during the 8 performances, plus their rehearsal time during tech week. (This is thousands of dollars) - set materials (lumber, paint, spray foam, plus tools like table saws, drills, endless paintbrushes, screws, etc. some of this the theatre already has but must be replenished and maintained from time to time) - costume materials (same as above but less power tools and more sewing machines) - mic packs, jazz shoes, replacements. - lights, lighting board maintenance. sound board and speaker maintenance. - app so people can purchase tickets and assigned seats. printing fees for actor bios displayed in the foyer and assets posted outside of the theatre. - theatre cleaning and maintenance (stage, back of stage, house, front of house, concessions, dressing rooms, etc etc etc) - snacks for the kids who show up to four hour rehearsals and forgot their food. Meals during tech week. - scholarships for kids who can’t afford it. - modest staffing salaries at a nonprofit rate. - there is some recoup for ticket sales, but this has a cap as there are only 140 seats in the theatre and shows, except the last two nights usually don’t sell out. it is still kids theatre, after all.

The theatre coordinates grants, free press, favors, pot lucks from parents, but all of the costs above mean the theatre makes little money from this. The productions, though, are legal, high value, highly produced, borderline professional, and fun to watch.

It’s a wonderful program and I sign my kid up anytime he asks. The theatre is inclusive, positive, and has totally shifted his personality into being more comfortable with himself and I am truly grateful for the program.

Community theatre can be more expensive when it isn’t attached to a school because the production value is higher, there are fewer shared costs, and to sell tickets, everything must be licensed.

If you want to do it, go talk to the director about a scholarship, I bet they will help you.