Youthful Vision — Big Impact: Chloe Voigt and YOUTHCLUSIVE Present ‘SpongeBob the Musical’
A new generation of young creatives is shaking up the local arts scene, and at the helm of this exciting movement is none other than Chloe Voigt, a 14-year-old high school freshman with big dreams and a passion for theatre.
As the founder and leader of YOUTHCLUSIVE, a new nonprofit theater company dedicated to giving young performers of all abilities the chance to shine, Voigt is on the cusp of making history. This weekend, YOUTHCLUSIVE will present its inaugural production: SpongeBob the Musical – a vibrant, high-energy show based on the beloved animated TV series.
The idea for the nonprofit began when Voigt found herself frustrated with biases in and barriers to participation in youth theater.
“I was always cast as the villain, the maid, or the mother,” says Voigt. “I wanted to play different roles, I wanted to be cast as the princess but because of my body type, in youth theater I am always typecast. Not at YOUTHCLUSIVE; anyone can be anything!”
SpongeBob the Musical was chosen as the company’s first show not just for its vibrant, quirky appeal, but also for its underlying messages of friendship, community, and staying true to yourself – values that resonate deeply with Voigt and her fellow cast members. The show includes songs from artists like David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper and offers plenty of opportunity for the young cast to showcase their talents while embodying the joy and humor of the iconic underwater characters.
“YOUTHCLUSIVE isn’t just about putting on shows; it’s about giving young people the tools and opportunities they need to grow as artists and leaders,” Voigt says with enthusiasm. “I wanted to create a place where everyone, no matter their background, can explore their creativity and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
As a first-time director of the company, Voigt has managed to juggle both her role as a leader of fellow students and the demands of overseeing every aspect of the production. Rehearsals take place in the family living room, and the 13 cast members have come together from multiple schools including Montecito Union, Peabody, La Colina Jr. High, Goleta Valley Jr. High, San Marcos High School, and Santa Barbara High School.
But it’s not all about business – Voigt also stresses the importance of having fun. “The theater is a place for everyone to express themselves and have a good time,” she says. “That’s what makes this whole experience so special.”
Part of the fun could also be in directing her older sister, Naomi Voigt – who is an accomplished singer and was recently named Santa Barbara Teen Star 2025. “It is pretty cool to get to work with my sister. We both have performed together for years… but now I get to be in the director’s chair telling her what to do!”
Naomi Voigt chimes in: “We both are so busy, but I love supporting my little sister and she is such an incredible director. She is doing a great job, so it is fun for me to get to be part of this show with her!”
“I’m just getting started,” Voigt smiles. “I have so many ideas for what YOUTHCLUSIVE can become, and I can’t wait to see how we evolve in the years to come.” For now, though, all eyes are on SpongeBob the Musical, and YOUTHCLUSIVE’s talented young cast is ready to make a splash on the Santa Barbara stage.
Don’t miss the premiere performance of SpongeBob the Musical Friday, February 28th at 7pm and Saturday, March 1st, at 5 pm at Center Stage Theater in the Paseo Nuevo Mall.
For more information go to the YOUTHCLUSIVE Website: www.youthclusive.com
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