Youth Theatre Northwest Programs
Stage Production
YTN produces ten plays per year in our 200 seat theatre; three Summer Stock shows, five Mainstage shows during the school year and two Studio Stage shows. YTN also has a high school Student Showcase in April with two student-written, directed, produced and/or acted productions, as well as a Fringe Festival. With the spotlight on young people, our theatre "builds self-esteem through self-expression" for over 1,200 students per year.
Theatre Arts Education
At YTN, children as young as three years old benefit from drama that provides an incubator for creative play and personal growth. Through classes, in-depth conservatories, performances, and individual training, students and families experience a full array of theatre arts. Expert instructors and mentors guide this development with curriculum that aligns with state educational learning requirements and professional artistic standards.
Outreach
YTN sponsors unique outreach programs to local libraries, schools, and other organizations like the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for children of cancer families or those undergoing cancer treatment. In 2010, we started a new collaboration with the White Center Arts Alliance called "Story-Tellers in Motion" serving children after school in five different schools in the Highline and Seattle Public School District. Currently we are serving over 14 schools and organizations, ranging from home-school groups, YMCA's, and the King County Library System, to public and private schools throughout the Puget Sounds region.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In more than 25 years, YTN has offered more than 85 classes a year to more than 1,200 students throughout Puget Sound and produced more than165 Mainstage plays on more than 1,700 nights for more than 220,000 people. Our 25th Anniversary slogan (2009), "Helping Kids Find Their Light since 1984" is a true reflection of our deeper purpose. All actors learn to "find their light" on stage and are encouraged and inspired to find their inner light -- their personal strengths and confidence, both now and throughout their lives. Currently YTN is seeking funds to help balance our budget (tuition and fees makes up 80%) and support our outreach efforts to schools and organizations throughout Puget Sound. Our goal is to help young people from diverse communities find their "inner light" of self-confidence, sensitivity, creativity and leadership; offer a safe and nurturing environment where kids can learn and grow, succeed and challenge themselves, develop healthy relationships, and shine.