Who Can Get Involved?
No experience is needed to participate in YAAL’s programming! Many students learn through participation, and we offer different levels of programming for ages 5-18 years old.
Parents & community members who are interested in getting involved, please see our volunteer page!
Teaching artists who would like to work at YAAL, please send an email (info@yaal.org) with a little information about yourself, the position(s) you are interested in, and attach your resume!
Where do Students Start?
YAAL offers several ways to participate, so you and your student can choose the best way for them to start! They may be interested in seeing what happens on stage, or a youngster already expressing a love for the spotlight, or a teen who has just discovered their love of performing arts. Wherever they are at, there’s a place for someone to jump in!
Attending a Performance
Often, the first exposure a student has to theatre is as an audience member. Is your student expressing an interest, and nervous about what theatre is all about? We encourage you to bring them to one of our performances so they can see what happens on stage and get a feel for the space! After seeing a performance, they may decide they are ready to sing, dance, and live a story like they have just seen. We also have board members at our performances, so you can ask questions before or after the show.
YAAL's Regular Programming
Offered for actors ages 9-17 years old. These productions are tuition-based, and everyone who registers will be cast in a role. Students can expect independent reading, as well as stage blocking that will need to be practiced at home. Depending on the role, some students will also need to work on line memorization, choreography, & vocal music at home. If you have questions about the age range, please reach out!
Evening Plays
Evening plays meet once a week, with a shorter rehearsal time, and a smaller script. They are great for those who are curious about theatre but not into musicals, dancing, or belting out songs on stage, or those who may feel a bit nervous stepping on stage! The final showcase is complimentary & limited to family members. The evening plays are not about perfection, rather about embracing the process, making memories, and showing off the growth and talent these performers have achieved.
The audition process is typically shorter with less to prepare. For example: students may read a passage from the script, play theatre games, or participate in improv to assess acting skills.
Mainstage Productions
Mainstages productions are typically musicals, and sometimes we'll do a full-length play! Rehearsals are during the day on Saturdays and some Sundays, and finish with a full week of evening tech rehearsals. They have longer scripts with slightly higher demands culminating in a high-energy, fully staged performance. Mainstage shows are great for passionate performers looking to gain stage experience or refine their technique, and bring their talent to life! Students will perform 4 times, during a weekend, to an open audience.
The audition process is a little longer. For example: acting skills are assessed similarly to the workshops, and students may also sing a prepared song selection. They may be called back up to sing again, as well as learn & perform a group dance.
Summer Programs
Summer program schedules look slightly different than the school year. We offer 1-week plays & 2-week musicals. Both programs meet Mon.-Fri. from 9 am-3 pm. Plays have a showcase at the end of their last day. Musicals have 4 performances the weekend after the second week. There are no evening tech rehearsals.
Summer can be a great time to introduce your student to theatre!
2-week musicals are fast-paced because there is less time to memorize everything. If your student is new to theatre, or nervous about it, you may hold off on starting with a summer musical. The 1-week plays are a great way to dip your toes in during summer!
YAAL Youngsters
YAAL Youngster’s is designed for ages 6-8 years old. This program is tuition-based with the goal of giving younger students a sample of what a production will be like. Students can expect to learn about acting, theatre language, music, and dance. YAAL Youngsters may be offered during the school year and/or summer, depending on instructor availability.
Stage Management Training
Stage Management Training is for students ages 12+ who prefer working backstage. After attending the class, students will be eligible to volunteer as an Assistant Stage Manager, and train towards a paid Student Stage Manager position. Students will learn to clean the space, stay organized, paperwork required, communication needed, and technical elements of a production. There are also opportunities for students interested in set, costumes, & props. This class is offered as either a full day or 2 half days, depending on instructor availability.
YAAL Teen Program
YAAL’s Teen Program is a summer production for ages 13-18 years old. This is a non-tuition based, audition only program. Auditions & callbacks will run very similar to a community theatre with a prepared vocal audition, a choreo combination taught at the audition, and the possibility of blind side reads. Rehearsals will move quickly to put everything together on a short timeline, and practice at home will be required. Rehearsals take place Mon-Thurs evenings for about 6 weeks. This is followed by a longer week of tech rehearsals before the opening performance.
Decision Making
When deciding on where to start, we encourage you to talk to your student about the different programs, including the time commitment involved with rehearsal times and what needs to be practiced at home. Think about their age, and what seems like a good fit for them right now. If you or your student have any specific questions about where to start, please reach out to us at info@yaal.org!