Who Can Get Involved?
No Experience? No Problem!
At YAAL, everyone’s welcome — whether you’re stepping on stage for the very first time or looking to sharpen your skills! We’ve got awesome programs for ages 6 to 18, with different levels to help every student learn and grow through the magic of theatre.
Parents and community members — want to get involved behind the scenes or help make the magic happen? Check out our volunteer page and join the fun!
If you’re a passionate teaching artist ready to inspire the next generation of performers, we’d love to hear from you! Just email us at info@yaal.org with a little about yourself, the role you’re interested in, and your resume attached.
Where do Students Start?
Find Your Spotlight at YAAL!
At YAAL, there’s more than one way to shine — and we’re here to help your student find the perfect place to jump in!
Whether they’re curious about what happens on stage, already singing show tunes in the car, or a teen who’s just discovered their passion for performing — there’s a program just right for them.
From first-timers to future stars, everyone belongs here. No matter where your student is on their theatre journey, YAAL has a fun, welcoming way to get started!
Big dreams start with small steps — let’s take that first one together!
Attending a Performance
Curious About Theatre? Come See the Magic in Action!
For many students, their first taste of theatre happens from the audience — and that’s a perfect place to start! If your student is showing interest but feeling a little unsure or nervous about getting on stage, we totally get it — and we’ve got a great first step: Come to a show!
Seeing a performance live gives them a chance to experience the excitement, the energy, and the fun of theatre — all from the comfort of their seat. They’ll get to see kids just like them singing, dancing, acting, and bringing stories to life. Who knows? After the curtain call, they might just be ready to take the stage themselves!
Bonus: Our board members are at every performance — so if you have questions about getting involved, they’re happy to chat before or after the show.
Plays & Musicals
Jump Into the Spotlight!
Ready to act, sing, dance — or just try something new? Our tuition-based productions are offered for ages 9-17 and are the perfect way for young performers to learn, grow, and shine on stage!
Everyone who registers gets a role — just bring your excitement and creativity! Students will work on their roles both in rehearsal and at home, with things like:
- Reading scripts
- Practicing stage blocking
- Memorizing lines & music
- Rehearsing choreography
The experience is fun, challenging, and super rewarding — especially when it all comes together on stage!
Evening Plays
Low-Key, High-Fun Theatre!
Looking for a chill way to explore acting without the singing, dancing, or spotlight stress? Evening Plays are the perfect place to start! These laid-back productions meet once a week in the evening, with shorter rehearsal times and smaller scripts — ideal for students who are curious about theatre but might not be ready to belt out a ballad just yet.
The vibe? Supportive, creative, and all about having fun, not being perfect. The final showcase is only for family & friends and is a celebration of how much each performer has grown — and trust us, they will surprise you!
Auditions? Super simple. Think fun activities like:
- Reading from the script
- Playing theatre games
- Trying out a little improv
Mainstage Productions
Go Big or Go Broadway!
These full-scale productions are usually musicals (with the occasional full-length play for a twist!) and are perfect for passionate performers ready to take center stage.
Rehearsals happen during the day on Saturdays and some Sundays, leading up to an exciting week of evening tech rehearsals before the big debut. With longer scripts and higher energy, Mainstages are ideal for students eager to level up their performance skills and truly shine in the spotlight. Students will perform FOUR times over a weekend in front of a public audience!
Auditions are a little more in-depth than our plays — think of it as your time to show off!
You may:
- Act out a group scene, play improv games, or read a monologue
- Sing a prepared song selection
- Be called back to sing again
- Learn and perform a group dance too!
Summer Programs
Get Ready for a Summer Full of Drama (the fun kind!)
Our summer theatre programs shake things up a bit from the school year — and we mean that in the best way!
1-week plays wrap up with a showcase on the final day, perfect for a quick burst of stage time.
2-week musicals end with a full weekend of performances — that’s right, four chances to shine on stage!
Not sure where to start?
If your student is new to theatre or feeling a little stage-shy, we recommend trying out a 1-week play. It’s a fantastic (and low-pressure) way to dip your toes into the spotlight! Summer is the perfect time to explore, create, and maybe even discover a love for theatre.
YAAL Youngsters
Big Fun for Little Stars!
YAAL Youngsters is the perfect way for our youngest performers to jump into the world of theatre — no experience needed, just big imaginations and lots of energy!
This tuition-based program is designed to give kids ages 6-8 a fun and friendly taste of what theatre is like. Through games, storytelling, music, dancing, and creative play, students will explore:
- Acting & theatre lingo (like what’s “stage left” anyway?)
- Singing & rhythm
- Movement & dance
- Confidence & creativity
YAAL Youngsters may be offered during the school year and/or summer, depending on instructor availability — so keep an eye out for session dates!
Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or just wants to try something new, YAAL Youngsters is all about learning, laughing, and having a blast on stage!
Stage Management Training
Run the Show from Behind the Scenes!
Not into the spotlight but love making the magic happen? Stage Management Training is your backstage pass to learning how a show really runs — and it’s just as exciting as being on stage! In this hands-on class for ages 12+, students will learn what it takes to be the ultimate behind-the-scenes hero. You’ll get experience with:
- Keeping the space clean & show-ready
- Staying organized (hello, paperwork!)
- Communicating like a pro with the cast & crew
- Understanding the tech side of theatre magic
Plus, if you're curious about sets, costumes, or props, there are awesome opportunities to dive into those areas too!
Students who are interested will also have the opportunity to apply as a volunteer Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) for future YAAL productions!
This class is offered as a full day or two half days, depending on instructor availability — either way, you'll leave feeling empowered, prepared, and totally ready to help run the show!
YAAL Teen Program
Take the Stage This Summer!
Ready for a summer of serious theatre and unforgettable fun? YAAL’s Teen Program is your chance to be part of a high-energy production! This is a non-tuition program for ages 13-18, and spots are audition-only, so bring your A-game and your passion. You’ll need to put in a lot of work — including practice at home — but the payoff? A fully staged show and an unforgettable summer experience with an amazing cast.
Auditions run like a community theatre:
- Come with a prepared song
- Learn a choreo combo on the spot
- Be ready for a possible cold read from the script
- Typically hold callbacks
Once you’re cast, things move fast! Rehearsals are typically weekday evenings and/or weekends for the months of June & July. Final performances are usually held the last weekend of July.
Decision Making
When choosing a program, we encourage you to chat with your student about what excites them — and take a look together at the time commitment for rehearsals and any practice they'll need to do at home. Consider their age, interests, and what feels like the right fit for right now — there's no one-size-fits-all path, and that's okay!
If you or your student have questions or need a little guidance, we'd love to hear from you. Just send us a note at info@yaal.org — we're happy to help you find the perfect place to jump in!