{"id":10001,"date":"2025-03-22T15:22:31","date_gmt":"2025-03-22T20:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/?page_id=10001"},"modified":"2026-03-17T09:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:47:19","slug":"getting-started-at-yaal","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/getting-started-at-yaal\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Started at YAAL"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Who Can Get Involved?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">No Experience? No Problem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At YAAL, <strong>everyone\u2019s welcome<\/strong> \u2014 whether you\u2019re stepping on stage for the very first time or looking to sharpen your skills! We\u2019ve got awesome programs for ages 6 to 18, with different levels to help every student learn and grow through the magic of theatre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents and community members \u2014 want to get involved behind the scenes or help make the magic happen? Check out our <strong>volunteer page<\/strong> and join the fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a passionate teaching artist ready to inspire the next generation of performers, we\u2019d love to hear from you! Just email us at <strong><a>info@yaal.org<\/a><\/strong> with a little about yourself, the role you\u2019re interested in, and your resume attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Where do Students Start?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Find Your Spotlight at YAAL!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At YAAL, there\u2019s more than one way to shine \u2014 and we\u2019re here to help your student find the perfect place to jump in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether they\u2019re curious about what happens on stage, already singing show tunes in the car, or a teen who\u2019s just discovered their passion for performing \u2014 there\u2019s a program just right for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From first-timers to future stars, <strong>everyone belongs here<\/strong>. No matter where your student is on their theatre journey, YAAL has a fun, welcoming way to get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Big dreams start with small steps \u2014 let\u2019s take that first one together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Attending a Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Curious About Theatre? Come See the Magic in Action!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many students, their first taste of theatre happens from the audience \u2014 and that\u2019s 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 \u2014 and we\u2019ve got a great first step: <strong>Come to a show!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Seeing a performance live gives them a chance to experience the excitement, the energy, and the fun of theatre \u2014 all from the comfort of their seat. They\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonus: <strong>Our board members are at every performance<\/strong> \u2014 so if <em>you<\/em> have questions about getting involved, they\u2019re happy to chat before or after the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Plays &amp; Musicals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Jump Into the Spotlight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready to act, sing, dance \u2014 or just try something new? Our tuition-based productions are offered for ages 9-17 and are the perfect way for young performers to <strong>learn, grow, and shine on stage<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone who registers gets a role \u2014 just bring your excitement and creativity! Students will work on their roles both in rehearsal and at home, with things like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reading scripts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practicing stage blocking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memorizing lines &amp; music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehearsing choreography<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The experience is fun, challenging, and super rewarding<\/strong> \u2014 especially when it all comes together on stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Evening Plays<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Low-Key, High-Fun Theatre!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a chill way to explore acting without the singing, dancing, or spotlight stress? <strong>Evening Plays<\/strong> are the perfect place to start! These laid-back productions meet <strong>once a week in the evening<\/strong>, with shorter rehearsal times and smaller scripts \u2014 ideal for students who are curious about theatre but might not be ready to belt out a ballad just yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vibe? Supportive, creative, and all about having fun, not being perfect. The <strong>final<\/strong> <strong>showcase<\/strong> is only for family &amp; friends and is a celebration of how much each performer has grown \u2014 and trust us, they <em>will<\/em> surprise you!<br><br><strong>Auditions? Super simple.<\/strong> Think fun activities like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reading from the script<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Playing theatre games<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trying out a little improv<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Mainstage Productions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Go Big or Go Broadway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rehearsals happen during the day on <strong>Saturdays and some Sundays<\/strong>, 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 <strong>perform<\/strong> <strong>FOUR times over a weekend<\/strong> in front of a public audience!<br><br><strong>Auditions<\/strong> are a little more in-depth than our plays \u2014 think of it as your time to show off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"line-height:0\">You may: <br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Act out a group scene, play improv games, or read a monologue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sing a <strong>prepared song selection<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be <strong>called back<\/strong> to sing again<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn and perform a <strong>group dance<\/strong> too!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-black-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-black-background-color has-background is-style-default\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:26px\"><strong>Summer Programs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Get Ready for a Summer Full of Drama (the fun kind!) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our summer theatre programs shake things up a bit from the school year \u2014 and we mean that in the best way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1-week plays<\/strong> wrap up with a showcase on the final day, perfect for a quick burst of stage time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2-week musicals<\/strong> end with a full weekend of performances \u2014 that\u2019s right, four chances to shine on stage!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Not sure where to start?<\/strong><br>If your student is new to theatre or feeling a little stage-shy, we recommend trying out a 1-week play. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-default\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>YAAL Youngsters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Big Fun for Little Stars!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>YAAL Youngsters is the perfect way for our youngest performers to <strong>jump into the world of theatre<\/strong> \u2014 no experience needed, just big imaginations and lots of energy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This tuition-based program is designed to give kids ages 6-8 a fun and friendly taste of what theatre is like. Through <strong>games, storytelling, music, dancing, and creative play<\/strong>, students will explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acting &amp; theatre lingo (like what\u2019s \u201cstage left\u201d anyway?)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singing &amp; rhythm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Movement &amp; dance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confidence &amp; creativity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>YAAL Youngsters may be offered during the school year and\/or summer, depending on instructor availability \u2014 so keep an eye out for session dates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether your child dreams of the spotlight or just wants to try something new, <strong>YAAL Youngsters is all about learning, laughing, and having a blast on stage!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Stage Management Training<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Run the Show from Behind the Scenes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not into the spotlight but love making the magic happen? <strong>Stage Management Training<\/strong> is your backstage pass to learning how a show really runs \u2014 and it\u2019s 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\u2019ll get experience with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keeping the space clean &amp; show-ready<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying organized (hello, paperwork!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicating like a pro with the cast &amp; crew<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understanding the tech side of theatre magic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, if you're curious about <strong>sets, costumes, or props<\/strong>, there are awesome opportunities to dive into those areas too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students who are interested will also have the opportunity to apply as a volunteer Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) for future YAAL productions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This class is offered as <strong>a full day or two half days<\/strong>, depending on instructor availability \u2014 either way, you'll leave feeling empowered, prepared, and totally ready to help run the show!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>YAAL Teen Program<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\">Take the Stage This Summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ready for a summer of serious theatre and unforgettable fun? YAAL\u2019s <strong>Teen Program<\/strong> 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\u2019ll need to put in a lot of work \u2014 including practice at home \u2014 but the payoff? A fully staged show and an unforgettable summer experience with an amazing cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Auditions<\/strong> run like a community theatre:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Come with a <strong>prepared song<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn a <strong>choreo combo<\/strong> on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be ready for a possible <strong>cold read<\/strong> from the script<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Typically hold <strong>callbacks<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you\u2019re cast, things move fast! Rehearsals are typically <strong>weekday evenings and\/or weekends<\/strong> for the months of June &amp; July. Final performances are usually held the <strong>last weekend of July<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:28px\"><strong>Decision Making<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing a program, we encourage you to <strong>chat with your student<\/strong> about what excites them \u2014 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 <em>right now<\/em> \u2014 there's no one-size-fits-all path, and that's okay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you or your student have questions or need a little guidance, <strong>we'd love to hear from you<\/strong>. Just send us a note at <strong><a>info@yaal.org<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 we're happy to help you find the perfect place to jump in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-ast-global-color-8-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-ast-global-color-8-background-color has-background is-style-twentytwentyone-separator-thick is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Who Can Get Involved? No Experience? No Problem! At YAAL, everyone\u2019s welcome \u2014 whether you\u2019re stepping on stage for the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10001","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10001"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10001\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11145,"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10001\/revisions\/11145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yaal.org\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}