Young Actors Theatre creates theatrical opportunities that instill confidence, creativity, and discipline in youth.
Our mission is to empower youth for life.
Young Actors Theatre was founded in 1976 by Charlotte Kaufman, an NYC actress who made her home in the midwest. From 1976 to 2005, YAT brought classic theatre training to 60 school-age students each year. Two of those students were Justin Wade and his sister Catherine, who saw something special in YAT and began assisting Charlotte with the organization. Justin assumed the role of Executive Artistic Director in 2005.
With a new team of theatre educators and creative minds, YAT began to soar. Justin honed his craft as an educator, and began to develop a new approach to theatre training. Theatre education could be more. It could be used to teach larger lessons, and build lifelong learners.
We decided: out with the pre-bought scripts, out with the monologues, out with waiting backstage 95% of the time. By incorporating world-class theatre trends like physical theatre, devised theatre, and site-specific theatre, an original brand of arts education was born in Indianapolis. Rather than starting with a script, we start with a question, a social issue, or a historical figure who embodies a particular theme. Then, our theatre educators work with students to devise a production in which the whole ensemble (not just one or two leads) tell a compelling narrative with an empowering message for student performers and student audiences.
Since 2005, Young Actors Theatre has transformed into the largest youth theatre in Indianapolis. In 2018, YAT brought Self-Empowerment Theatre to nearly 2,000 students and reached over 10,000 audience members across the state of Indiana. We work directly with youth approximately 350 days a year, and on average 75-80 hours a week. With a home base in downtown Indianapolis and performance sites across the greater Indianapolis area, we work to provide more than a stage to the youth we serve.
Young Actors Theatre is more than a theatre: we are a training ground for empathetic individuals and model citizens in Indianapolis.
lillian.c@yatkids.org
http://www.yatkids.org
401 E Michigan Street, Young Actors Theatre, Indianapolis, IN 46204
3176145057
The Experiment at Young Actors Theatre started as just that: an experiment. Five years ago, we wanted to see what would happen if we tried to bring a group of students together for an intensive creative theatre project. What ended up happening was a revolution in the way we think about theatre and about summer. In the five years since that first camp, the Experiment has grown into an annual tradition, and something students come from across the country each year to take part in.
Located at Camp Pyoca in southern Indiana, this 4th-12th grade overnight camp is a whirlwind of creativity. Campers work with theatre artists all week to develop an original outdoor performance that incorporates global theatre trends. Through the week, campers work together, solve problems, compete in games, explore the outdoors, and rehearse like they never have before.
The result? An unforgettable, transformational theatre experience that will leave students excited about their artistic power, connected to new friends, and eager to get started on the next amazing project.
Gara Gaines
615.663.6542
gara@yatkids.org
The Experiment 2019 is running from Sunday, July 7 to Saturday, July 13.
The camp session is located at Camp Pyoca in Brownstown, Indiana.
Get $100 off tuition for the Experiment 2019 when you sign up before December 31!
YAT also offers interest-free payment plans to all families, and we will never turn a family away due to financial hardship. Prior to your YAT session, please submit a scholarship application here. Contact gara@yatkids.org with questions about your account.
Tuition or a scholarship application are requested upon registration.
Partial refunds will be given for cancellations up to one week before the session’s start date.