Youth Musical Theater Company
Community SubscriberYouth Musical Theater Company is dedicated to providing exceptional training to young theater artists through the production of exceptional musical theater. We bring together the Bay Area’s most talented and dedicated young singer/actors—as well as students of technical theater— (7th grade through University level)— w/ professional directors, designers, and musicians. We create theater that takes on challenging & sophisticated musical & dramatic themes, and that is always accompanied by a full, live orchestra. YMTC offers opportunities to act on-stage, apprentice with mentors off-stage, play in our pit orchestras, & participate in workshops all focused on training the next generation of collaborative artists, arts appreciators and engaged citizens.
Youth Musical Theater Company (known as YMTC) is great! My son has done the apprentice program a few times and has had a very positive experience. Your teen will get to work in a professional setting yet be supported as student. The shows are wonderful and the amount of talent there is amazing. My son also enjoys the peer group there as do I. They seem to attract great kids. There are applications open now for shows coming up this spring and summer.
My daughter has been participating in ymtc for 4 years now and we all love it. The shows are really really well done, the training is excellent and the camaraderie is priceless.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Jan 2009
Re: Drama Classes/Camp for 13 year old
It's true that for most programs, a kid often has to start with supporting roles at first, however my son has been doing drama camps and programs during summers and schoolyear for the last 5 years - he's 14 now, and has always had a total blast and learned a lot, sometimes in the chorus or in small roles, sometimes getting bigger ones. And even those in the chorus are usually on stage quite a lot. I HIGHLY recommend both the programs he's been involved in (both in Berkeley: Stage Door - no audition necessary (www.stagedoorconservatory.org) and YMTC - by audition (www.ymtcberkeley.org). laurie
May 2008
Has anyone had experience with YMTC (Youth Musical Theater Company) or have any suggestions for a great theater experience for a 13 year old boy during the summer or school year? Thanks. Drama Mama
My son has been involved with YMTC for three years and it has been a fantastic experience for him! The level of professionalism is astounding. Every aspect of theater is taught with exquisite detail. Their artistic director is amazing and everyone involved with the production really loves musical theater and helping kids reach their potential. The students love it and perform way beyond anyone\x92s expectations and belief. There is also a great group of parents who are involved in every production as well!
My son has done all the local theater opportunities such as Cal Shakes, Contra Costa CCAC, Fairyland, Julia Morgan and Revels but YMTC has been the most rewarding one for him. He will be auditioning for Fiddler on the Roof (playing in November) during the week of June 2nd. He is also taking one of their summer workshops in August, which is a great way for your child to test the waters. You can learn more about this by going to their website: http://www.ymtcberkeley.org/ or contact 510-595-5514 or feel free to e- mail me! drj
Youth Musical Theater Company is a great organization that puts on wonderful classes, workshops, cabaret performances and musicals. My son signed on for his first musical with YMTC in 8th grade, and he's now a graduating senior with 6 YMTC productions to his credit. The Artisic Director is a theater and musical professional, and is just brilliant at working with students. YMTC's productions are top-notch, and the skills they teach, not just singing and acting, but also how to work well with others, and personal development, add a whole dimension to a teen's experience that very few other organizations provide. My son has grown tremendously as a person and a performer through his work with YMTC. Go for it! Jennifer W
My daughter loved participating in the YMTC. And I loved helping them as well as the people I met there. They put on really quality performances and the summer programs help to prepare them for those performances in the fall and spring. She took singing lessons from Jennifer for a number of years and it seemed as if she grew up with this great group of kids. I thought it was great for the boys too. It is really a wonderful organization and a great opportunity for the children to be involved and learn singing and drama. I can't recommend it highly enough Lesley
I've been going to YMTC fall productions for years and have always been impressed by the quality of their work. For the summer, I also recommend StageDoor Conservatory . Ruth
Editor Note: An additional recommendation was also received for StageDoor Conservatory .
Oct 2007
Re: Musical theater opportunites for a teenager
Hello, I wanted to respond to your question about great musical theater in the area. Your timing couldn\xc2\x92t be more perfect! I am a parent of a teenager who loves to sing and act. I have lots of information about all the options in our area. I am total impressed with the professionalism of the one he is currently involved with the Youth Musical Theater Company. This weekend will be the opening of their next production, Man of La Mancha, which will be performed at the Longfellow Middle School Auditorium on October 26-28 and November 2-3. You might have seen the article about YMTC and MAN OF LA MANCHA in last Friday's Berkeley Voice, if not you can still check it out now at: http://www.contracostatimes.com/berkeley/ci_7223269?nclick_check=1
One thing that I wanted to be sure to tell you is it that Man of La Mancha is just the beginning of their new season and expansion. I mean it when I say that your timing couldn\xc2\x92t be more perfect. My son has loved every minute of his three years with the group. YMTC is entering a period of a lot of growth that I am very excited about. I think that the theater that YMTC does is fantastic. They offer a variety of classes and workshops, and are trying to bring more professional artists into their activities, offer more mentorship and structure to students interested in the technical aspect of theater, and most thrilled about their move into a relationship with the Julia Morgan Theatre Center as their future artistic home.
They and I are very excited about all the growth and invite you to join and help them get even better! There are lots of ways for you and your daughter to do so:
1)\tCome see Man of La Mancha 2)\tLet them know that you might be interested and supportive of what YMTC does? Maybe you might like to attend an informational event-with food, and a performance by some of the students and the artistic director. Obviously I am crazy about this group \xc2\x96 I am happy to talk to you or any other parents who are interested in hearing about it or you can go to their website at: www.ymtcberkeley.org or e- mail them directly at :info at ymtcberkeley.org, or call 510-595-5514. jessica
In response to the parent looking for Musical Theater opportunities for her teenager - you should seriously look into Youth Musical Theater Company (YMTC). My son has spent 5 years working with this innovative and dynamic independent youth theater company, and it has been a tremendous learning and professional experience for him. You can still attend YMTC's current production, ''Man of La Mancha,'' on Friday, November 2, 8:00 pm, Saturday, November 3, 3:00 pm, or Saturday, November 3, 8:00 pm at Longfellow Auditorium, 1500 Derby Street, in Berkeley, if you want to see what kind of extraordinary production this troupe is capable of. Upcoming YMTC events include a winter workshop and a production of ''Into the Woods,'' next summer. For more information on the kind of training and experience they offer, check out their website at www.ymtcberkeley.org. YMTC mom
The Youth Musical Theater group in Berkeley that's doing ''Man of La Mancha'' right now is great for high schoolers. The actors who've had a lock on the leads for the past three years are seniors, so there will be more opportunities coming up.
April 2004
YMTC Announces its Summer Musical Theater Workshops. Youth Musical Theater Company, which recently produced WEST SIDE STORY, is holding musical theater workshops this summer for students entering grades 7-12. During these one week intensives, WSS director, JENNIFER BOESING, will help students develop their skills as singer/actors through improvisation, exercises, theater games, and scenes from a variety of musicals. From vocal technique and movement for actors, to character development and relationship-building onstage, the very particular challenges that face a performer when acting through the medium of song will be addressed. There will be an informal performance for family and friends on the last day of each workshop (Saturday).
Accompaniment will be provided by pianist, Skye Atman. Workshops will be held at a private home in north Berkeley; sessions are limited to 15 students.
Session I: June 14 - June 19 Session II: July 12 - July 17 Session III: July 26 - July 31
Tuition: $300; limited scholarships available; inquire with registration. For more information, call 525-3012, or download a copy of the application from the YMTC website: www.busduse.org Pam
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