It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since our last Pajama Awards. We have had so many wonderful experiences this year at Young Actors’ Theatre. In addition to our Season of Shows, we had The Addams Family as a 24 Hour Musical, we had our Boo Cabaret, they Sang that on Glee Cabaret and our Annual Holiday Tradition, Jingle. We had a lot of “YAT firsts” in this season and I am in constant awe of our YAcTors and Artistic Teams. Their imaginations and creativity are unmatched!
We started off the season with the hauntingly beautiful musical, Anastasia, directed by Marisa Musgrove. With music directed by Kim Hendrix-Racine and choreography by Brice Cloke. This glorious musical was beautifully presented with stunning costumes.
After Anastasia, audiences were thoroughly entertained with 13 the Musical, directed and choreographed by Brice Cloke with music direction by Kailee Ash-Ray. What talent came out for this show! The two casts were incredibly moving in this coming of age story.
Next we had Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It was my joy to direct this show and work with Matt Ignacio on music. I also had the joy of working with Ashlyn Bradfute as choreographer, who was able to put so many fun spins on the new songs.
Mean Girls followed directed, choreographed and music directed by the triple threat herself, Chrissy Burns. What an inspiration Chrissy is! She works with many of her students as assistants in various artistic roles, mentoring them to be future directors, choreographers and music directors. Working together, they all put on an incredible show!
Our junior production of Beetlejuice followed, directed and choreographed by Katie Wallace, and music directed by Erin Vanderhyde. Such a fun production, with so many characters!
Lastly was Spelling Bee, directed by Astrid Pett, music directed by Kailee Ash-Ray and choreographed by Alexa Cohen. This wonderful sweet and charming show was a perfect way to close out the season!
I am so happy with the brilliant shows this season has produced. As we continue our search for a new theater home, I am not only optimistic but grateful to our artistic teams for producing quality youth theatre productions and can’t wait for the upcoming season!
We are so lucky to have the incredible staff working with us. From Alexi, our front office guru and camp director extraordinaire, to Miles our tech expert and many of our actors who have become integral parts of our artistic teams, we have been truly blessed to have these additions to our staff!
Of course, our successful year would not happen without Executive Director, Kristina Petrea, Board President, Jess Reed and our amazing Board of Directors. Your hard work and dedication are a constant inspiration to me!
Congratulations to all of you who have made this theatre community feel like home!
Looking forward to another exciting season!!!
Much love
Jean
