Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains lies “one of the top five theatre camps in the country”, as declared by CBS News. And one thing sets them apart from the other four in this nomination, “We don’t hold an audition to get in. We want every single student who wants to learn about the performing arts to be able to have access to these excellent teachers and marvelous camp counselors, who all work in the industries that they teach in,” says Camp Co-Founding Director Shawn Ryan From YATC's creation in 2001, "our goal has been to deliver a program that we would have desired as young actors. Working alongside industry professionals, learning in a safe and supportive environment created by staff and students alike, and making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.” And they’ve done that and so much more!
Heading into our 21st season, YATC has created a program unlike any other. They have had thousands of students come through these doors who have gone on to attend top performing arts schools and work in TV, film, and even Broadway! The classes are fun and challenging, the beauty of the surrounding mountains is awe-inspiring, and the campers are the most amazing young people from around the world.
In the beginning, we used to think that it would sound cliche to share the truth of YATC. Now, we scream it from the roof tops: "YATC is the best place in the country for students of all levels to explore the performing arts and make friendships that last a lifetime,” says Associate Director Valerie Dohrer, who happens to have been with YATC for 16 years. (4 as a camper, 4 as a counselor and 8 as the company’s Associate Director)
Imagine a world where students breaking into "Defying Gravity" during lunch, star in their own short film which is shown at the film festival, learn how to write a hit song from the Academy-Award winning songwriters of Frozen, learn how to act for the camera from a major TV star and meet kids with the same amount of passion for the arts as they have! YATC will change you life, forever!
“The only thing I don’t like about YATC, is that it wasn’t around when I was a teenager!” - Megan Hilty, Smash
“YATC is like heaven for all the drama geeks of the World!” -Jonathan Groff, Frozen and Hamilton
