About Us

The mission of the Bellevue Youth Theatre Foundation is to foster the Bellevue Youth Theatre program through increasing awareness, raising funds, and building community to enhance the experience of participants and audiences. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to provide essential support for the Bellevue Youth Theatre through volunteers, fundraising and community engagement.

Administered by the City of Bellevue Parks and Community Services, the Bellevue Youth Theatre program was founded in 1990 by artistic director James McClain in the Crossroads area of Bellevue, Washington as an outreach program for disenfranchised youth. With proud roots as a recreational performing arts center, it has grown to serve youth, families, persons with disabilities and seniors not only in Bellevue but in other Eastside communities as well.

The theatre presents 10 performances throughout the year, offering opportunities targeted for youth ages 11 to 19, while including other community members of all ages. Separate academy, workshop and day camp programs are also offered. Annual involvement in the program has grown to include more than 900 individuals and more than 10,000 performance attendees.

Today the Bellevue Youth Theatre is a place where skills are learned, talents are discovered, creativity is expressed and community is strengthened. Most importantly, it is a place where everyone has a role.