Program
Recently awarded the State of Washington Governors Art Award and the National Recreation and Parks Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award, Bellevue Youth Theatre is a magical place where dreams come true, regardless of who you are or what your skills and abilities are. This vision is met by providing the community with quality productions which are entertaining and/or socially relevant for the entire family. The program has helped hundreds of young people who would not normally have access to the performing arts.
The program’s core is to build self-confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, discipline and importance in the community. Volunteers and parents enjoy working on stage or behind the scenes with young people of all ages and backgrounds. The interaction between senior citizens, adult volunteers, persons living with disabilities, and the youth is priceless. Youth people enjoy a safe, caring environment while providing quality entertainment for the community.
Bellevue Youth Theatre is staffed by professional recreation staff with significant backgrounds in the performing arts. There are also many professionals who volunteer their time to be a part of the successful future of our children.
Public, non-profit Bellevue Youth Theatre is a joint project between the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Public Schools. For more information call 425.452.7155 or come by and visit the facility at 16661 Northup Way in Bellevue.
History
Bellevue Youth Theatre started as an outreach program at Crossroads Community Center in 1990. The program grew with the addition of a multipurpose theatre space in 1992 and expanded to a city-wide program in 1996 to include persons with disabilities, inter-generational programs and summer youth theater day camps. The result was impressive: the Theatre won the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Award, National Recreation and Parks Dorothy Mullen Arts Award, and the State of Washington Governor’s Arts Award. In 2001, the winning partnership with the Bellevue School District developed the old Ivanhoe Elementary School into the Theatre’s new home while continuing to use The Theatre at Meydenbauer and other City-wide recreation facilities. In 2002, the Bellevue Youth Theatre Foundation was finalized as a fundraising source for the Theatre.
In 2004, a new comprehensive business plan and a new name, Bellevue Youth Theatre was introduced. The program currently produces a Martin Luther King Jr. original script, 9 main stage productions, eight weeks of theatre and technical day camps, a wide-range of classes, and several student projects.
FAQ’s
Does everyone really get a part?
Yes! Everyone who tries out gets a part and gets to perform on stage in front of a live audience!
Where are the performances held?
At the Bellevue Youth Theatre mainstage, the Meydenbauer Center in downtown Bellevue, and at various schools and community centers in the area.
Is there a cost?
If you are a resident of the City of Bellevue, there is no cost to perform in the plays! Day camps and the BYT Academy classes do charge a nominal fee and are coordinated through the City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation Department with scholarships available for those in need.
Is there an age limit?
No! Younger participants (ages 4-8), however, are invited to take courses at the BYT Academy to be better prepared for the stage environment and to get invidualized training.
What kind of plays do you do?
Mostly original musical productions, ranging from the likes of “Annie” to original takes of “Alice in Wonderland.” Other productions focus on social and community issues, such as the annual Martin Luther King presentation performed at local schools.
Are the shows family friendly?
All the productions are rated G.
Do I have to sing and dance?
Only if you want to! If you don’t want to, you can still have a part in the show.
What are try-outs like?
Everyone who wants to perform fills out a form and, states whether they want to sing, dance or just have a part in the show. Participants then get the chance to read a short part or sing short a prepared song (even “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” works) in front of the director (not the whole group). There may or may not be call backs, depending on the show.
How long are the practices?
Practices depend on the parts and the show, but usually run a couple of days during the week for an hour or two in the late afternoon or early evening, but ending no later than 8:30 pm. As show time approaches, there may be longer and more frequent practices.
Can I still do something, even if I don’t want to be on stage?
Of course! Help is always needed behind the scenes, including in lighting, costumes, make-up, set construction, etc. Adult volunteer help is also appreciated (see Get Involved!)
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