Bringing theater to life with workshops and performances!
For over 10 years we have been introducing young people ages 9 to 18 to the delights of musical theater. Sign up for an acting, singing, or technical workshop and audition for our next musical.
- December 2024
Shrek the Musical Thanks You!
Welcoming our largest audience ever, 2,200 theater-goers enjoyed the five performances of Shrek the Musical, which not only proved to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages, but allowed YATS to showcase the talents of its 56 young actors cast and backstage crew, the biggest yet. With Shrek came the opportunity to welcome 17 new young actors to the YATS family, and we hope to get to know them better at future YATS workshops and performance events.
For the Shrek cast and crew families, friends and numerous volunteers who helped with the shows, the executive board gives you our heartfelt appreciation. Simply put, YATS couldn’t do it without YOU, thank you!
Sunday Afternoons caroling at the Strasbourg Christmas market
It’s become a tradition: this year, as in years past, the Sunday Afternoons YATS choir will go caroling at the Christmas market!
Go and see them and hear them sing, assisted by alumni of the Sunday Afternoons, and wander with them through the lovely streets of Strasbourg as they sing their favorite carols.
Meet them on 17 December at 19h in Place du Temple Neuf.
Join the Sunday Afternoons choir
The performance-based a cappella choir Sunday Afternoons led by Juliana Rambaldi is the most recent workshop to start in November, with its first performance expected at the Strasbourg Christmas Market on 17 December. This workshop works to develop musicality and interpretation through various traditional and original songs, mostly in English.
Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 18h30 – 20h00 at Foyer Saint Paul, 35 rue de la Tour, Strasbourg. This location is provisory and is likely to change to a more central location after the Christmas holidays.
A few places are still available for Sunday Afternoons, so don’t delay! If you are interested, send an email to : juliarbene[at]aol.com
A word from YATS Music Director Juliana Rambaldi
“I am so proud of all that YATS continues to accomplish and especially to be able to see our young actors grow and flourish. I’ve been thinking lately about our young actors and how it is that they succeed in producing such wonderful performances. You may think that it’s simply talent that allowed them to create that magic. They are, indeed, very talented but here’s a secret: talent is only a part of what makes a good performer. There are many talented people in the world, but very few are born great actors, singers or dancers.”
“Almost every year several of our YATS graduates are accepted into programs in which they can pursue studies in the performing arts. What those graduates seem to have in common is that they put focused time and energy into improving their performance skills. Those disciplines are skills, like any others, which can be honed and improved through dedicated work. When we’re rehearsing a show like Shrek or Fiddler, the artistic staff may not have much time to focus on training cast members in these skills — we mostly take what a performer already brings and work with that. But to really improve one’s skills takes focus — and the rewards for the performer are a better, more enriching experience and having a lot more fun performing onstage. You probably know from your own experience that most worthwhile activities become more fun once you improve your skill level. As you’ll see from this month’s Spotlight section, “Where are they now?”, Lyes is a perfect example of someone who came to YATS never having performed in a theater piece until he performed in our shows, and he didn’t stop at just doing shows — he trained to improve his skills. Our workshops exist to support YATS performers in honing their technical skills in areas such as creating a wide range of believable characters, improving vocal tone while singing in a healthy way, expressing emotions through singing, and learning about the many different styles of dance. Whether you find training in these skills through YATS or elsewhere, putting time and focus into something you love is never a waste of time, no matter what you plan to do later in life. The skills you learn in the theater will be with you for your lifetime and I don’t think you’ll ever regret that investment in your own learning.”
Workshop Survey / Sondage – Young Actors please reply
Young actors: we want to hear from you!
To continue improving our workshops, we would like you to fill in a short survey by 15 December 2024. It only takes 2 minutes to reply – easy!To show our appreciation for your feedback, if you provide your name and email details, you will automatically be entered into a raffle and have the chance to win free YATS merchandise (like a t-shirt or hat).
Musical Assistant Lyes Saidani is in the Spotlight
Where are they now?
Past productions: How to Succeed in Business…, Grease, Oklahoma!“Following YATS performance of Oklahoma!, I began studying nursing which is a 3-year course. After an eventful journey, I finished my nursing studies this past August (2024) and I’ll start working in one of Strasbourg’s hospitals this December! During the 3 long years I was away from YATS, I had the opportunity to take part in several singing competitions, one of which I won, and enabled me to perform on stage in front of 3,000 people while being paid, and make a studio recording. I have a few musical projects in the pipeline, which I hope will come to fruition in the near future.”
Lyes continued about his YATS involvement, “When I heard about Shrek the Musical as an autumn production, and knew that I was going to be available, I contacted Juliana (YATS Music Director) to explain my motivations for being a musical assistant. She replied immediately, saying it would be a pleasure to work together! Thanks to this experience, I’ve been able to work with talented young actors, helping them learn harmonies, working individually and helping them sing backstage during shows. In conclusion, my experience as a musical assistant enabled me to discover another aspect of preparing such a project.” He continued, “For me, YATS is like a family – once you’re in, it’s hard to leave! It allows young people like me to blossom by discovering the world of musical theatre while working with professionals. I think you learn a lot, discover yourself, surprise yourself and meet so many wonderful people. My absolute favorite moment is in the dressing room just before going on stage. In those moments, you can feel the stress rising, you’re very concentrated and excited! It’s show time!”
YATS Likes…
YATS is thrilled to announce the release of
the 2022 production reel of Guys and Dolls!Just follow the links on the shows page.
Find your role in YATS
YATS is excited to announce the creation of the following volunteer roles: Logistics Manager and Lighting Manager.
Along with this, job descriptions and ways to help out can be found on our here. This is a great opportunity to become more involved in YATS activities and to learn new skills in a friendly and relaxed environment. Training and coaching can be provided.
