Marcello is in the Spotlight

Shows: Annie Jr., Seussical Jr., Beauty and the Beast Jr., Fame Jr., How to Succeed in Business (Without Really Trying), Grease, Oklahoma!, Into the Woods.

I graduated from my Bachelor at Amsterdam University College (the Netherlands) in July 2024, where I majored in media and culture! Now, I’m working for my university in administration, promotion and event support, which I really enjoy. It’s a one-year position for graduates from my degree, so I’ll be moving to Groningen next year to start my master in Arts, Media and Literary Studies! It’s a two-year master and I’m so excited to study again!

I’m definitely still involved in the arts but in different ways than performing in YATS. During my undergrad, I was on our Student Association Board, where I was able to help plan events of all kinds including artistic ones! I’ve taken more of a “backstage” side to the arts and culture, which I’m also hoping to pursue after my master, either in media production, event planning or writing related to the arts. YATS was a huge help for this and really allowed me to understand all the moving parts within the field. I think it’s important to pursue a career in arts and culture even if you don’t want to work as a performer. In a lot of ways YATS nurtured my motivation to study and work in the arts sector!

YATS was so important to me growing up, and definitely still plays a large part in who I am today! There are so many memories I hold dear, but some that stand out are when we would do the first run-through (or stumble-through) of the shows. They really went in any direction, but it was always a testament to how far we had come as a company, and it was great to see how well our fellow cast and crew were doing!

The stage is calling, the spotlight is yours. YATS has officially opened registration for our 2025–26 season of theater workshops, welcoming young people aged 9 to 19 to dive into the world of musical theater — both on stage and behind the scenes.

Whether you’re dreaming of performing, deepening your acting technique, or learning how to stage a show this is your chance to be part of something exciting, challenging, and unforgettable. YATS workshops are designed for complete beginners to seasoned young performers. The program includes a variety of workshop levels: introduction to theater for the youngest actors, improvisation and voice work for early teens, and in-depth training in acting techniques for older students. There’s even a dedicated backstage and theater design workshop for those who prefer to work their magic offstage.

This isn’t just about learning theater — it’s about growing in confidence, working as a team, and creating something truly special together.

• Introduction to Theater and Acting (Ages 9–11): A beginner-friendly program focusing on acting, vocal technique, and dance in a supportive and fun environment. Workshop culminates with an end-of-year showcase.
• Entry Acting Level 1 (Ages 11–13): Designed for middle school students, this workshop emphasizes improvisation, character development, vocal technique, and movement, ending with a short musical play for parents and friends.
• Intermediate Level 2 (Ages 13–16): This workshop builds on the basics through improvisation and physical work. Technique-building is emphasized with a focus on the character work of Michael Chekhov and the voice work of Cecile Berry. Scene work will include selections from classic and modern American plays.
• Intermediate Level 3 (Ages 13–16): Technique-building is emphasized with the introduction of Viewpoints physical work and character analysis. Collaborative playwriting is introduced and further exploration of structured improvisation is included. Scene work will include selections from classic and modern American and British plays. The class will give a final presentation of extended scenes.
• Advanced Level 4 (Ages 15–19): This workshop is intended for actors who are seriously thinking about pursuing theater at university and as a potential career. It is designed for actors who want an intensive acting experience with in-depth character study. Final presentation is a fully staged play.
• Musical Theater Workshop (Ages 15-19): If you already love musicals or simply want to learn more about this art form, this workshop is for you! Actors are encouraged to be more independent and to take a leading role in their development as artists. This workshop includes sessions in acting, voice and dance and culminates in a staged performance in May.
• Theater Design and Backstage Workshop (Ages 12–19): Offers a comprehensive backstage experience, covering theater scenery and lighting design, equipment operation, and practical support for YATS productions, with instruction in both English and French.

Classes run from September to June at the European School in Strasbourg. Fees are €400 for non-members and €325 for YATS members. Spaces are limited and in high demand each year, so register today.

Great news! YATS is releasing 90 additional tickets for the completely sold-out performances of Bye Bye Birdie on 3 & 4 May at the European School of Strasbourg.

Missed your chance the first time? Now’s the moment! This fun, high-energy musical packed with 50s style, catchy songs, and big laughs is almost back — and these extra seats won’t last long.

Tickets are available now — don’t wait!

Hello! I’m Alicia O’Callahan, the choreographer for YATS.
For over 12 years, I’ve been proud to help bring this incredible program to life—a vibrant and passionate project that continues to grow each year. YATS gives young people the unique opportunity to explore the exhilarating world of musical theater. The transformation we see is truly inspiring. Through singing, dancing, and acting, kids don’t just learn how to perform—they learn how to communicate, connect, and grow with confidence.

So, what does it take to be part of a YATS show?
All you need is the desire to create and express yourself. Whether you’re new to the stage or have experience under the spotlight, performing allows you to face fears, discover your voice, and believe in yourself. Yes, it requires dedication, hard work, and plenty of practice. And no, not everyone gets cast every time—but every audition is a brave step forward. Every attempt builds resilience. And when you do land a role, the joy and pride of being in a show is absolutely worth it.

Right now, we’re deep in rehearsals for our Spring production of Bye Bye Birdie.
It’s bursting with energy, featuring swooning teens, wild chases, tangled romances, and catchy tunes from the 1960s that will have you dancing in your seat. After months of preparation, it all comes together in one unforgettable weekend of pure musical joy.

And guess what’s coming next?
This Fall, we’re thrilled to present Oliver!—a timeless classic rich with heart and story. Auditions are just around the corner this May. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of performing, now’s the time to take that leap. Let yourself shine. Step into the story. Discover the magic of musical theater with YATS. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to the stage in 2025!

The stage is set and the spotlight is on! Broadway Theater International has just opened registration for its 2025 Musical Theater Summer Camps, and this year’s program is more exciting than ever.

Imagine spending a week immersed in song, dance, and performance in one of the most beautiful regions of France. This summer, BTI is offering not one, but two incredible camp experiences in the beautiful Vosges mountains (July 6–12 and July 13–19), followed by the South of France (August 17–23).

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or discovering your passion for the stage, these intensives are your chance to train with top professionals, meet fellow theater lovers, and create unforgettable memories. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—sign up today.

Find all the details and registration info at the BTI website.

Need help choosing your audition song?

You’ve got to pick a pocket of tunes!

Thanks to one of our wonderfully resourceful YATS parents, there’s now a Spotify playlist featuring all of the audition songs YATS have available to download on this site — ready and waiting for you to explore. If you’ve got Spotify, you can listen to every single track, no trouble at all.

It’s perfect for any young performer who’s not sure where to start. Instead of scratching your head and reviewing the situation, you can sit back, press play, and let the right song find you. So if your audition prep has you feeling like the boy for sale, don’t worry — help is at hand, and it’s only a click away. Give it a spin and start rehearsing like you mean it!

YATS Alumni: Where are they now?

Shows: Grease, Annie, Guys & Dolls

Hey guys, Callum here! I joined YATS in 2019 for Grease and it was a great experience! I did continue theater for a while after graduating before fully investing in my passion for brand design. I’m now a graphic designer based in Strasbourg currently finishing a degree in Artistic Direction at LISSA (L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués) Strasbourg.

One of my personal projects has been updating the YATS logo; by that I mean – making a few adjustments to brighten the colours and push its vibrancy by replacing the black with purple. I also decided to put the colours in the order of the rainbow for more coherence and updated the typography to a new font.”

You can follow me @kennagraphics on Instagram.

Register NOW for Oliver! Auditions, Pre-audition Workshops, and the New Audition Training session.

Sign-up NOW for your Oliver! audition on 24 & 25 May as well as a free (and essential) pre-audition workshop on the 17 and 18 May and the new Audition Training session on 6 May! Last year we had over 90 young actors try for a part in our Fall spectacular, so don’t delay – grab your slot as soon as you can! AND don’t forget to sign-up for a (completely free) pre-audition workshop – to help you prepare, and hone, your audition song, dance-steps, and acting. Visit our Auditions page for more details about what you need to do at an audition, and to choose your song.

We’re Buzzing with Excitement!

That’s right — all three performances of Bye Bye Birdie are officially sold out and the cast and crew at YATS couldn’t be more thrilled! Rehearsals are absolutely buzzing with energy! Our amazing young actors are pouring their hearts into every scene, song, and dance move. There’s laughter, dedication, and a real sense of team spirit as we bring this toe-tapping 1950s rock & roll comedy to life. Everyone’s working incredibly hard — and having a blast doing it!

Behind the scenes, we’re on the hunt for costumes and props to help us create that perfect small-town America vibe. If you have any vintage-looking clothing, household items, or quirky accessories you think might help, please get in touch — we’d love your help!

We’re also really looking forward to rehearsing at our brand-new performance venue, the European School of Strasbourg. They’ve generously offered us their hall and technical equipment — a huge thank you to them for supporting YATS! This will be our first-ever show at the European School, and we can’t wait to make the most of this fantastic space.

If you’ve managed to snag tickets — amazing! You’re in for a fun-filled, high-energy show. If not, don’t worry — keep an eye on Instagram and Facebook just in case any tickets get returned or go up for resale. You might still get lucky!

ByeByeBirdieYATS #YouthTheatreMagic #YATSrocks