Our crowdfunding campaign to raise money for new microphones is still going strong, and thanks to the amazing support from our community, we’re well on our way. But now it’s time to take things to the next level.

To give you a little extra motivation—and a big thank you for your generosity—we’ll be unlocking full-length recordings of two of our most recent shows as we hit key milestones.

When we reach 3000€, we’ll publish the full video recording of our 2024 spring musical Godspell right here on the YATS website. That’s right: the entire show, filmed live and packed with the heart, energy, and talent that made it such a hit. Whether you missed it or just want to relive the magic, you’ll be able to watch it any time you like.

And it gets even better: when we reach our second stretch-goal of 4500€, we’ll publish the full video of our 2024 fall spectacular, Shrek the Musical! From ogres and donkeys to dragons and Duloc dancers, this was one of our biggest, boldest productions yet—and we can’t wait to share it with you.

If you’ve already donated: thank you. You’re helping us improve sound quality for every future YATS performance. And if you haven’t yet—or if you’re thinking about giving a little more—now’s the perfect time.

What a weekend! On the 24th and 25th of May, seventy young performers walked through the doors to audition for our fall spectacular, Oliver! The level of talent was absolutely outstanding, the energy was high, and after two full days of incredible auditions, and another of call-backs, we’re thrilled to announce that the show is now fully cast.

This October, the stage will burst to life with a brilliant mix of newly discovered performers and some familiar faces returning to wow us once again. We can’t wait for you to meet this cast—it’s going to be something really special. Rehearsals begin next weekend, and the excitement is building fast. From heartfelt solos to show-stopping numbers, the journey to opening night starts now—and we’re ready to dive in.

And guess what? If you’re not already part of the show then you’re invited to come lend a hand behind the scenes! Click here to send us a quick message to say you’re up for the adventure—and consider yourself officially part of the YATS family.

You want more?!

Our biggest, showstopping, news is that we’ve just launched our very first crowdfunding campaign! We’re raising money to buy brand-new microphones, so every voice in Oliver! and future shows can be heard loud and clear. To thank you for your support, we’ve got some brilliant rewards lined up: tickets to Oliver!, access to our brand-new VIP area, exclusive YATS tote bags, and discounts on future ticket purchases.

If you love what YATS does, now’s the moment to show your support. Help us raise the volume—and make this our best show yet.

In other news, our wonderful Musical Director Juliana Rambaldi was recently interview in The Connexion, sharing the story of how YATS came to be and how youth musical theater makes a difference. It’s an inspiring read—check it out here.

Cet automne, Oliver! (Twist) prend vie sur la scène de YATS, et nous ne pouvons pas y arriver sans une équipe de bénévoles aussi formidable que motivée, en coulisses comme en salle. Que vous soyez parent, grand-parent, étudiant, retraité ou simplement amateur de Broadway, il y a une place pour vous dans cette belle aventure !

Il y a deux façons super sympas de vous impliquer – selon vos disponibilités, vos talents, vos envies…

La brigade des coulisses

Envie de vivre l’expérience à fond ? Venez nous prêter main forte en coulisses ! Si vous pouvez assister à quelques répétitions et être présent les jours de spectacle, c’est parfait. Aucune expérience nécessaire – juste un peu d’enthousiasme ! Aidez-nous à construire, déplacer ou peindre les décors, à dénicher des accessoires, ajuster les costumes, faire du maquillage, ou encore garder les comédiens calmes (et bien décaféinés). L’ambiance est géniale – parfois aussi divertissante que ce qui se passe sur scène !

Les héros de l’accueil

Votre emploi du temps est un peu plus… Dickensien ? Aucun souci ! Nous cherchons aussi des personnes disponibles uniquement les soirs de spectacle : pour faire des gâteaux, servir des boissons, vendre des snacks ou du merchandising, distribuer les programmes ou guider les spectateurs jusqu’à leur place. Ces petits gestes font toute la différence et créent l’ambiance chaleureuse typique de YATS.

Que vous soyez partant pour toute l’aventure ou juste pour une fournée de brownies, votre aide compte vraiment.

Prêt à vous lancer ? Cliquez ici pour nous envoyer un petit message pour dire que vous êtes partant(e) pour l’aventure – et considérez-vous un membre de la famille YATS !

As part of your YATS Oliver! audition, you’ll be asked to perform a short harmony evaluation and a dance routine. Everything you need to prepare — including audio tracks, sheet music, and choreography videos — can be found on the auditions page.

Harmony Evaluation

Right after you perform your memorized solo, you’ll sing a short section from “I See a River.” This harmony piece does not need to be memorized, but you should be familiar enough with it to sing confidently with a backing track. Start by listening to the version with the melody to learn your part, then practice with the band track (which is what you’ll use in the audition). You’ll be reading from a lead sheet during the evaluation — we’ll have a copy for you, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Dance Routine

The dance routine is also part of the audition process. Videos demonstrating the choreography are available on the audition page. Make sure to review and practice the moves ahead of time.

Good luck — and have fun at the auditions!

“Spring is usually a particularly exciting (and busy) time of year at YATS!

Just after completing performances of our successful spring musical, Bye Bye, Birdie, we are preparing auditions for our big fall musical, Oliver!

Coming up in June we’ll have our first rehearsals for Oliver! and presentations from our other workshops. Preparation is already under way for our summer alumni production, which will take place in August. And before that, a number of us will be involved in the BTI summer camp – because you can never have too much musical theater!

Ever since we first formed YATS, we have talked about bringing Oliver! to Strasbourg, but until now performance rights for France had been unavailable, so we could not be happier! Oliver! is one of the great shows of Broadway’s Golden Era (even though it was created for the West End ;-). Based on the famous Charles Dickens story, Oliver Twist, it has colorful characters and is infused throughout with incredibly catchy music.

As Director, I’m excited to work on this complex world which focuses on the less fortunate in society and follows them as they work (ethically or not) for a better life. The characters have to make choices and live with the consequences of their actions. They strive for the good life and make the most of every moment they are given. When you combine a great script with memorable music and amazing dancing, you have the recipe for a truly incredible show that both the performers and the audiences will love being a part of!” – YATS Director, Victor Benedetti.

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

A look behind the scenes of YATS’ Fall 24 spectacular Shrek the Musical. Features interviews with Director Victor Benedetti and Ross MacRae, Shrek on stage, as well as excepts from early rehearsals at Lycée Jean Sturm. Written, filmed, and edited by Jack Cnockaert.

The 2025 Fall spectacular is Oliver!

We are delighted to reveal that Young Actors Theater Strasbourg (YATS) has obtained the rights to perform Lionel Bart’s OLIVER! as our 2025 Fall spectacular. There will be 5 performances of at Le Point d’Eau, Ostwald, on: Saturday 11 October – 20h, Sunday 12 October – 15h, Friday 17 October – 20h, Saturday 18 October – 20h, and Sunday 19 October – 15h. Please keep an eye on the Calendar of Events for information about auditions and tickets.

Enter the Young Actors Theater Strasbourg (YATS) poster competition for our 2025 Fall show “Oliver!”

In addition to seeing your design posted all over Strasbourg, the lucky winner of the competition will get 4 free tickets to the performance of their choice! Read on to find out more…

Participez au concours de YATS pour notre spectacle d’automne 2025 “Oliver !” En plus de voir votre création affichée partout à Strasbourg, l’heureux gagnant du concours recevra 4 places gratuites pour la représentation de son choix ! Lisez la suite pour en savoir plus…

A word from YATS President, Sarah Bachmann

On behalf of the entire YATS Executive Board, I wish you happiness, health, and success in 2025! Would you believe that YATS will showcase its 13th autumn musical production this year? Thanks to the dedication of our members and volunteers, combined with the passion of our actors and backstage crew, YATS has become a vibrant community that families are eager to join. Our shows are now a key part of the cultural scene in Strasbourg and our reputation keeps growing stronger.

Following the incredible success of Shrek the Musical, we can’t wait to see how many new kids will join us for auditions and workshops in May. We would also be thrilled to see more parents and friends become involved during the next production – there is so much to do and it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, meet people from different cultures, and foster the sense of community. Volunteers are at the heart of our association and your support is crucial to making everything we do possible. We will be organizing a special event late in the spring for member families and friends to come together and enjoy some fun moments. Stay tuned for further information.

Announcing: Alumni Show 2025

YATS is excited to invite alumni to take part in an intensive musical theater project this summer (like Assassins and Into the Woods). This project is open to YATS alumni who will have graduated high school by or before July 2025 and who have been involved in a previous YATS show within the past 7 years. Dates are 20 July through 3 August 2025, including performances.

Rehearsals will take place every day in the afternoons and evenings in Strasbourg. Because of the short rehearsal period, participants are expected to arrive at the first rehearsal fully memorized. We will select the show based on who is available. The show will have a smaller cast size, so, depending on the level of interest, everyone may not be cast.

If you are interested or have questions, please email YATS Director Victor Benedetti directly or info[at]YATStrasbourg.com by 15 March.

New year, new Design and Technical Theater Workshop!

Learn lighting design

This workshop will give students a full backstage experience, from learning the basics about designing theater scenery and lighting to learning about the equipment currently used for lighting, sound, and video. Classes will include both principles of design and practical experience operating lighting and soundboards as well as theater equipment. Students will have the opportunity to get real production experience by working on YATS musicals, including the Musical Theater Workshop production in May, the Alumni production in August, and the October musical in the Grand Salle at Le Point d’Eau. The teacher for the workshop is Xavier Martayan, one of the leading designers in the Strasbourg theater community. He designed the lighting for the YATS productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Shrek the Musical.

Classes will be taught in English and French and take place:
Mondays: 6:30 to 8:00 pm
When: February through June (first class on 24 Feburary 2025)

Elena Muller is in the Spotlight

Past productions: How to Succeed in Business…, Grease, Oklahoma!, Into the Woods.

Where are they now?
“I am currently studying at the University of Groningen (NL) in my third year of Arts, Culture and Media. Along with this, I had the opportunity to study abroad for six months in Colchester (UK). I met incredible people from all over the globe. We went to see many musicals in London and had tea in the afternoons.” Elena continued, “My current studies helped me to acquire knowledge about art regarding film and music and to discover many performances in the Netherlands. Last year I was a part of an association that organized a yearly festival in student rooms called Stukafest. This fun experience helped me meet artists, promote the association with events and radio shows and manage responsibilities with my team. Now my priority is to finish my bachelors degree in order to find my way back to the world of performance and art afterwards.”

When asked about her YATS experience, she shared, “YATS has been a life changing experience for me. During the first rehearsals of Oklahoma, the whole cast was invited to try on costumes and have a photo session. We had such a great variety of costumes to work with and it helped me build the character I was to interpret on stage. I cherish the many memories made with the cast that day. YATS provides the opportunity to discover yourself as a performer and a person. It helped me pursue a dream I had as a child. It showed me the beauty of working in the arts and how I could continue in this direction if I put in the effort. All the crucial knowledge I received from being in multiple shows and from helping behind the stage helps me every day to build my future career!”

YATS likes…

Our friends at Broadway Theater International have opened registration for their 2025 musical theater intensive camps. This year they are offering two weeks in the Vosges (July 6-12 / 13-19) and a week in the south of France (August 17-23). Sign-ups are available now, so take advantage of early-bird pricing! Find more information at the BTI website.

YATS wants you!

YATS is seeking volunteers to help manage our Logistics and Lighting (training provided). Consider this a glorious opportunity to become involved in YATS productions, learn new skills, and make friends with some amazing people. Role descriptions and other ways to help can be found here.