Dear young actors, members, and friends of YATS,We hope that this YATS Spotlight finds you well! Here’s our latest news:
June 16, 17, 18: workshop production of The Humans
Don’t miss our spring workshop production of The Humans. This Stephen Karam play explores the themes of connection and disappointment as the Blake family meet in Brigid and Richard’s new Manhattan apartment to celebrate Thanksgiving. This 2015 play won numerous awards including the Tony for Best Play. YATS Director, Victor Benedetti, has announced 3 performances on June 16 (20h), 17 (20h), and 18 (17h) at Gymnase Jean Sturm, 18 Place du Temple Neuf, Strasbourg (note: recommended for ages 15+ due to adult content). Get your tickets from May 1st. We hope to see you there!
October 2023: fall musical, Fiddler on the Roof
Mark your calendar! The YATS fall musical, Fiddler on the Roof, will run for 5 performances on October 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at Point d’Eau, Ostwald. It has long been considered one of the greatest pieces of musical theater, with a score that is instantly recognized and the story of family that is both funny and touching. Audiences around the world connect with Fiddler because it seems to tell their story. Here are the key dates for your calendar:
| May 6, May 7 | Pre-audition workshops | 14h-17h | Gymnase Jean Sturm |
| May 13, May 14 | Auditions | 12h-18h | Gymnase Jean Sturm |
| May 24 | Callbacks (if needed) | 18h30-21h | Gymnase Jean Sturm |
| June 3, June 4 | Pre-summer rehearsals | 14h-18h | Gymnase Jean Sturm |
| August 30-September 3 | Summer rehearsals | 12h-18h | Le Point d’Eau |
A word from Alessandra B. Aury, YATS Secretary and Stage Manager
Once upon a time, our daughter, Francesca, decided to audition for the YATS production of Beauty and the Beast. After dedicating time and effort to prepare for her audition (while I had fun helping her through it), she was offered a role. That was back in 2015 and from then on, the YATS fairytale began! Being involved in that production, I was able to share an incredible experience with my daughter and the young cast, but just as importantly, I entered a world where I found a group of talented, committed, and generous people. Helping out backstage, I dealt with painting backdrops, fixing costumes, styling hair, doing make-up, problem solving, and, most important of all, meeting some wonderful, hard-working people.
As Francesca continued performing in quite a few productions, my involvement developed in a new way! During our 2018 production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, I took on the role of stage manager and, together with a fabulous team, we worked “magic” behind the scenes and also had a great time!
Since then, I have dedicated myself to stage management as I continue to enjoy being part of the team and I also serve as Secretary on the YATS Executive Board. It’s been a few years now and I can truly say that YATS has had a huge, positive impact on our daughter and our family. And every year I am amazed to see how our young actors progress both on an artistic and personal level. The self-confidence, maturity, and happiness that they gain will be so valuable to them in the future, regardless of which career path they choose.
YATS alumni in the Spotlight: Alexandra Bikard! Where are they now?
Past productions: Beauty & the Beast Jr., Fame Jr., Anything Goes, How to Succeed
Alexandra shared, “I finished my undergraduate degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester last June and since then, I have been working as a Digital PR Executive in London. I’m hoping to start a masters in Media and Communications this September.”She added, “while in Manchester, I continued some artistic activities writing and editing our university’s newspaper and I did some freelance writing for a few different publications. Notably, I wrote a few theater reviews, so I didn’t leave everything theater-related behind!”
“I have a library’s worth of memories from my time at YATS and, although I had the opportunity to take on bigger roles towards the end of my time there, nothing will ever top being part of the cast of Beauty and the Beast, which was my first-ever show. I was a part of the ensemble — I was one hell of a plate/villager and I loved every second of it! The feeling of community that I discovered back then has stayed with me for all these years and I’m forever grateful for my experience at YATS and everything it has taught me.”
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Our friends at Broadway Theater International have opened registration for their week-long, intensive musical theater camps. This summer they are offering two camps: one week in the Vosges (July 8-14) and one week in Perpignan (July 16-22). Programs are for kids from ages 8 to 18. Discount for registrations before April 15. Find more information here.
Our friends at Tagora are holding auditions on April 18 at the Council of Europe for their upcoming season. You can find more detailed information here.
Thanks for reading the Spotlight and I hope to see you soon! Alessandra Aury, YATS Executive Board Secretary and Stage Manager.