Auditions for Shrek the Musical!

YATS will be holding auditions for its fall show, Shrek the Musical!

There will be five performances, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 October 2024, at Le Point d’Eau in Ostwald. Shrek the Musical is based on the DreamWorks film and uses heart and irreverent humor to show the importance of looking past outward appearances to find what truly matters. Filled with great songs and a genuinely funny script, this show is a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages!

YATS also offers two free pre-audition workshops that are open to all. Although not required for the auditions, these workshops are designed to give people interested in auditioning the opportunity to feel more comfortable with the process.

Why not join the YATS Family? Sign-ups for the Shrek the Musical auditions and pre-audition workshops are now open. We hope to see you there! The key dates are as follows:

Pre-audition workshop: 18 and 19 May at Lycée Jean Rostand (14h-17h)
Please note: the same program will be offered on both days, so please only sign up for one of the workshops.

Auditions: 25 and 26 May at Lycée Jean Rostand – 5 rue Edmond Labbé, Strasbourg; please enter through the main gate.
Callbacks: 27 May, location to be confirmed

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Workshop performances

Come and join us for the workshop performances of Godspell, athree-time Grammy and Academy Award-winning show, in which messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life with an eclectic blend of musical styles and beloved songs. Performances will be held on 1 June (15h and 20h) and 2 June (17h) at Gymnase Jean Sturm. Tickets are selling fast.

A special note of appreciation to young actor Emily Offord for the fantastic Godspell poster design!

Other YATS workshop showcase performances will take place on the following dates. Please join us!

Advanced Level 4 Workshop: 8 and 9 June at Gymnase Jean Sturm (20h)
Sunday Afternoons: 12 June at Gymnase Jean Sturm (20h)
Intermediate Level 3 Workshop: 13 June at Lycée Jean Rostand (19h30)
Intro to Theater Workshop: 15 June at Lycée Jean Rostand (14h)
Entry Level 1 Workshop: 15 June at Lycée Jean Rostand (16h)
Intermediate Level 2 Workshop: 19 June at Lycée Jean Rostand (19h30)

Gymnase Jean Sturm: 18 place du Temple Neuf, Strasbourg
Lycée Jean Rostand: 5 rue Edmond Labbé, Strasbourg; please enter through the main gate.

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A word from YATS Director, Victor Benedetti

“Spring in Strasbourg is always a busy time at YATS and this year is no exception! The workshops which took place this year are culminating in presentations for the public where our actors will be able to share their work with audiences. At the same time, we’re holding auditions for our fall production. This is particularly exciting for those of us on the YATS artistic team and administration, as we get to see the progress that our performers have made and to meet the new young actors who are discovering YATS for the first time!

We encourage you to come and see the young actors’ amazing work in all the workshop presentations and to sign up soon for the workshops which will begin in September.”

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YATS alumni in the Spotlight: Zina Win-Lemmers 

Past productions: Annie Jr, Seussical Jr, Beauty & the Beast, Fame, How to Succeed…

Where are they now?

“I am currently pursuing film/music/theater in London. After studying at Lycée International des Pontonniers, I pursued foundation studies in European Law in Maastricht and just graduated from King’s College London last year with a BA in International Development. During my studies, I published a poetry collection, Answer B a nd then produced/directed a number of award-winning films including I Close My Eyes to See, 43 York Road and, more recently, I Am A Good Girl, bringing mother/daughter and LGBTQ + stories to the forefront. I have also worked as a production assistant on a number of films and TV shows for Netflix, BBC, Apple TV and Paramount and just wrapped on an Amazon feature this past March. I am currently on a school tour of the UK performing my songs and giving talks to students on careers, aspirations and mental health. Next stop: Liverpool!
She added, “I am following my dreams as a film-maker and singer-songwriter J! I have always wanted to be an activist through art and therefore incorporate my degree into what I create! Along with working in film/TX, I have released a number of political pop songs, including my letter to the patriarchy, Her Colour is Blue, an LGBTQ ballad, Clay, more recently, Send Me to Sleep, which is based on seeing the homeless situation in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, and What did you Expect?, about the film industry. I may also be releasing an album later this year … “

How do you remember YATS?, “This question should be illegal because YATS means so many things to me – especially since I was here before YATS was even called ‘YATS’ J. It meant me breaking out of my shell and finding the friends that I have made and will have for life. And more simply and deeply, doing what I love with the people that I love! My favorite thing about theater is that it has taught me to be in the moment and that’s the most important thing in life! I honestly don’t know where I would be if not for YATS giving me the chance to explore myself beyond being a student – an academic box. More importantly, from participating in YATS’ productions of Beauty and the Beast and How to Succeed…, I learned how art relates to reality and how we are all actors in our own way. YATS has allowed me to overcome my shyness and I wouldn’t be dedicating my life to being an artist if it weren’t for everyone who helped me grow through their kindness, passion, incredible knowledge and generosity!”

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Find your role in YATS

YATS is excited to announce the creation of the following volunteer roles: Logistics Manager, Sound Manager and Lighting Manager.

Job descriptions can be found 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.

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YATS likes …  

Just a few spots left!

Our friends at Broadway Theater International have announced that they are almost completely booked for their 2024 week-long summer camp, which will take place 7-13 July 2024, in the Vosges mountains. Spend a fun week singing, dancing and acting in beautiful, natural surroundings. The week culminates in a performance in a real theater! BTI offers discounts for siblings. Find more information at the BTI website .