Workshops
This workshop introduces children to performing arts – letting children explore through music, movement and theater. Ends with simple performance. To qualify for course registration your child MUST be able to speak, read, and understand ENGLISH. The workshop is taught in ENGLISH but the workshop instructor does not teach English. Maximum of 16 students in the workshop.
Instructor: Sean McGinley
If you are interested in having your child participate in this workshop, you must fill out the Pre-Registration form and send it in for approval before you can register.
Wednesdays 17h00 – 18h30
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from September to June
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
This workshop provides young actors with the basics of theater and acting. It helps children discover their own creativity, build self-confidence and reinforce the importance of working with others. Work begins on scripts and character development as well as vocal training. This workshop will end the year with a short play for parents and friends. Maximum of 16 students in this workshop.
To qualify for course registration your child MUST be able to speak, read, and understand ENGLISH. The workshop is taught in ENGLISH but the workshop instructor does not teach English.
Instructors: Véronique Zentz and Annalisa Poirel
If you are interested in having your child participate in this workshop, you must fill out the Pre-Registration form and send it in for approval before you can register.
Mondays 18h30 – 20h00
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from September to June
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
This workshop builds on the basics through improvisation and physical work. Useful stage tools are developed by encouraging creativity and group interaction. Scene work will include selections from contemporary American plays.
Instructor: Sebastian Yobe-Bowen
Tuesdays 18h30 – 20h00
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from September to June
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
Registration opens on May 15 at 18h
Technique-building is emphasized with the introduction of Viewpoints physical work and character analysis. Collaborative playwriting is introduced. The workshop ends with a performance of extended scenes. Instruction is in English.
Instructor: Victor Benedetti
Thursdays 18h30 – 20h00
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from September to June
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
Registration opens on May 15 at 18h
This performance based workshop is only open to Lycée-aged students who are interested in acting technique and working together to put on a full-length play. Ends in a fully staged production. Instruction is in English.
Instructor: Victor Benedetti
Tuesdays 18h30 – 20h00
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from November to June
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
Registration opens on May 15 at 18h
This workshop focuses on building the classic “triple threat” of singing, dancing, and acting, helping students develop the skills used in musical theater. Open to previous cast members and newcomers. Ends in a performance of scenes and songs. Instruction is in English.
Teachers: Victor Benedetti, Juliana Rambaldi and Alicia O’Callahan
Wednesdays 18h30 – 21h30
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from November to May
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
Registration opens on May 15 at 18h
The Spring Show Workshop is only open to those who have had a principal role in a previous YATS show (or through audition). Ends with a fully staged production. Instruction is in English.For questions about eligibility, please reach out to Victor or info@YATStrasbourg.com Instruction is in English.
Teachers: Victor Benedetti, Juliana Rambaldi and Alicia O’Callahan
Fridays 18h30 – 21h30
Location: European School, 2 rue Peter Schwarber, Strasbourg
Classes from November to May
Fee: 400€ for non-members / 325€ for YATS members
Registration opens on May 15 at 18h
Our Workshop Instructors
Victor Benedetti
Actor/Director Victor Benedetti studied music and theater at Northwestern University in Chicago. He has performed in plays, musicals, opera and cabaret at theaters across the United States and Europe. He is known for immersing himself in the characters he plays and enjoys the collaborative process of live theater.
His teaching focuses on physicality and using the body to help actors discover and mold the characters they create. Through improvisation and games, students build skills and tools that allow them to feel comfortable in front of an audience and to trust their fellow actors.
Along with leading various theater workshops, Victor teaches private voice lessons, and has directed more than twenty plays and musicals.
Victor is proud to have started the Young Actors’ Theater workshops here in Strasbourg, and is happy to share his love of theater with a new generation of young people.
Sean McGinley
American Saxophonist and educator Sean McGinley has created an international reputation as a talented performer, interpreter, and educator. He began studying the saxophone at age 11 and was a member of many honor ensembles in his home state of Virginia. He continued his studies at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA and obtained a degree in Music Education and a certificate in saxophone performance. During his time at Shenandoah, Sean participated in numerous performing ensembles including the pit band for several musicals such as Urinetown, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Annie and Grease under the direction of legendary Broadway conductor Patrick Brady.
Sean arrived in France in 2022 and completed a Master’s degree in saxophone performance and a second in saxophone pedagogy at the Haute École des Arts du Rhin in Strasbourg. He has held teaching positions in musical schools in Wasselonne, Eckbolsheim, and the centre-ville of Strasbourg as well as at the Conservatory of Strasbourg. Sean has a rich performing career as well, having performed in Germany, Latvia, The Czech Republic and most recently Istanbul Türkiye. Sean distinguishes himself as a passionate and energetic educator that encourages open mindedness, curiosity and discovery in his all his classes.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
Alicia O’Callahan
Born in New York, Alicia O’Callahan studied dance at SUNY (State University of New York) in Purchase. She studied theatre, dance and singing at several renowned schools in Manhattan. After several summers of “Summer Stock” (musicals) in different places, she toured the United States with Ringling Brothers Barnum Bailey Circus as a dancer. Arriving in France to live in Paris, she pursued her passion and became a dance teacher in several regions with a teaching season in Florence. Based in Strasbourg for more than twenty years, she continues to teach and choreograph and co-founded the Young Actors Theatre Strasbourg, where she is the resident choreographer.
Annalisa Poirel
Annalisa Poirel has over 30 years experience directing vocal ensembles and loves a cappella singing of all kinds. She currently directs four choirs including YATS Chorus and teaches music in the French public schools. She has a PhD in Musicology from Columbia University.
Juliana Rambaldi
Juliana Rambaldi is a founding board member and Music Director for YATS. She conducts the musical theater productions, leads vocal workshops and the Sunday Afternoons a cappella group, and she gives private voice lessons. She specializes in teaching safe and effective vocal technique that produces beautiful sound in a healthy way. She also trains her students on singing in parts, audition skills, and performance techniques.
Hailed as “A Major Talent” in Opera Now’s listing of the best operatic singers, Juliana won international critical acclaim for her many roles with major opera companies throughout the United States and Europe. She has sung leading roles with such companies as Lyric Opera Chicago, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Theater of St. Louis, Seattle Opera, Washington National Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Hawaii Opera Theater, Michigan Opera Theater, and many more. She created roles in many new works, including Catherine in the world premiere of William Bolcom’s A View From the Bridge, which was released on CD. She also performs in a cirque-cabaret show, which involves singing, improvisation, and dance.
Juliana began her operatic career as a member of the Lyric Opera Center for American Artists’ apprenticeship program. She was a National Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and won the prestigious George London Award and the ARIA Award.
Sebastian Yobé-Bowen
Sebastian grew up and went to school in Strasbourg. He started playing music very early and this has been a constant in his life. He studied jazz piano and music theory at the Conservatoire de Strasbourg. While still in Strasbourg he discovered his love of theater and improvisation. He has had roles in YATS productions including Schlomo in Fame, Moonface in Anything Goes, Hucklebee in The Fantasticks, and John Wilkes Booth in Assassins.
Sebastian has fused his theater and music skills into becoming a wonderful music director, assisting and leading many productions including How To Succeed and Cabaret. He is currently studying theater at Ohio University and is happy to be back with the YATS team.
Véronique Zentz
Véronique Zentz has directed and taught theater for many years having begun her theater studies at Purdue University in the United States and continuing her training in Luxembourg and with LAMDA in London. Along with acting, she has training in puppetry, fencing, singing and mime.
After settling in Strasbourg, Véronique began working as an English teacher at Gymnase Jean Sturm where she uses her dramatic training to teach English to non-native speakers in a variety of workshops and classes.
Véronique created an English Theatre Company for the Université de Strasbourg where she has directed and acted in several productions. She recently joined Tagora where she directed a Terence Rattigan double bill of All On Her Own and Harlequinade to great success.
Summer Camps
Parents have asked about Summer Theater Camps and here are a few suggestions.
- Broadway Theater International – BTI Website This one-week theater camp was created last year by members of the YATS artistic team. The camp is located in Les Genévriers in the Vallée de la Bruche – a 50 minute drive from Strasbourg. Visit the BTI Website for details.
- West End Stage – WES Website A number of former YATS actors have attended this theater summer school, which is in the heart of London and is led by West End stars. You can make your West End debut at a world famous West End theatre. WES offers three week-long sessions in August.
- Stagedoor Manor – SDM Website Located north of New York City, Stagedoor offers three Summer sessions and each session is three weeks long. Stagedoor offers a total theater immersion plus all the fun of a great summer camp. Students come from all over the United States as well as Europe, South America and Asia. Details on the SDM Website.