AATE Networks

Youth Theatre Network

Network Chair:
David Markey, Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD

The Youth Theatre Network (YTN) provides a forum for theatre and education artists to share their successes, challenges and questions in the field of Youth Theatre. Youth Theatre is defined as quality theatrical experiences and/or performances by students (typically ages 8-18) for an audience. Youth Theatres strive to offer safe, supportive environments that encourage students to take artistic risks while learning about themselves, theatre, and the world around them. Youth Theatre Companies typically provide students with opportunities to:

• Contribute as creative artists
• Learn theatre skills such as acting, singing, dancing, design, directing, etc.
• Engage in age-appropriate material (neither pedantic nor precious) that students can relate to, understand and communicate
• Receive developmentally-appropriate instruction and direction from trained theatre teaching artists
• Perform in age-appropriate productions (existing, original or devised)
• Develop life-long skills such as commuication, focus, discipline, commitment and collaboration, etc.

The YTN is comprised of artistic, management, and educational staff members from a diverse array of youth theatres and organizations, as well as freelance artists and artist-educators.