Young Performers Theatre was founded in 1982 by Matilda Manning Kunin, in memory of her young son who died in an accident. Since then, YPT's goal has been to make the magic of live theatre more accessible to all children, regardless of social or economic circumstances. In addition to seven mainstage performances each year and an ongoing Theatre Arts Academy, YPT offers a variety of outreach programs for disadvantaged children throughout the Bay Area.
Theatre
in Education
Funded by the Miriam
and Peter Haas Foundation, YPT's Theatre In Education program sends early-education
theatre specialists into schools without budgets for artistic curricula.
Our TIE program enriches children's development by encouraging creative
problem-solving, teamwork, focus and respect for classmates. Storytelling
games stimulate verbal development by encouraging children to create structured
narratives with a clear beginning, middle and end. Pantomime and improvisation
help children to better understand spatial orientation and empathy for
other points of view. Because so many San Francisco schools are currently
without arts programs of any kind, YPT's Theatre In Education program
provides crucial enrichment that will give children a leg up in school
for years to come.
Children
In Need
Through grants, donations and corporate funding, our active Children In
Need Program has presented scholarships and free performances to underprivileged
children and their families, including those living in homeless shelters,
coping with HIV and AIDS, and those recovering from abuse. Countless children
and their families have experienced their first live theatrical production
at YPT.
Young
Performers Theatre is always looking for
ways to expand our outreach programs for needy
children throughout the Bay Area.
To make a tax-deductible donation to YPT, please call
(415) 346-5550.
