Bellevue Youth Theatre4516

i have only been the bellevue youth theatre for about a year now, and frankly comments saying that you have to donate money etc. is a load of bologna. I am currently a teen coming from a very difficult background resulting in my being on my own, being at the bellevue youth theatre has given me a positive community to participate in and has definitely helped me through it all. Not only making me feel like people do care, and i am accepted somewhere, but also gaining my self confidence that i am not a waste of time. My very first show i received a lead, not because of talent or pity or anything, but because i demonstrated leadership. This community is not only great for acting in shows, but also is an outlit for further experiences such as directing, stage managing, learning how to costume, make up etc. from professionals. Not just volunteers in which to even get a taste of this else where, you would have to pay hundreds of dollars. BYT is a free theatre, and my parents don't donate any money, let alone time, or even come to see my plays. And yet, i am still accepted, loved, and cared for. Not because of my situation, but because they care for everyone and help everyone. You do not have to waste years and years to get a lead, or waste many dollars, you just have to prove that you also care about their mission and want to help LEAD the community to a brighter future.

There are some very good points to BYT and some very severe drawbacks. I would recommend participating with your child if your child is young in thr program, as one of the drawbacks is a lack of supervision that can cause the very problems it seeks to overcome. It is, however, a great program to increase socialization, confidence, and teamwork. If your child easily succumbs to peer pressure and does not have a solid moral base, do not expect them to gain stronger 'character' at BYT. BYT can be exceptionally rewarding to see one's hard work pay off and is also nice for experiencing various aspects of the theater.
The Daycamps are especially fun for young children.
There are quite a few flaws in the program, and it is very hard to get issues resolved satisfactorily when they arise - often the resolution is merely to 'avoid' the person one does not get along with, which causes many problems in the program rather than true peacemaking.
Everyone does get a part, and I would not be terribly worried about casting - unless one wants to become a professional actor in which case the casting may disappoint (it is based on a mix of talent, participation in past shows, parent's participation and donation to the foundation, and age) There are minimum guidelines for casting that ensure you are not wasting your time with your part, but you may not get the part you want or feel you 'deserve' based on your audition. Keep trying and chances are if you are a teen you will likely land a large part after a few plays if you don't miss rehearsals.

I'm really surprised by the negative comments. No one ever has to have their parents donate to get a good part. No way. As for the newsletter, the only newsletters BYT has are the ones the Foundation (a 501(c)3 organization which raises money for the theatre) writes. The last one was Spring of '07, and there certainly was nothing negative on it. BYT gives EVERYONE an opportunity to perform on a stage. EVERYONE. The focus is on kids, but I've seen all age ranges and abilities at the theatre. Truly this is a great community asset. Your kids will shine at BYT!

I have been personally involved at BYT since moving to Bellevue as a volunteer and participant. It's a great place to be. The shows are a lot of fun to be a part of, and the staff is constantly working to produce a friendly and positive experience for each child. Children and teens in this program grow their self esteem and get to be creative all while having a great time. I have enjoyed all my time at BYT and my son will be a participant when he is old enough too. I guess I might be biased from working so closely with the directors and stage managers and tech people and recreation coordinators, but their hearts really are in this program and I think that everyone involved benefits from BYT. The children who come here are coming into a safe & fun community -- and we know how hard it is to find community in our modern-day-lives. And on top of that you get to put on a play! What more could you want? Bottom line: this is a positive and enjoyable program. Don't pay any attention to people who are trying to undermine BYT with lies.

I have had my children in many of the Seattle Areas Youth Theatres. While they are all good, Bellevue Youth Theatre stands out as the best one hands down! The facts! Everyone who participates gets a suitable role. No one is ever turned away. There is absolutely no favoritism. The good roles go to many people. The only way you might not get a really good part is if you do not show up to rehearsals or quit the shows you are cast in multiple times. The Theatre does not give good roles to people who are proven to be unreliable. And yet, even with those kids, they keep trying and never give up on a child!! I have seen many kids quit for the wrong reasons, not learn their lines on time, skip rehearsals for no reason, and yet even those kids are given the opportunity to regain the trust of the staff and get another chance. I know how this place works!! This program is not about theatre (Although the shows are great), it is about kids!! This is by far the most fun place for a child or teen of any age to be. Anyone who thinks otherwise may have lots of misplaced anger. The rumblings I hear are all great!! Keep up the great work BYT!!

I have been involved in this theatre for a long time. I grew up looking at the amazing role models in the teenagers. I am a teenager now and I believe that I need to be the same positive influence on the young girls that the older girls were for me. I do get some leads but it's because I work for them by being a positive role model for kids, not because my parents give large amounts of money (which they don't). The directors give leads based on how well you can LEAD a show. If you are constantly dropping out of shows, swearing in front of little kids, disrupting rehearsal you WILL NOT get a lead because they want the kids to grow up to be well rounded, not rude and unreliable. I resent the statements that people like me only get leads because of the amount of money we pay. I get the lead because I monitor my language, make every child feel as amazing as they are and treat my directors with respect. I have NEVER dropped out of a show no matter the size of my role and I have had many small roles in my time because I wasn't ready for a lead.I donate my time because I believe that I am making a difference in these children's lives, because I want to show them that being cool is being helpful and kind not rude and disrespectful. I am not here because I want to be a star and if thats why ANY teen is there then you're in the wrong place.

I have been a kid in this theater for 7 years and have LOVED it. I came into this theater a troubled kid and through friendship and caring adults I have grown into a better person and Everyone seems to notice. I love this theater.

I have been participating in the theater just a few years and have found the program great. These folks have helped me survive high school, and even get into college. Far above what they teach about theater, they teach invaluable life skills and lessons. I can't think of a place I'd rather be. Volunteers and actors alike have a great experience building teamwork to produce a show. When I have presented issues with my role or asked questions about the system they have been responded to in a professional, open manner.

This is an amazing place for kids! Every child gets a part and as they grow older, the parts get better and better. The reward for the kids is when they work hard and become a teen and are given the leads in the shows. This theatre is about raising better kids not about who gets what part. Every child that is deserving in this theatre will eventually receive a lead role. The theatre is run by a caring group of adults, most of whom are educated in theatre and recreation. Some of the staff and volunteers are young adults who grew up in the program and believed in it so much that they have continued to be involved and to pass on to other kids what they themselves have received. The theatre is 18 years old and in that time, no one has been turned away as it states in the BYT Mission statement, "Imagine a place where every young person, regardless of race, age, disability or income" is made to feel important, welcomed and cherished.

I have been involved with the BYT for years. I find the comments left by an anonymous user disturbing. I know it is easy to hide behind the anonymity of the internet and post negative comments but what does this accomplish? It doesn't solve your problems with BYT or fix the problem for others. Have you expressed your opinions to a staff member? I believe if you had then your concerns would have been addressed. This is how problems get solved. By choosing to be unamed you're just another voice in the wind. I believe in my heart that BYT does what is right for kids. They may not make every child a lead but they teach invaluable life lessons to the kids. That more than outweighs a negative comment left by an unnamed source. I would recommend this program to any parent or child wanting to get involved with theatre.

I don't know of any newsletter and I have been involved in this program for 10 years. It is a great place for ALL kids, not just stars. Everyone gets a part. This is a city ran program and it is great. People who complain think their little stars should get all the leads. This place is not about the "stars". It is about the community. It is not about money or fame, it is about kids feeling a part of that. Of course, any theatre that is not about stars is going to leave the stage moms unhappy. This is a great theatre and it is great to have my child participate in it.

If you read the newsletter you can hear the rumblings. This is not a great place for kids.

Our experience at BYT has been so positive. Our family has been involved in various aspects of the theater for 9 years while supporting one of our children's theater aspirations, and we have gained great satisfaction from seeing all the kids grow in self-esteem, empathy and ability. It is amazing to me that a Parks Dept. program is providing such talented adults to teach, guide and lead our children. Theater isn't easy, and you don't always get a great part, but it is the process of being involved, of supporting those that need support, and of developing your part's character that provides the benefits of this program. I highly recommend this, particularly for families who want to be involved in their teen's activities without cramping their teen's style.

BYT welcomes all. From our experience the longer you are involved the larger part you receive. It is truly not based on money. Quite the contrary. However, keep in mind one reason for its success is because of all the wonderful volunteers that help keep it going! It is one of the most inclusive, fair groups we have ever dealt with.

My daughter has been in two of the after school programs and in the camps during school breaks and absolutely loves them. It has helped her to take direction, feel confident, and make friends with others while gaining a sense of contribution. We love BYT are so grateful to have it in our area. If the only reason you are going is to have your child get a main part, then you are taking them for the wrong reasons. But if you want your child to be part of a team and learn to applaude others while being able to have your voice heard, this is a great place!

Any child who tries out gets a part. All get to participate. The theatre gives children the opportunity to experience a production. It teaches them responsibility, how to work with a group, and how to take direction. Only a few children can have major roles, and even fewer can be leads. It is simply a matter of numbers.